by Stefan Dorner, maut1.de - 23 January 2024
Different countries, different obligations: When it comes to winter tyres, there are different regulations in other European countries. maut1.de summarises what you need to bear in mind when driving across borders and on the way to a skiing holiday. We also explain what the rules are here in Germany and what "situational winter tyre obligation" means exactly.
Austria
Let's start with the country where most of us are travelling in winter for fun on the slopes in the mountains - Austria! The situation here is similar to that in Germany: there is no general obligation for winter tyres. They only have to be on the rims when there is snow (slush) or ice on the roads - from 1 November to 15 April. In addition, snow chains are compulsory wherever this is indicated by signs. Anyone who fails to comply with this requirement will have to dig deep into their pockets - with fines of up to 5000 euros.
Switzerland
There is no general winter tyre requirement in Switzerland either. However, the law stipulates that a "safe vehicle" must have winter tyres in appropriate weather conditions. This means that anyone caught with summer tyres will be fined at least 110 euros. And: Anyone involved in an accident through no fault of their own can be held jointly liable for "unsuitable tyres". In addition, snow chains should be in the boot every time you drive into the Swiss mountains.
Italy
Nowhere is the situation as complicated as in Italy. This is because each province is allowed to make its own decisions and set its own rules. These range from situational to a general winter tyre requirement. This usually applies between 15 November and 15 April - regardless of whether there is snow or not - for example on the A22 Brenner motorway and in South Tyrol. The range of fines is between 87 and 345 euros.
France
The French have a general winter tyre requirement for all mountain regions from 1 November to 31 March. Those who do not comply with this rule pay a whopping 135 euros. In the worst case, you may even be banned from continuing your journey. As with Italy, it is essential to find out in advance which regulations apply in the destination regions!
Croatia
In Croatia, winter tyres or winter equipment are mandatory from 15 November to 15 April. This means that either the car has four winter tyres on it or the summer tyres have a minimum tread depth of 4 millimetres and there are snow chains in the boot. The latter must be fitted in ice and snow. Those who do not comply will be fined 130 euros.
Slovenia
The Slovenians are similar to their Croatian neighbours: cars must be equipped with the following winter equipment between 15 November and 15 March: Winter tyres or summer tyres and snow chains in the boot in case winter sets in. The minimum tread depth must be 3 millimetres in both cases. Anyone who fails to comply with this requirement will be fined 40 euros. If you obstruct other road users or cause an accident, you will be fined 500 euros.
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, winter tyres are mandatory from 1 November to 31 March. This applies in snow, ice and slush - or generally at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius. The fine is up to 92 euros.
The situational winter tyre requirement applies in Germany
And what are the rules here? This Winter's capricious weather shows that even if there is no general winter tyre obligation in Germany, but only a situational one, suitable tyres should be fitted from October to Easter according to the O to O rule.
The "situational winter tyre requirement" is regulated in §2 (3a) of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO): This states that in winter road conditions (black ice, slippery snow, slush, icy or frosty conditions), only winter tyres may be used. These can be recognised by the Alpine symbol, a mountain pictogram with a snowflake, on the side of the tyre. In addition, tyres with an M+S marking are considered suitable for winter use until 30 September 2024.
Offences are punishable by a fine of 60 euros. If other road users are obstructed, this costs as much as 80 euros and there is a point in Flensburg.
The legal minimum tread depth for winter tyres is 1.6 millimetres. However, 4 millimetres is recommended for optimum grip on ice, slush and snow. In addition, the tyres should not be older than six years, as the rubber then becomes very hard and loses grip.
What to look out for with all-season tyres
All-season tyres are legally considered winter tyres if they bear the Alpine or M+S symbol (valid until 30 September 2024). Nevertheless, they naturally have poorer properties in winter road conditions than winter-only models.
So here's the maut1.de tip: If you rely on your car every day, regardless of the weather, or if you live in the mountains or at higher altitudes, you should definitely change your tyres in order to get through the cold season safely and well.
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