Planning a trip to Germany this winter? Before you purchase new winter tyres, make sure they meet the regulations introduced on January 1, 2018.
Mud and snow tyres, those with the M+S symbol (shown above top), will no longer be accepted on German roads in winter conditions. Instead, only tyres with winter properties will be accepted. Tyres with winter properties are winter or all-season tyres with the Alpine snowflake symbol and a minimum tread of 4mm (shown above bottom). Exceptions are in place until September 30, 2024 for tyres purchased before January 1, 2018, but proof that the tyres were manufactured and purchased before January 2018 may be required to avoid a €60+ fine for both the driver and the owner of the vehicle.
Winter conditions can occur at any time of year and are described as black ice or slippery conditions caused by snow, slush, ice or frost.
The new regulation does not apply to trailers or caravans as these are towed rather than driven.
To read more, visit the German government website.
Planning to drive to Germany?
If you're planning a winter trip to Germany, there are quite a few amazing German Christmas markets you should visit on your trip.
No matter when you're travelling, be sure to read our blog about how Bord Atlas can help you travel Germany in a motorhome for just €3.25 per day and visit our blog post about Low Emission Zones, which includes lots of information on German Umweltzone.
