Winter Tyres in Austria
Quick answer: Only in some conditions. In Austria winter tyres are required in winter conditions, 1 Nov to 15 Apr. From 1 November to 15 April, cars, vans and moped cars may only be driven on wintry roads (snow, slush or ice) if winter tyres are fitted. Instead of winter tyres you may fit snow chains on at least two drive wheels, but only when the road is fully or almost fully covered with snow or ice. Today: Season on: applies in winter conditions (1 Nov to 15 Apr).
The rule
From 1 November to 15 April, cars, vans and moped cars may only be driven on wintry roads (snow, slush or ice) if winter tyres are fitted. Instead of winter tyres you may fit snow chains on at least two drive wheels, but only when the road is fully or almost fully covered with snow or ice.
What tyres count
Tyres marked M+S, M.S. or M&S with at least 4 mm tread (5 mm for cross-ply tyres). Since 10 December 2018 tyres carrying only the snowflake symbol (3PMSF) also count.
Snow chains
Allowed instead of winter tyres on at least two drive wheels, only on roads fully or almost fully covered with snow or ice. Do not drive faster than 50 km/h on chains.
Studded tyres
Allowed 1 October to 31 May. Maximum 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 100 km/h on motorways.
Fine
About EUR 100 if you drive in winter conditions without winter equipment; up to EUR 10,000 if you endanger other road users (OeAMTC).
Lorries, buses and heavy vehicles
Vehicles over 3.5 t must use winter tyres: lorries 1 November to 15 April, buses 1 November to 1 March (Your Europe).
Tips for visiting drivers
Driving a UK or other foreign car to the Austrian Alps between November and mid-April? Fit winter tyres (M+S or 3PMSF, at least 4 mm tread) before you go: chains on summer tyres are only legal on fully snow-covered roads. When you rent, ask for winter tyres in writing.
Driving from the UK or Ireland? There is no winter tyre rule at home, so check your own tyres before you book the crossing: look on the sidewall for the 3PMSF mountain-snowflake symbol and pack chains or snow socks that fit your tyre size before you leave.
Notes: Legal basis: Kraftfahrgesetz (KFG) section 102(8a). The federal law database (RIS) returned HTTP 503 on 2026-11-02, so the details above come from OeAMTC. The Your Europe page only lists the rule for vehicles over 3.5 t; the car rule above applies too.
Official source and last check
OeAMTC (Austrian automobile club): Winterreifenpflicht in Oesterreich · Cited, not copied · last checked
Also checked: Your Europe: road rules in Austria (last checked by the EU 29/10/2024)
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and local signs always apply; check the official source before you travel. "Right now" is worked out from today's date and the dates above; where the rule depends on snow, ice or signs, it applies only when those are present.
Check the road and the weather
Winter tyres in Austria: FAQ
Are winter tyres compulsory in Austria?
When do you need winter tyres in Austria?
What winter tyres are accepted in Austria?
Do you need snow chains in Austria?
What is the fine in Austria?
Are studded tyres allowed in Austria?
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