I can still remember studded tires, but they were banned in Germany in 1975, with a few exceptions in Bavaria (the small German corner from Lofer to Bad Reichenhall) / on the Austrian border, because they damage the road surface [1]. Since 2010, however, snow tires have been compulsory in Germany. Studded tires have protruding studs to increase traction on hard-packed snow or ice [2].
In Norway, the situation is very different, especially within the Arctic Circle. In the northern districts where I was traveling, they are allowed from October 16th to May 1st, and even outside of these times if road conditions make it necessary. The road conditions made it necessary, but the time frame was met anyway. I was glad that the bus had spiked tires.
As the trip continued, the snow melted, but there was still snow and ice in the Polar Park area, so I almost put on the shoe spikes, but that wasn't necessary with the good hiking boots I had been wearing. Before entering restaurants or shops, you have to take off the shoe spikes.
Links / Annotations:
[1] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spikes_(Reifen)
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_tire#Studs
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