Winter tyres and snow chains in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: From 1 November to 15 April, cars need winter tyres on all wheels in wintry road conditions, or snow chains on two drive wheels on a fully snow- or ice-covered road. Chains are required where signed.

RuleWhat applies
Winter tyres or equivalent equipment requiredDriving in winter conditionsThe driver of a car (class M1) or light van (N1) may drive in wintry road conditions such as snow, slush or ice only if all wheels have winter tyres, or, when the road is covered by a continuous layer of snow or ice, snow chains on at least two drive wheels. [1]
Period or conditions when it appliesDriving in winter conditionsFrom 1 November to 15 April, and only when the road is wintry (snow, slush or ice). [1]
Snow chainsDriving in winter conditionsWhere the "snow chains required" sign is shown, cars must have snow chains on at least two drive wheels. Snow chains may be used only where needed and if they cannot damage the road surface. On a road fully covered by snow or ice, chains on two drive wheels can replace winter tyres. [2]
Penalty for not having the right tyresDriving in winter conditions⚠ Not yet verified
Studded tyresDriving in winter conditionsStudded tyres (Spikesreifen) may be used on cars up to 3,500 kg only if every wheel that transmits force to the road has studded tyres. They may not be used in June, July, August and September. Studs may not protrude more than 2 mm, and a studded-tyre sign must be shown at the rear. [3]

Notes

  • Applies to cars (M1), light vans (N1) and enclosed four-wheeled light quadricycles. Heavier vehicles have separate rules.

Sources

  1. Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS): Kraftfahrgesetz 1967 § 102 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS): Straßenverkehrsordnung 1960 § 52 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundeskanzleramt, Rechtsinformationssystem (RIS): Kraftfahrgesetz-Durchführungsverordnung 1967 § 4 (consulted 31 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.