Mandatory winter tyres: The rules in Germany and the rest of Europe
In some European countries winter tyres are mandatory for cars. In others they are not mandatory or only under special conditions. Therefore, it should be helpful, before going on holidays, to have a closer look at the corresponding regulations.
Click on the countries below for more information.
In Austria from 1st November to 15th April, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres if weather conditions so require. These tyres must be fitted on all wheels when roads are covered in snow or ice.
The tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm for radial tyres (most common tyres) and a minimum tread depth of 5 mm for cross-ply tyres.
Winter and all-season tyresmay only be used as winter tyres if they bear a marking (“M+S”, “M.S.” or “M&S”) or if the tyre is additionally marked with a snowflake symbol or exclusively with a snowflake symbol.
Special tyres are only considered to be a winter tyre if it bears the inscription “ET”, “ML” or “MPT”.
Vehicles with summer tyres must have chains, see below.
Good to know: It is the driver’s legal responsibility to carry the required winter equipment; therefore, it is essential to check that it is included in any hire car. This regulation applies to vehicles registered in Austria as well as those registered abroad.
Studded tyres may be used only from 1st October to 31st May, though special local regulations may extend this period. They must be fitted on all wheels, as well as the trailer. Vehicles fitted with studded tyres are subject to special speed limits (80 km/h outside built-up areas, 100 km/h on motorways), and must display at the rear the approved «studded tyres» sign. This sign is available from the automobile clubs, petrol stations, etc.
The use of snow chains instead of winter tyres is permitted if the road is continually or almost always under snow or ice. In extreme conditions the authorities can require cars to be fitted with snow chains on the driving wheels. The maximum speed recommended is 40 km/h.
You can find more information on the austrian government website (in english).
In Belgium, winter tyres are not mandatory. However, under wintry conditions they are recommended.
A minimum profile depth of 1,6 mm is mandatory. But a profile depth of 4 mm is recommended.
Winter tyres with M+S marking having a speed index that is the same or higher than the maximum speed of the vehicle, are allowed to be used for the whole year.
Winter tyres with the marking M+S having a speed index which is lower than the
maximum speed of the car are only permitted from 1st October to 30th April.
A clearly legible sticker stating the maximum speed allowed for these kind of tyres must
be placed on the front screen.
The use of snow chains is only allowed if they do not damage the surface of the road.
Therefore, the road must be covered with snow or ice.
Tyres which are suitable for the winter season are mandatory between 15th November and 1st March. Consumers can alternatively use winter tyres or universal tyres or even summer tyres. According to the law the tread depth should be not less than 4 mm to be considered suitable for winter season.
Studded tyres are not allowed.
The use of snow chains is permitted only if the weather conditions require so.
This regulation applies also to vehicles with foreign registration plates. In the case of non-compliance with the mandatory rules, drivers will be fined to the amount of 50 leva (approx. 25 €)
In Croatia, winter tyres or winter equipment are mandatory between 15th November of the current year and 15th April of the following year for all types of motor vehicles.
Vehicles with a maximum mass up to 3.5 t must contain
- 4 winter or all-season tyres (M+S, M.S., M&S or 3PMSF)
or
- 4 summer tyres with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm and snow chains in car trunk.
Failure to comply may result in a fine of around 130 euros.
No winter tyres mandatory.
In Czech Republic, winter tyres are mandatory with regard to weather conditions.
From 1st November to 31st March, vehicles must be fitted with winter or universal tyres if there is a consistent layer of snow, ice or icing on the road, or if weather conditions suggest that such a layer could form while driving.
The tread depth to be considered as a winter tyre is min. 4 mm; for vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg the tread depth is 6 mm.
Studded tyres are not allowed.
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