Winter Tyres in Europe

[fairytooth]

We are planning to go to Switzerland in a couple of weeks and wondered whether to go via Germany or France. As you probably know the tyre laws in Germany have changed and this might affect our choice of route as we don't have winter tyres. We hope to end up near Adelboden.

The AA website says that if you get stuck in the snow or cause an obstruction in Germany you will get a fine. We don't intend driving when conditions are that bad but I wondered if anyone has experience of random stop checks, etc. by the police which would put us off going via Germany.

 

[MOS]

as far as i understand it you need winter tyres on all wheels in the wintertime in germany this aplies to nationals and visitors ,it stoped us doing the christmas markets this year ,HO HUM
MOS

 

[fairytooth]

Thanks MOS but I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about that. If it was simply 'winter time' they would publish dates. It says 'wintry conditions' so you appear to be fine until the road is icy or there is snow. The AA says you can get a fine if you get stuck in the snow.

Just found this:

Quote: "Recently, Germany added new rules to their Highway Code. According to the law, motorists must have winter tyres (that bear the M+S symbol) if they are driving on snow, black ice or roads covered in frost.

"If you are caught driving in these conidtions withouth the appopriate tyres fitted, you are likely to be fined €40. This amount will be doubled if you are the reason for any delays to traffic. You will also lose one point on your driving license.

On this website Winter Tyres: EU Laws & Legislation | Blackcircles.com

So, still not really sure whether you will be in trouble or not. I guess if the roads are clear, dry and it's sunny you will be ok.

 

[MOS]

I did look into the laws late last year ,what you quote was the case until late in the year ,if i can find the page again i will post a link ,it gave definetive dates at which piont winter tyres where to be fitted on all wheels and changed the rules alltogether .i am prety sure this is the case now until spring ,
and apparently if you dont have WT on you dont have insurance ,OUCH

 

[bigmillie]

Looking at where you are going I would suggest that you equip yourselves with winter tyres and snow chains

The area you are going, looks to be about 4000 feet asl and will by now be snow covered .

.

In Switzerland the current position is that winter tyres are not compulsory but if you do not fit winter tyres and as a result you impede other traffic you could be fined. The tread depth on winter tyres must be at least 3mm


There is always the possibility that there will be snowfall when you are returning to the UK with a ferry to catch :scared:

 

[MOS]

Germany has recently (4 December 2010) introduced new regulations requiring all passenger cars and motorbikes including vehicles from foreign countries to be fitted with winter tyres or all season tyres on all axles when conditions are wintry. Winter tyres (or 'all season' tyres) should bear the mark M&S or the snowflake symbol on the side wall.

From 1 December to the end of February (in practice from November to April) unless otherwise indicated by road signs. Tyres must be marked M&S on the sidewall. Spiked/studded tyres may be used from 1 November to the first monday after Easter.


not the one i was lookin at the other one was moor detailed , ile keep looking

 

[fairytooth]

Looking at where you are going I would suggest that you equip yourselves with winter tyres and snow chains

The area you are going, looks to be about 4000 feet asl and will by now be snow covered .

.

In Switzerland the current position is that winter tyres are not compulsory but if you do not fit winter tyres and as a result you impede other traffic you could be fined. The tread depth on winter tyres must be at least 3mm


There is always the possibility that there will be snowfall when you are returning to the UK with a ferry to catch :scared:

.

Thanks Charlie and MOS, snow chains I have and very good they are too. Switzerland I'm not too worried about and I have decided we will take the 4x4

I would still like to hear from anyone who has actually been stopped or fined under this law.


PS Ferries? What ferries? We are retired (thank god) and use whichever Eurotunnel train happens to be waiting for us.