Winter tires are essential for safe driving in winter weather conditions. Here you can find out what the winter tire requirement is, when it applies and what the consequences are if you fail to comply with the winter tire requirement.
Are winter tires compulsory in Germany?
In Germany, according to §2 (3a) StVO, there is a situational winter tire obligation. This means that vehicles must be fitted with winter tires under certain weather conditions. These weather conditions include winter road conditions such as snow, slush and ice. Fleet management software can help to ensure that all vehicles in the fleet are fitted with winter tires in good time.
Winter tires have a special rubber compound and a deep tread pattern that ensures better grip and shorter braking distances in winter conditions. The winter tire requirement is considered to be fulfilled if winter tires are fitted on all four wheels.
When are winter tires mandatory?
Due to the situational winter tire obligation, there is no exact period in which winter tires must be fitted. The rule of thumb from October to Easter (O to O) is a rough guide. However, it has no legal relevance. Instead, it is important to drive on winter tires during winter road conditions with black ice, slippery snow, slush, ice or frost to ensure the safety of all road users. Companies can use a fleet management system to ensure that the winter tyre requirement is effectively organized and implemented for all vehicles.
Which vehicles are not subject to the winter tire requirement?
The winter tire requirement does not apply to all vehicles. Some are excluded from the obligation. These include:
- Commercial vehicles for agriculture and forestry
- Single-track motor vehicles (e.g. motorcycles)
- Motorized wheelchairs
These vehicles can also be driven with summer tires in winter weather conditions if certain rules are observed. For example, the driver must check in advance whether the planned journey is necessary or whether he can reach the destination by other means of transportation. In addition, a speed of 50 km/h must not be exceeded.
How can I recognize winter tires?
Winter tires have a legally prescribed minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimetres. However, experts recommend a tread depth of at least four millimetres for the safest possible driving. It is also advisable to replace winter tires after 6 years, as the rubber compound hardens over time and grip is lost.
Tires that meet the winter tire requirement can be recognized by the Alpine symbol. It shows a mountain pictogram with a snowflake in the middle. Tires with an M + S marking are only considered suitable for winter use until September 30, 2024 if they were manufactured by December 31, 2017.
What happens if you drive in Germany without winter tires?
Drivers who drive without winter tires in winter weather conditions risk a fine of 60 euros. If they obstruct other road users, the fine is 80 euros. There is also a point in Flensburg. The owner faces a fine of 75 euros and one point.
Are winter tires mandatory in other European countries?
The regulations on mandatory winter tires vary greatly in Europe. In Austria, similar to Germany, winter tires are mandatory depending on the situation. In Switzerland, there is no general winter tire requirement. However, in the event of an accident, the driver may be partly responsible if winter tires are not fitted to the vehicle. In Italy, winter tires are mandatory in certain regions and on certain roads, usually between November 15 and April 15. In France, winter tires have been mandatory in certain mountain regions since November 2021.
Before traveling abroad, it is therefore essential that you find out about the relevant regulations in the country in question. The official websites of the national transport authorities provide comprehensive information.
