Please, tell us which countries you might believe this to be the case. People always have the option of snow chains, althougb i wouldnt recommend those sock things.
It was not intended to be taken absolutely literally, but every country or perhaps state seems to have its own rules regarding the use of winter studded tyres that regulate the period, number,size, and material composition of the studs used.
http://www.milexautocare.com/steering/steer6.htm and
Canadian Laws for Studded Tires | eHow.com and
http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/uk/en/continental/transport/general/hidden/winter_tyre_guide/guide_en.pdf
Many countries ban studded tyres from vehicles that are more than 7.5T.
Where studded tyres are used, the period that they are legal ( if there is one)coincides with the coldest weather months. This is because as road temperature rises asphalt becomes softer and is more easily damaged than when the road is frozen.
Where there is a requirement, it is often equally satisfied by the use of an approved winter tyre or the temporary use of snow chains. In contrast studded tyres use is never compulsory and their useage often restricted.
Of course in the UK you can only use them where the road will not be damaged, and that is rarely possible in most parts of the UK for most of the time. But in extreme weather I did once see them fitted to a Mini in Aberdeen some years ago.
The other problem is that your average UK tyre fitting stations do not have studs nor the equipment to fit studs in the first place.
I use snow chains sometimes. I hate the things. But when you are stuck with your car jammed with snow underneath, a bit of digging and a set of snow chains will nearly always free you.. My tip is to make sure you have a warm pair of gloves before you even think of putting the chains on, unless frostbite floats your boat!
