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Situational winter equipment requirements will apply again in Austria starting November 1. Anyone still driving with summer tires risks penalties and more.
Winter is just around the corner—and with it the situational winter tire requirement: From November 1, cars may only be driven in snow, slush, or ice with suitable tires. Snow chains are only permitted on snow-covered roads.
“Even if you are still allowed to drive with summer tires in mild weather, it is advisable to make an appointment for a tire change early on,” recommends ÖAMTC technician Steffan Kerbl. “When there is a sudden cold snap, garages are often quickly booked up. In addition, winter tires make driving safer on cold nights or at higher altitudes.”
Driving with summer tires in winter not only jeopardizes your own safety but also risks high fines and problems with your insurance company. Incorrect tires can result in an administrative fine of around 100 euros, and if other road users are endangered, the theoretical maximum fine is 10,000 euros.
Before changing tires, existing winter tires should be carefully checked. “The legally prescribed minimum tread depth is four millimeters—and this must be maintained throughout the winter,” explains Kerbl. “Depending on mileage, it is therefore better to have around six millimeters when changing tires.
In addition, the service life of the tires plays an important role: after about six seasons, even if the tread depth is sufficient, the tire is old and should be replaced. Cracks, bulges, or other damage are also clear signs that new tires are needed. “Especially in winter conditions, you shouldn’t skimp on safety,” emphasizes the ÖAMTC expert.
Anyone travelling by car to their winter vacation destination should find out precisely what the regulations are in the country they are visiting. This is because the rules on winter equipment sometimes differ significantly from those in Austria. In Germany, for example, winter tires are also mandatory in certain situations: in snow, ice, or slush, winter tires must be used; otherwise, fines of 60 euros or more may be imposed, or even 80 euros if traffic is obstructed. Since October 1, 2024, only tires that bear the Alpine symbol (mountain pictogram with snowflake) in accordance with Regulation No. 117 UNEC may be used in Germany. This also applies to vehicles registered in Austria.
The situation is entirely different in Italy, where there is no uniform regulation even within the country. Each province determines for itself when and where winter tires are mandatory. On the Brenner A22 motorway to Affi, for example, winter tires are compulsory between November 15 and April 15, regardless of the weather. In Slovenia, on the other hand, winter tires are mandatory between November 15 and March 15, but also beyond that in winter conditions. New this year, Denmark has also introduced a situational winter equipment requirement. If a driver is stopped by the police with “unsuitable” tires, a fine of 1,000 kroner per tire may be imposed.
Important: If you are travelling abroad in a rental car, you should also have the vehicle’s winter equipment confirmed in writing.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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