From 1 October 2024, new rules for the use of winter tyres will be introduced in Germany. Drivers must ensure that their vehicles are equipped with tyres with the Alpine label or they will face fines and other penalties. These changes are intended to improve road safety in winter, but they also raise questions and concerns among car owners. What will change and how to avoid violations?
According to the new decree, the use of winter tyres with the “Alpine” label will be mandatory from 1 October 2024. This symbol, also known as the “Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake” (3PMSF), indicates that the tyre has been specifically tested and proven to perform in snow and ice conditions.
What does the alpine label mean?
This mark is a special designation indicating that the tires have winter characteristics. It confirms that the tire has been successfully tested and has proven its effectiveness on snow and ice, providing sufficient grip.
As of 2018, “Alpine” became mandatory for winter tires in the European Union, replacing the previous M+S (“Mud and Snow”) symbol. M+S does not require uniform standards, which makes it less reliable in extreme winter conditions. According to ADAC, winter tires with the Alpine symbol were mandatory in some European countries and regions before these changes, and from October 2024, these requirements will also come into force in Germany.
However, drivers with tyres marked M+S and Alpine can continue to use them. At the same time, ADAC considers it important to ensure that they comply with the new regulations, as M+S will no longer be considered a sufficient label for the winter season.
Fines for non-compliance with new regulations
Violating the new rules can lead to fines according to the German Bußgeldkatalog (catalogue of fines). For driving in winter conditions with tyres not marked Alpine, the driver faces a fine of 60 euros and one penalty point in the Flensburg system. If the driver poses a threat to traffic, the fine can range from 80 to 100 euros and, in the event of an accident, up to 120 euros.
In Germany, there is a “situational obligation” rule for the use of winter tires, which is regulated by Section 2 of the StVO (Traffic Regulations). Winter tires are required when there is snow, ice or other winter weather conditions on the roads.
Basic requirements for winter tires.
• Period of use: In Germany, there are no fixed dates for the mandatory use of winter tyres. Their use is necessary depending on weather conditions such as snow, ice or sleet.
• Minimum tread depth: The minimum tread depth for winter tyres should be 1.6 mm. However, ADAC experts recommend using tyres with a tread depth of at least 4 mm for better traction.
• All-season tires: All-season tires bearing the Alpine symbol are considered suitable for use in winter conditions on German roads.
• Insurance: In the event of an accident caused by the use of unsuitable tyres, the insurance company may refuse or reduce benefits. This underlines the importance of complying with the requirements for winter tyres, stresses Verbraucherzentrale.
The reaction of the drivers
According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) newspaper, the increasing number of accidents in winter, especially on snow and ice, has forced the government to tighten the requirements for winter tyres. This is expected to reduce the number of accidents and improve the safety of road users.
Despite the expected benefits, the introduction of the new rules has provoked mixed reactions among motorists. Spiegel notes that many drivers are concerned about the additional costs of changing tyres. However, ADAC experts are confident that these measures will lead to a significant reduction in the number of accidents and an increase in safety on winter roads.
Germany is talking about this.
