Winter Tyres in Germany
Quick answer: Only in some conditions. In Germany winter tyres are required in winter conditions. There are no calendar dates. In black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost you may only drive a motor vehicle if all wheels have winter tyres (StVO section 2(3a)). Today: Applies in winter conditions, any date.
The rule
There are no calendar dates. In black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost you may only drive a motor vehicle if all wheels have winter tyres (StVO section 2(3a)).
What tyres count
Only tyres with the Alpine symbol (3PMSF, mountain with snowflake) count as winter tyres (StVZO section 36(4)). Tyres marked only M+S no longer count since 1 October 2024.
Snow chains
Can be ordered by road signs in mountain areas in winter conditions.
Studded tyres
Not allowed, apart from a few roads near the Austrian border (OeAMTC).
Fine
EUR 60 and 1 penalty point; EUR 80 if you hold up other traffic (BKatV no. 5a and 5a.1). The vehicle keeper who allows it: EUR 75 (BKatV no. 213a).
Tips for visiting drivers
Because Germany has no fixed dates, the rule applies the moment roads turn wintry, also for foreign cars. Check your tyres carry the mountain-snowflake symbol: M+S alone is not enough any more.
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: All-season tyres count if they carry the 3PMSF symbol.
Official source and last check
Strassenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) section 2, gesetze-im-internet.de (Federal Ministry of Justice) · Public law text · last checked
Also checked: StVZO section 36 (definition of winter tyres) · Bussgeldkatalog-Verordnung (BKatV), annex · OeAMTC: winter rules in neighbouring countries (3PMSF since 1 Oct 2024, 1 point) · Your Europe: road rules in Germany
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 Germany: FAQ
Are winter tyres compulsory in Germany?
When do you need winter tyres in Germany?
What winter tyres are accepted in Germany?
Do you need snow chains in Germany?
What is the fine in Germany?
Are studded tyres allowed in Germany?
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