Austria Tyre Laws: What You Must Fit Before Driving

The UK is known for its temperate climate and lack of extreme weather events; so much so that all-season tyres are the chosen tyre type for most drivers both on- and off-road.

However, when it comes to driving overseas, drivers will often find that they need to make changes to their vehicles – most notably their tyres, depending on where they are driving to and when they are heading there.

In this article, we’re looking specifically at the driving rules for Austria, including when drivers need to switch to winter tyres and how to keep tyres in optimum condition for both safety and performance.

What is the Climate and Terrain Like in Austria?

Austria is known for its mountainous landscape, popular with skiers and thrill-seekers. Over half of its terrain is covered by the Eastern Alps, with temperatures in and around the Alpine regions dropping to the double minus figures in Winter.

Of course, not all of Austria finds itself blanketed with snow for a large portion of the year. Some parts of Austria follow a much gentler climate, with the western regions exposed to high rainfall and more temperate conditions, and the eastern part of the country experiencing much warmer summers in particular.

What all of this means is that the terrain – and therefore the demand on tyres – varies hugely across Austria. Drivers need to know where they’re travelling to and what the road conditions are like in that destination, prior to travel.

Do I Need Winter Tyres in Austria?

In short, yes – if your travel and driving period falls into the Austrian winter season.

The Austrian government states that between the 1st November and 15th April, all cars and lorries weighing up to 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with winter tyres when navigating wintry conditions. Alternatively, regular tyres can be fitted with snow chains to ensure proper traction and safe handling – with wintry conditions here referring to snow, ice or sludge on the ground.

The rules are slightly different for larger vehicles, with lorries and vehicles that weight more than 3.5 tonnes needing to be fitted with winter tyres between those same dates regardless of the ground conditions.

Are My Winter Tyres Good Enough?

In Austria, winter tyres must be marked with M+S, a snowflake symbol, or 3MPSF symbol, in order to be classed as legal and safe for driving.

Any winter tyres that don’t have this functionality are not suitable for the harsh conditions and challenging terrain of the Austrian landscape in winter.

Minimum Tyre Tread Depth in Austria

While the switch from regular tyres to winter tyres is one of the most notable requirements when driving in Austria, it is not the only legal requirement that drivers need to be aware of.

In Austria, owing in no small part to its more challenging terrains and conditions, the minimum legal tread depth for tyres is 4mm. This is vastly different to the 1.6mm legal minimum here in the UK and is something that countless drivers get caught out on every year.

Tyres should always be checked for damage prior to travel, with tyres needing to demonstrate a consistent tread of at least 4mm all the way around the tyre’s surface.

What’s the Penalty for Not Fitting Appropriate Tyres?

If drivers are caught in Austria without appropriate tyres for the conditions and/or climate, they can be fined up to 5,000 euros.

We urge all those considering international travel, whether that be to Austria or somewhere else, to check the most up to date advice and regulations on the local government website. This isn’t just for the sake of regulation but also to ensure that you are able to safely navigate and traverse the ever-changing landscapes of your intended destination – ensuring the safety of both you and other drivers on the road.