When are winter tyres compulsory in Germany?

3 December, 2019 | Update: 22/01/2024

In 2024, the rules for winter tires in Germany are set to change. Starting from October 2024, winter tires featuring the Alpine symbol will be mandatory. Until September, the Transitional arrangement allows the use of winter tires or all-season tires marked with M+S. However, after this period, there is a risk of receiving a fine if you do not have winter tires with the Alpine symbol in wintry conditions. When are winter tyres compulsory in Germany, and what conditions must a winter tyre comply with in Germany?

Which winter tyres in Germany, and when?

In short: only winter tyres or all-season tyres that have the Alpine symbol (a symbol that looks like a snowflake) still comply with the new rules. German law does not refer to winter tyres, but to “tyres with winter properties”. It is mandatory to use this type of tyre in winter conditions.

In winter conditions it is mandatory to use winter tyres in Germany

But what exactly do the Germans consider to be “winter conditions”? Winter conditions are defined as: ice, slippery conditions in snow, slush and slippery conditions caused by ice or frost. No fixed period is defined, so there is the possibility of winter conditions in periods other than the traditional winter months, meaning winter tyres might be compulsory then, too.

Therefore, there is no specific period during which winter tires are mandatory in Germany; it depends on the conditions

Winter tyres in Germany

The definition of a “tyre with winter properties” has been modified since 1 January 2018. The most important change is the fact that only winter or 4-season tyres with the Alpine symbol below still meet the requirements. In addition, it is a legal requirement that the minimum tread thickness of the tyre must be 1.6 millimetres. However, for safety reasons in Germany – as in Austria – a minimum of 4 millimetres is recommended.

Since 1 January 2018, only tyres with this Alpine symbol are permitted in winter conditions

Because of these regulations, tyres that only have an M + S code are no longer sufficient. Manufacturers can decide for themselves whether to put the letters M (mud) or S (snow) on their tyres. But these terms say nothing about the performance of the tyres in winter conditions. What’s more, these symbols may appear on summer tyres. The Alpine symbol gives more assurance. To be allowed to use this symbol, the tyre must conform to a minimum standard of grip in winter conditions (snow grip index).

Winter tires with the Alpine symbol are mandatory in German

Tires with only an M+S designation will no longer be sufficient as winter tires in Germany starting from October 2024. Until September 30, 2023, a transitional arrangement for winter tires from 2018 is still in effect.

Transitional regulation

A transitional regulation will be in force until 30 September 2024 and winter or all-season tyres with only an M + S code can still be used, provided they were manufactured before 1 January 2018. You may be required to prove that the tyres were actually manufactured and purchased before that date. If you already have the Alpine symbol on your tyres, you’ll be fine, no matter what year they were purchased or manufactured.


  


The production date of the tyre can be checked using the DOT code shown on the tyre. The four numerals of the code show the production date. For example, the numerals 2416 mean that the tyre was manufactured in the 24th week of 2016. It is mandatory for all winter tyres or all-season tyres manufactured after 1 January 2018 to have an Alpine symbol. Make sure you check the production date and the symbol when buying new tyres.

Slippery road warning

Winter tyres for caravans and motorhomes from July 2020

Since trailers and caravans are not self-propelled but towed, the rules do not apply to them. The car that is doing the towing, or the motorhome, must of course comply with the new regulations.

A new regulation was introduced from July 2020, one to which motorhome owners in particular should pay attention. Commercial vehicles and buses weighing more than 3500 kg – so including motorhomes – must be fitted with winter tyres on both the driving axle and the steering axle when winter conditions apply. Before this date winter tyres were only compulsory on the drive axle. So take note if you are going away in your motorhome!

From 1 July 2020, motorhomes must have winter tyres on both the drive axle and the steering axle

Fines and liability when using incorrect or no winter tyres

If your tyres do not meet the new requirements during a control, there will be a €60 fine. If you are inconveniencing other road users this will be increased to €80. Moreover, if you are involved in an accident, even if it was not your fault, you may be held jointly liable. Not only if you are going on a winter sports holiday in Sauerland or Bavaria, but also for example for a trip to a flat region such at Lower Saxony. In other words, failure to use winter tyres when you should have done means you could be asked to pay damages. So make sure your tyres are right for the weather. Of course, with good 4-season tyres you won’t have to worry about anything all year!

Winter equipment in Germany

To comply with all the regulations in winter conditions, your car should be fully equipped for the winter. German law specifies that your car must be equipped for current weather conditions.

In addition to the right winter tires, these are points to consider in winter:

  • Sufficient windshield washer fluid (with antifreeze)
  • Well-functioning windshield wipers.
  • Good visibility in all directions is mandatory, so ensure all windows are free from snow and ice.
  • A scraper and possibly a broom can be useful for cleaning windows and lights.
  • Windshield cover foil can come in handy.
  • Antifreeze for the coolant can prevent engine damage in low temperatures.

Are snow chains mandatory in Germany?

On certain (mountain) roads, it may be obligatory to use snow chains, so make sure to have them in the car.

Mandatory in your car or motorhome in Germany

  • Warning triangle
  • Reflective safety vests
  • First aid kit
  • If you are driving a combination of vehicles (such as a car with a caravan), it is also mandatory to carry two wheel chocks in the car.
  • A portable yellow flashing light is also recommended but not mandatory for vehicles without a German license plate.

Campsites in Germany

These campsites are located close to winter sports regions.

Rules in other countries

Rules concerning winter tyres are not the same everywhere in Europe. For this reason, Bianca found out the rules covering winter tyres in France and Italy for you.

  • Author: Bram
  • European cities, touristic beaches and impressive landscapes and countryside. As a European traveller, I have been to many places and I like writing about my travels so I can share my experiences and tips.

    25 Comments

  1. I use all weather tyres and check condition (also age)
    They are maybe not as good as winter tyres, but fulfil requirements.
    As I understand the rules
    Although there is not necessarily a defined period, if authorities do not consider your tyres are adequate you have a problem
    Even in July

  2. Hi may I ask you my son has a car with a transverse engine which means all the power is at the front of the car and the back is what we call a trailing wheels no power. In winter for tyres is it legal just to have winter or all weather tyres at the front and nothing on the back but just normal tyres ?

    • Hi Roland,

      We have looked into that at several German websites. We are not completely sure about the official rules, but we would strongly advise to use winter tyres on all four wheels. Partly because we think this is mandatory but also because it will give the car more stability in winter circumstances.

      Kind regards,
      Marieke Krämer

    • The problem is that if you have good grip at the front and not such good grip at the back, when braking, especially downhill in snowy conditions, it could result in the rear of the car rapidly becoming the front. (swapping ends!) For that reason all 4 wheels should have, as far as possible the same level of grip. For the same reason snow chains when fitted should be on all 4 wheels (although I have read that putting them on the rear if you only have ones on a 4×4 is best and reduced the likelihgood of teh car spinning under braking even if it seems counter intuitive since the front wheels do the steering.

  3. All 4 is the legal requirement if winter conditions

  4. May I just say what a relief to discover a person that really understands what they are talking about over the internet. You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you are not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

  5. Hello Bram,
    In a normal car, is it a requirement to have 4 winter tires or just the 2 ones in the front axle? I’m going to Germany soon and I only have 2 in the front axle (required in Italy) Thank you very much

  6. Thank you so much for this useful advice. I’m driving to Denmark through Germany on Sunday, and have arranged for winter tyres to be fitted tomorrow. I knew they were a good idea but did not know it was mandatory. Thanks again, Nicholas

  7. Hi I’m traveling in Germany for Christmas this December I don’t have winter tyres jus normal tyres I’m just visiting fo couple days jus need some advice thanks

    • Hello Artan,

      Odds are that you’ll need winter tyres. The moment weather conditions are described as ‘wintery’, winter tyres are obligated, even if you are just staying in Germany for a few days. My advice is to make sure your tyres meet the German standards. If you get involved in an accident, even if it’s not your fault, the tyres will be more than worth it.

      Kind regards,
      Bram

  8. We are visiting germany dec 2019 for one week do we gave to have winter tyres

    • Hello Geirge,

      Odds are that you’ll need winter tyres. The moment weather conditions are described as ‘wintery’, winter tyres are obligated, even if you are just staying in Germany for a few days. My advice is to make sure your tyres meet the German standards. If you get involved in an accident, even if it’s not your fault, the tyres will be more than worth it.

      Kind regards,
      Bram

  9. My question is where is the best place to buy my winter tires in Germany? I have no idea where to shop for them

    • Hello Michele,

      You can buy decent winter tyres at almost every garage in Germany. Winter tyres are very normal in Germany, so most sizes are stocked. Makes sure you chose winter tyres which meet the criteria I mentioned in my article.

      Kind regards,
      Bram

  10. Informative article but as it is posted on EuroCampings, I expected it to also have information as to regulatory requirements for winter tyres/snow chains on caravans.

  11. Can I drive with normal summer tires in good condition during the winter time at the good days only? they dry days without snow on the road and when will be snow all over I will not move. I am trying to save money to change again and again tires.

    • Hi
      By law Is there any age limit of winter tyres I can use in Germany?
      Can I use 7-8 years old winter tyres?

  12. We will driving from north of Sweden to Frankfurt Germany in dec. 2019 and have winter tyres with studs.
    What are the rules if I am using studded tyres?
    Is there any extra-tax that I have to pay?
    Regards

    • HEllo!

      Studded tyres are not allowed in Germany.

  13. Hi, I am planning to drive to North Germany from 6th April 2019 to 14 aoril 2019 from Sweden.
    In Sweden, we can put on summer tyres on 1st April onward . How is the law in Germany? Is my car with summer typres allowed to drive in Germany on 6th April onwards ?
    Please help to reply

  14. What if I drive in the winter season, but the road conditions are not icy (e.g: warm dry day, with no snow on roads)? can I drive with normal tyres?

    • Hello Amr,

      In that case, winter tyres are not obligated and you can drive with your “normal” tyres.

      Kind regards,
      Bram

  15. Hello.

    We are driving thrugh Germany and have winter tyres with studs is that ok?

    Many thanks for your answer.

    • Hello Per,

      Thank you for your reaction. In Germanay, studded tires are not allowed as they could cause damage to the pavement. The only exception are routes via “Kleines Deutsches Eck“, in the southern of Germany.

      Kind regards,
      Bram

  16. Nice article. That was so informative. We are also a Tyre care tips and guides blog.

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