Question 1

Vehicle transfer under its own power

Accepted Answer

For transfers under the vehicle's own power, winter tyres are mandatory in wintry road conditions under the revised Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) since 4 December 2010. Both the road conditions at the pick-up address and at the delivery address, as well as along the entire route in between, must be taken into account.

If, despite this, a driver is supposed to transfer a car without winter tyres on snowy and icy roads, the transfer will not be carried out and the effort will be invoiced in the form of a wasted trip.

Question 2

When does the winter tyre obligation apply?

Accepted Answer

There is no general winter tyre obligation tied to a specific date in Germany. Instead, a situational winter tyre obligation applies: this means that winter tyres must be fitted in wintry road conditions, i.e. in black ice, slippery snow, slush, ice or frost. The rule of thumb from October to Easter (O to O) is therefore a rough guide, but has no legal relevance.
The situational winter tyre obligation is only considered fulfilled if winter tyres are fitted on all wheel positions (on a car, for example, all four wheels).

Question 3

What fine can I expect if I haven't fitted winter tyres?

Accepted Answer

A simple violation is punished with a fine of 60 euros. In addition, one point is entered in the driver licence register in Flensburg. If third parties are also obstructed, the fine increases to 80 euros.
In addition to the driver, the keeper who orders or permits the vehicle to be put into operation without the required tyres bearing the Alpine symbol is also liable: here 75 euros are due, plus one point in Flensburg.

Question 4

What is the minimum tread depth winter tyres must have?

Accepted Answer

The legally required minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimetres for winter tyres too. For safety reasons, however, the ADAC recommends at least four millimetres. The age of the tyre also plays a role. After six years at the latest, the rubber compound has become so hard that the "grip" at low temperatures diminishes.

Question 5

Are all-season tyres sufficient in winter too?

Accepted Answer

In the legal sense, all-season tyres are winter tyres if they have the "Alpine" symbol (mountain pictogram with snowflake). Since 1 October 2024, the Alpine symbol has been a legal requirement for all new all-season tyres in wintry road conditions. Older tyres that only bear the M+S marking are no longer permitted on black ice, snow or slush. If neither of the two markings is present, it is not an all-season tyre but a summer tyre.

Question 6

May I drive winter tyres in summer too?

Accepted Answer

Winter tyres may also continue to be driven in summer without restrictions. The legislator does not prohibit it, at least.

Question 7

ADAC recommendation

Accepted Answer

In the cold season, always fit tyres with the "M+S" abbreviation or the "Alpine" symbol, not only because of the "situational winter tyre regulation". It is primarily about your own safety and that of your passengers. Also bear in mind: the consequences of a small "slip" can cost many times the price of a set of winter tyres.
Only those who can fundamentally do without their car in the relevant weather conditions still do not need to think about the topic or buy a second set of tyres. You should be aware that even in classic regions with little winter, the weather can change unexpectedly.

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Everything about the winter tyre obligation in Germany***

Vehicle transfer under its own power

When does the winter tyre obligation apply?

What fine can I expect if I haven't fitted winter tyres?

What is the minimum tread depth winter tyres must have?

Are all-season tyres sufficient in winter too?

May I drive winter tyres in summer too?

ADAC recommendation

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