Until now, motor vehicles in Germany had to be fitted with winter tyres displaying the Alpine symbol (a pictogram of a mountain with a snowflake) during winter conditions. For commercial vehicles in classes N2 and N3 (goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of between 3.5 t and 12 t, and those over 12 t), at least the wheels of the permanently driven axles and the front steered axles needed to be equipped with winter tyres.
From 1 October this year, the rules in Germany will change. From this date, so-called M+S tyres can no longer be used as winter tyres, and only models bearing the ‘Alpine’ symbol (featuring a mountain peak and a snowflake) will be allowed.
In Germany, the requirements for winter tyres depend on the weather conditions. In cases of ‘black ice, slippery snow, slush, ice, or frost,’ appropriate winter tyres are required (according to § 2 paragraph 3a of the StVO – German Road Traffic Ordinance).
The following fines will apply for inappropriate tyres in Germany after the rule change:
| Offence |
Fine
|
Penalty points |
| Unsuitable tyres in mud, snow, ice | €60 | – |
| Unsuitable tyres in mud, snow, ice causing an obstruction to other road users | €80 | 1 |
| Inappropriate tyres in mud, snow, ice causing danger to other traffic users | €100 | 1 |