When are winter tyres obligatory in Germany? What type of tyres should you get and what about snow chains or other obligatory equipment? In this article you find all the necessary answers to drive to your winter destination well-prepared.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Winter tyres in Germany: are they obligatory?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Since January 1st, 2018, all vehicles driving through Germany are legally required to be equipped with winter tyres during wintry conditions. In practice, drivers of cars and motorbikes should have their vehicles fitted with winter tyres when driving through:
Freezing rain
Snow
Hail
Slush
Ice or frost formation
In other words, Germany does not define a fixed winter period and winter tyres might even become obligatory outside the usual winter months when these conditions occur.
A trailer or caravan, however, does not need to be fitted with winter tyres, although they’re obviously still highly recommended for these types of vehicles as well for extra grip.
If you fail to meet these requirements, you risk a fine of 60 euros and 1 penalty point which is registered in the driving licence register. If you also obstruct traffic because of your negligence of the winter tyres law, the fine is increased to 80 euros. Drivers with 18 penalty points can be disqualified from driving in Germany. Moreover, when you get involved in an accident while driving without winter tyres, the German insurance company of the other party may still hold your partially liable for the damage caused, even if you’re not at fault for the accident.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What type of winter tyres should I use?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Whereas until 2017, regular all-season tyres still sufficed in Germany, only all-season and winter tyres marked with both the “M+S” (mud and snow) and the Alpine symbol (3PMSF or 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) are allowed nowadays. These symbols can be found on the side of each tyre. One of the main characteristics of these tyres is their tread depth or profile depth. Winter tyres in Germany must have a depth of at least 1,6 mm, although a profile depth of 4 to 5 mm is recommended to ensure safe driving in winter.
However, a transition period is currently still in place: tyres manufactured before 1 January 2018 that are only marked with the “M+S” symbol are still accepted until 30 September 2024. The production date of a tyre can be found in the DOT code, also on the side of the tyre. The last four digits of this code indicate the week and year of production. For example, if the last four digits are 1417, then the tyre was manufactured in the 17th week of 2017.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What about snow chains?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In addition to winter tyres, snow chains are also compulsory in some places in Germany. If so, this obligation is always indicated by a round and blue road sign which has a white tyre whit a snow chain on it. If there is no such sign, then the use of snow chains is only allowed when the road itself is covered with ice or snow. Otherwise, the use of snow chains is prohibited as this will damage the road surface.
Please note that when using snow chains, it is compulsory to fit the chains on at least two powered wheels and that you may not exceed the speed limit of 50 km/h.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Other obligatory equipment"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Apart from winter tyres and snow chains, you also need to bring the following obligatory items in your car for driving in wintry conditions in Germany:
Windscreen washer fluid
Windscreen washer antifreeze
coolant
Windscreen wipers
And even outside the winter season, other obligations apply for driving in Germany as well, such as a warning triangle, a reflective vest and a first aid kit. Studded tyres, on the other hand, are strictly forbidden.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Are winter tyres also mandatory in the rest of Europe?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Other European countries on the way to winter sport destinations can have different regulations regarding winter tyres. Here’s an overview of the most important ones:
France: winter tyres obligatory from November 1st until March 31st in the French mountain regions of the Alps, Massif Central, Jura, Pyrenees, Vosges and in Corsica.
Italy: no general obligation to use winter tyres, except in the Aosta Valley from November 15th until April 15th. On certain roads, winter equipment may be compulsory, but this will be indicated by a road sign. If you have snow chains available, winter tyres are never compulsory in Italy.
Switzerland: winter tyres recommended in wintry conditions but not compulsory. However, they are strongly recommended as you can be fined if you drive a car without winter tyres in winter conditions and obstruct other traffic or endanger yourself and any passengers because your tyres do not have enough grip on the road surface.
Austria: winter tyres mandatory from November 1st until April 15th in wintry circumstances similar to those of Germany. Please note: the minimum tread depth for winter tyres in Austria is 4 mm instead of 1,6.