From October 1st, new rules for winter tires will come into force in Germany. Until now, tires with the M+S symbol (mud and snow) were also permitted on winter roads. With the new regulation, every winter tire must now have the Alpine symbol.
In Germany, the situational winter tire requirement applies according to paragraph 2 (3a) of the road traffic regulations. This means that you can only drive in snow, black ice, frost and slush if winter tires are installed on all wheel positions. The future mandatory Alpine symbol consists of a pictogram with a mountain and a snowflake. It confirms that the tires have been tested for winter suitability independent of the manufacturer. The M+S symbol, on the other hand, can be assigned by the manufacturer itself.
The right time to install winter tires can vary from year to year. The rule of thumb “From O to O”, i.e. from October to Easter, helps. The legally required tread depth for winter tires is at least 1.6 millimeters. However, the ADAC recommends four millimeters in order to be able to drive safely in winter road conditions. The automobile club also recommends replacing tires after six years at the latest, otherwise the rubber becomes too hard and loses its grip in the cold.
Winter tire requirement: These penalties can be imposed for violations
There are exceptions to the winter tire requirement. These include motorcycles, agricultural and forestry vehicles and motorized hospital elevators. However, they must adhere to a number of additional rules and check before each trip whether other means of transport would be possible to reach the destination, according to the ADAC.
Anyone who violates the regulations and is caught driving without winter tires will face a point in Flensburg and a fine of 60 euros – up to 80 euros if they hinder others. The fine for the owner is 75 euros and one point in Flensburg.
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