PITSTOP regularly advises and helps our customers to select, test and install the right type of tyre for their vehicle when preparing to drive in Europe, especially to a ski resort or winter sports destination. In each country where you drive, you are responsible for the correct equipment and control of your vehicle. You may receive a penalty if you obstruct normal traffic or cause an accident because your vehicle is not suitable for the weather and road conditions of that particular country. In some countries, the law states that residents must drive with winter tires at certain times of the year or when conditions require their use. At other times, visitors are allowed to drive with “summer tires” with snow chains under certain conditions or on local signs. Since the end of 2010, new German regulations have come into force, stipulating that all cars and motorcycles, including foreign vehicles, must be equipped with winter tyres or all-season tyres on all axles in winter conditions. Paragraph 63 of the StVZO provides that Articles 32, 34 and 36(1) also apply to other road vehicles. However, the profile template shall be governed by Article 36(3), which shall not be referred to in Article 63. Tread depth The minimum tread depth for tyres in Germany is 1.6 mm. For winter tires, however, a minimum tread depth of 4 mm is recommended, as the tires do not perform optimally at a tread depth of less than 4 mm and lose their winter performance. Motorists must not exceed the maximum speed of their winter tyres indicated on the sidewall of the tyre. If this speed is lower than that of the car, a suitable sticker should be placed in a place that the driver can easily see.
In Germany, motorists are legally required to attach winter or all-season tires to their cars. The old rules have been strengthened and the M+S logo (mud and snow) is no longer enough. Tyres bearing the Alpine logo (photo) comply with the new regulations. The German legislator provides for a transitional period during which old tyres can still be used if they were produced before the end of 2017. Minimum legal tread depth A minimum tread depth of 3 mm is required in most countries. An exception is the Czech Republic, which now requires a minimum tread depth of 4 mm. For all other tyres (not winter tyres), the legal minimum is 1.6 mm For driving in winter conditions abroad, it is strongly recommended that all your tyres have a MINIMUM tread depth between 2 mm and 3 mm. Winter tyres in EU countries for vehicles up to 3,500 kg Winter tyres are mandatory in the following EU countries: Austria Czech Republic Finland Germany Slovakia Sweden Winter tyres are recommended in the following EU countries: Andorra Bulgaria Italy Norway Slovenia Switzerland German regulations provide for a tread depth of 1.6 mm, But 4 mm is recommended for winter tires. The legal minimum tread depth for Germany is 1.6 millimeters, although ADAC recommends 4 centimeters for winter driving. Other countries have stricter requirements – Austrian law prescribes a minimum tread depth of 4 millimeters for winter tires, and other European countries also have different laws on winter driving. OPM officials said drivers should check with local authorities before crossing the border.
The other winter equipment required by law is antifreeze for the windshield wipers and wipers themselves. It should be noted that winter tires are not only mandatory in winter; Instead, they are needed in all winter conditions. In practice, this is often considered necessary during the months of October to Easter. Please note! There are also summer tyres with M+S markings. These summer tyres have no winter characteristics and are therefore not suitable for driving in Germany in winter conditions – not even during the transition period. In Germany, winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions. Recently, the definition of suitable tyres has been strengthened in German law. Tyres that only have M+S markings are no longer sufficient.
The tire must bear the symbol 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snowflake). This is a picture of a mountain with a snowflake on it. There is a transitional regulation for the use of tyres that only have an M+S marking. These can continue up to 30. September 2024, provided they were manufactured before December 31, 2017. According to the safety office of USAG Bayern and ADAC, you must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 millimeters to drive in Germany, regardless of road conditions. It is better to have 4 millimeters, according to ADAC.