A weather-based rather than a fixed-date rule
Germany has no winter tire requirement tied to a date. The rule is linked to the weather. Under § 2(3a) of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), you may only drive a motor vehicle in black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost if all wheels are fitted with suitable tires. Which tires those are is set out in § 36(4) of the Road Vehicle Licensing Regulations (StVZO).
The popular rule of thumb "from O to O", October to Easter (Ostern), is not a regulation but a guide. What matters is the road condition, not the calendar. Driving on summer tires on a sunny November day is not an offence. Driving on summer tires during sudden snowfall in March is.
Only the Alpine symbol counts
Winter tires within the meaning of the rule are tires with the Alpine symbol: a three-peaked mountain with a snowflake. It shows that the tire has passed a standardised snow test under UN Regulation No. 117 (ECE R117). This applies to winter tires and all-season tires alike.
The older M+S marking (mud and snow) is no longer enough on its own. Tires marked M+S without the Alpine symbol that were made up to the end of 2017 could still be used in winter conditions until 30 September 2024 as a transitional measure. That period has expired. Since 1 October 2024 only tires with the Alpine symbol meet the requirement. You can read the production date from the DOT code.
What are the penalties?
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Driving without suitable tires in winter conditions | €60 | 1 |
| … causing obstruction | €80 | 1 |
| … causing danger | €100 | 1 |
| … causing an accident | €120 | 1 |
| Vehicle owner orders or allows the journey | €75 | 1 |
Insurance can cost you more than the fine. After an accident on unsuitable tires, a comprehensive (Kasko) insurer may reduce its payout for gross negligence. You may also be held partly responsible, even if the other party caused the accident. The traffic fine calculator covers other motoring fines in Germany.
Tread depth: 1.6 mm by law, 4 mm recommended
The legal minimum tread depth for all car tires is 1.6 mm, in winter too (§ 36 StVZO). For snow and slush that is far too little. The sipes of a winter tire only interlock with the snow if there is enough tread. Experts therefore recommend at least 4 mm for winter tires. Below that, traction and braking on snow drop noticeably.
The easiest way to measure tread depth is with a tread depth gauge. A coin works as a rough test: the gold rim of a 1-euro coin is about 3 mm wide. If it does not disappear completely into the tread, less than about 3 mm is left.
Speed rating on winter tires
Winter tires may have a lower speed rating than your car's top speed. In that case a notice of the permitted maximum speed must be displayed in the driver's field of view, usually a sticker on the instrument cluster. On many newer cars the limit can also be set in the on-board computer. Which letter stands for which speed is explained in How to read your tire size.
Smaller wheels for winter?
Many drivers use a smaller rim with a taller sidewall in winter, for example 205/55 R16 instead of 225/45 R17. That is often cheaper, the thicker sidewall protects the rim better against kerbs, and narrower tires cut through snow more easily. It is allowed if the size is listed in your vehicle papers or approved. How much the diameter and speedometer change is shown by the tire size calculator.
Checklist before the first snow
- Alpine symbol on all four tires?
- Tread depth at least 4 mm?
- Tires younger than about 6 to 10 years, no cracks?
- Size listed in the papers or approved?
- Speed notice in the field of view, if needed?
- Pressure checked after changing?
Conclusion
Germany's winter tire rule depends on the weather, not the date. Since October 2024 only the Alpine symbol counts; M+S alone is no longer enough. Driving without suitable tires in wintry conditions risks €60 and a point, and considerably more after an accident. Checking the symbol, tread and tire age before the season is well worth it.