Rules for winter tyres in the EU, including Germany

We are not used to them in the Netherlands, but in some other countries in Europe winter tyres are compulsory. Winter tyres have a different, deeper profile than summer tyres and are therefore suitable for driving through snow and other winter conditions. Of course, you can also fit snow chains. These are prohibited in the Netherlands because they damage the road surface. In the Netherlands, the need to use snow chains will also rarely or never occur.

Not all countries have the same rules. It is useful to find out in advance about the rules that apply in the country or countries where you will be driving. Below is an overview of the rules that apply to winter tyres in the countries of Europe. We will go into greatest detail about our largest neighbour, Germany. To be on the safe side, always check the latest information on the country you are inquiring about. After Germany we will look at:
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Are winter tyres compulsory in Germany? Most people know that winter tyres are compulsory in Germany. Large areas of Germany suffer more from snow and ice than the Netherlands. But when should you put winter tyres on your car? And what is the consequence if you don't? Is there a penalty and, if so, how high is it? And what about all-season tyres? These are all questions about the obligation to have winter tyres in Germany.
Firstly, the question of when winter tyres are compulsory. Some people think that there is a specific date from which the obligation starts, in other words, a seasonal obligation. However, this is not the case. In Germany, winter tyres are compulsory when the weather conditions demand it. This means that in wintery road conditions, such as slippery snow, ice, black ice and so on, winter tyres are compulsory. Germans use the rule of thumb of October to Easter, but this has no legal value. It is therefore really about the situation as it is at the time.

The abbreviation M+S stands for mud and snow. With this marking you are on the right track. Winter tyres can also be recognised by the Alpine symbol. This is a picture of a mountain with a snowflake. Tyres marked M+S are deemed suitable for winters up to September 2024.

The driver is punished with a fine of EUR 60 for each offence. But more importantly, you can cause accidents if you drive with the wrong tyres.

The obligation to use winter tyres does not apply to the following vehicles, among others:

• Motorbikes
• Agricultural vehicles
• Certain disabled vehicles

The legally prescribed minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimetres even for winter tyres. For safety reasons, the German ANWB, the ADACHowever, a minimum of four millimetres should be maintained. Replacement is necessary after no more than six years, because by then the rubber has hardened to such an extent that grip in cold weather is reduced, even if the tyres have been used infrequently.

You run the risk that the insurance company will pay less. Not using winter tyres will be considered gross negligence. In the event of an accident through no fault of your own, it can also cause a major problem in terms of liability. But the most important thing, of course, is safety. So use them, those winter tyres, when the weather conditions demand it.

All-season tyres are considered winter tyres in the legal sense in Germany if they are marked with the Alpine symbol or the M+S sign. If neither of these symbols is present, the tyre is not a winter tyre but a summer tyre. Good all-season tyres can therefore be left on your car all year round.

Below are briefly the rules in the most important car countries in Europe:

If the weather or road conditions require it, winter tyres must be used between 1 November and 31 March. The tread depth must be at least 3 mm for vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes. Spike tyres can be used from 1 November to 31 March and also in other periods if the weather or road surface requires it.
Winter tyres may have spikes.
In muddy or snowy conditions, or in situations that are difficult for other reasons, the tread pattern of winter tyres must be at least 5 mm.
This regulation also applies to cars registered abroad.

In areas indicated by two new road signs, winter tyres or equivalent equipment are mandatory from 1 November to 31 March.
Good to know: This rule applies in certain cities. It is good to inquire in advance with the respective city. Two types of equipment are permitted:
Four winter tyres, certified M+S, or four all-season tyres with certification.

From 1 November to 15 April, use winter tyres when the weather conditions make this necessary. winter tyres must be fitted on all 4 wheels n the minimum tread depth is 4 mm. If you drive with your summer tyres, because the weather is good, you must have chains. It is the legal responsibility of the driver to carry the required winter equipment. Therefore, also in case of a hire car, check that the chains are present. This regulation applies to all vehicles registered in Austria as well as to other com m unicated vehicles registered abroad.

In Switzerland, the use of winter tyres is, strangely enough, not required by law. It is, however, advisable to use them if the weather conditions demand it. This is because there is a fine for causing a nuisance to other road users. This can certainly be the case if your tyres do not have enough grip and you cause a delay.

In Sweden, there are extensive rules governing the use of winter tyres, snow chains and so on. In the winter period, from 1 December to 31 March, winter tyres are compulsory if the weather conditions make this necessary. The winter tyres must be certified. If the weather conditions are not bad come But that means no slippery n or a temperature around freezing point or below, driving on summer tyres is also allowed. It is up to the police to decide if the weather conditions make the use of winter tyres necessary or not. If the road is covered with snow or ice the use of snow chains is allowed.

There are no general rules on the use of winter tyres in Italy. Sometimes they are compulsory, but this is indicated by signs along the road. Winter tyres must not be used from 15 May to 14 October. This ban also applies to foreign vehicles. There are high fines for breaking this rule. This is due to the lower speed limit for vehicles with winter tyres.

In Spain, winter tyres are not generally compulsory unless indicated by signs in certain areas. It is therefore regionally determined.

Here, winter tyres are obligatory during the winter period. This is from 15 November to 15 March. But even outside this period, winter tyres may be compulsory in wintery conditions.

In this country, at certain roads (or parts thereof) from 15 November to 15 April winter tyres are compulsory, regardless of the weather conditions, unless snow chains are in the car.

The use of winter tyres is not compulsory for passenger vehicles in Norway, but you are obliged to ensure that your car has sufficient grip on the road surface in winter conditions. So it is actually the same thing. It is therefore strongly recommended. The minimum tread depth for winter tyres is 3 mm and they must be fitted to all wheels.

In the United Kingdom, winter tyres are not compulsory. However, their use is recommended in winter weather conditions.

Winter tyres are compulsory in winter conditions. That is, from 1 November to 31 March when the road is covered with snow or ice or when the temperature is lower than 4°C. There must also be a chance of snowfall or black ice.

In Belgium, winter tyres are not compulsory but are recommended when the conditions demand it, especially in mountainous regions, such as the Ardennes.

Winter tyres are not compulsory in Poland either, but their use is recommended in winter weather conditions.