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VIENNA — Motorists across Austria will once again be subject to the country’s seasonal winter tyre regulations from November 1. While many drivers associate the rule with a fixed calendar date, the legal requirement depends not only on the time of year but also on the actual condition of the roads.
Under Austria’s situational winter tyre requirement, passenger cars and vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with winter tyres whenever roads are covered by snow, slush, or ice. The regulation remains in force until April 15.
Winter tyres required only in winter conditions
The obligation applies during the period from November 1 to April 15, but only when winter weather conditions are present. Drivers may continue to use summer tyres on dry and clear roads, even during the winter season.
However, as soon as snow, slush, or icy surfaces develop, winter tyres become mandatory on all four wheels. The requirement applies to vehicles in operation; a parked vehicle fitted with summer tyres does not constitute an offence.
Which tyres qualify?
Tyres marked with the designations “M+S”, “M.S.” or “M&S” are recognised as winter tyres. Tyres carrying the snowflake symbol also meet the legal requirements.
All-season tyres may also be used, provided they carry the appropriate winter markings.
Snow chains can serve as an alternative under specific circumstances. To qualify, the road surface must be continuously or almost continuously covered with snow or ice, and the chains must be fitted to at least two driving wheels.
Minimum tread depth is crucial
For passenger cars, winter tyres must have a minimum tread depth of four millimetres. For diagonal tyres, the minimum requirement is five millimetres.
Drivers whose tyres fall below these limits should be aware that the tyres are no longer legally classified as winter tyres, regardless of any winter markings that remain visible on the sidewall.
Fines and legal consequences
Motorists found driving without the required winter equipment in hazardous winter conditions can face financial penalties.
In routine traffic controls, authorities may issue on-the-spot fines. More serious consequences can follow if other road users are endangered. In such cases, penalties can reach up to €10,000, and police may prohibit further travel until the vehicle is properly equipped.
Drivers may also face complications after an accident. Those involved in a collision while using unsuitable tyres on winter roads could encounter insurance-related problems or be held partly responsible for damages.
Stricter rules for heavy vehicles
Different regulations apply to larger vehicles. Trucks exceeding 3.5 tonnes must use winter tyres between November 1 and April 15 regardless of current road conditions.
For buses, the winter tyre requirement applies until March 15.
‘O to O’ remains only a guideline
Many drivers follow the well-known rule of thumb “from October to Easter” when planning tyre changes. While this remains a useful reminder, Austria’s legal framework is based on the period from November 1 to April 15 and, above all, on the actual condition of the road surface.
With colder temperatures approaching and the risk of sudden snowfall increasing, motorists are advised to check both tyre markings and tread depth before the winter season begins.
- source: vienna.at/picture: pixabay.com
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