Planning to drive in Germany this winter? This guide explains whether winter tyres are required by law, what symbols to look for on compliant tyres, and the penalties for driving without them. Learn how to prepare your car for safe, stress-free winter travel abroad.
When it comes to the features of winter tyres and their benefits, the clue is very much in the title. These are tyres that are made with winter driving in mind – facilitating safe driving in particularly cold conditions and on icy road surfaces.
While there are some locations where winter tyres are not particularly necessary, the UK being one of them, there are other countries and destinations where winter tyres are either recommended or even considered a legal requirement.
So, where does Germany fit into this?
Tyre Requirements in Germany
If you’re planning a trip to Germany, either in your own vehicle or in a hire vehicle, then you’ve come to the right place.
In Germany, tyres must meet the standard legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm.
Germany also has a winter tyre regulation that comes into effect during the winter months. This requirement bans the use of summer tyres in the winter.
Drivers who are using the roads in Germany during the winter months must either use winter tyres, or all-season tyres that are considered suitable for driving on winter roads. These are typically indicated by a snowflake icon, a snowy mountains icon, or a printed ‘M+S’ on the sidewall
What if I Don’t Have the Right Tyres?
If you are caught driving in Germany without winter tyres or tyres which are deemed suitable and safe for use on winter roads, then you could be fined 60 euros. This fine is increased to 80 euros if your lack of suitable tyres causes you to obstruct and hold up traffic.
Drivers who do not have the right tyres for their vehicle could also find that their journey is stopped until they change their tyres to a more suitable grade.
