Winter tyres and snow chains in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Winter tyres (Alpine symbol) are required on all wheels when the road has black ice, snow, slush, ice or hoar-frost, with no fixed dates. Snow chains are required only where sign 268 is shown. The fine is EUR 60, or EUR 80 with obstruction.

RuleWhat applies
Winter tyres or equivalent equipment requiredDriving in winter conditionsA motor vehicle may be driven in black ice, snow-covered ice, slush, ice or hoar-frost conditions only if all wheels have tyres that meet § 36(4) StVZO (winter tyres with the Alpine symbol, the mountain with snowflake). Motorcycles, farm and forestry vehicles and some special vehicles are exempt. [1]
Period or conditions when it appliesDriving in winter conditionsThe law sets no calendar dates. The duty applies whenever the road is affected by black ice, snow-covered ice, slush, ice or hoar-frost. [1]
Studded tyresDriving in winter conditions⚠ Not yet verified
Snow chainsDriving in winter conditionsWhere sign 268 (snow chains required) is shown, a vehicle may use the road only with snow chains. [2]
Penalty for not having the right tyresDriving in winter conditionsThe fine is EUR 60 for driving in wintry conditions without suitable tyres, and EUR 80 if this obstructs others. [3]

Notes

  • The German rule depends on road conditions, not on the calendar.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz / juris: Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) § 2 Straßenbenutzung durch Fahrzeuge (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz / juris: Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) Anlage 2 (zu § 41 Absatz 1) Vorschriftzeichen (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesministerium der Justiz / juris: Bußgeldkatalog-Verordnung (BKatV) Anlage (zu § 1 Absatz 1) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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