TÜV SÜD: German rules on winter equipment for cars often insufficient abroad

TÜV SÜD: German rules on winter equipment for cars often insufficient abroad

Germany made the use of winter tyres compulsory one year ago, and this season most motorists have fitted their winter tyres by now. But does this mean they also comply with legal requirements when travelling to winter resorts in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France? Far from it, say the experts at TÜV SÜD – motorists who carry winter equipment that complies with the German regulations may be in for an unpleasant surprise in neighbouring countries. The greatly varying legal requirements concerning winter tyres and snow chains are the best example.

"According to TÜV SÜD, motorists should replace their winter tyres at the latest when their tread depth falls below four millimetres" says Eberhard Lang, TÜV SÜD. As far as the compulsory use of winter tyres and snow chains is concerned, there is still a patchwork of laws across Europe, which even includes special regulations for certain regions. The TÜV SÜD experts give tips on how to best prepare for your winter trip: "In winter especially, motorists should take a close look at the routes they intend to take and familiarize themselves with the legal regulations in wintry conditions", says Lang. 

Mind how you tread in Austria: In the country of Innsbruck and Vienna, the requirement to use winter tyres demands a minimum tread depth of four millimetres. Motorists whose tyres fail to fulfil the minimum tread depth may use snow chains as an alternative to comply with the regulations.

However, according to TÜV SÜD this is not advisable. "Snow chains are no alternative to winter tyres", says Lang. Apart from this, the use of snow chains is subject to certain restrictions in Austria: snow chains may only be used on roads that are largely covered by snow and ice. The situation-based requirement to use winter tyres applies between 1 November and 15 April in wintry conditions; in other words, when roads are covered by snow, slush or ice, winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels. The fines imposed range from 35 euros for simple violations of the requirement to use winter tyres up to 5,000 euros if other road-users are considered at risk.

Fines in Switzerland: In spite of their alpine scenery, there is no general mandatory requirement to use winter tyres in Switzerland. However, in wintry conditions the use of winter tyres is recommended, because motorists with summer tyres who get stuck on wintry roads and impede road traffic may be fined. In this case, drivers pay the equivalent of 70 euros to the Swiss canton. In the case of an accident, these motorists may also be allotted a significant part of the responsibility for the damage. The compulsory use of snow chains on certain roads is indicated by a road sign, which is incidentally the same sign as in Austria. People violating this obligation are fined 100 Swiss francs. New from 2012 on: After 1 January, drivers who are caught without a 'Motorway Vignette' will be fined 200 Swiss francs instead of 100 as hitherto.

Be prepared in Italy: On the Italian side of the Brenner Pass, the use of winter tyres has also been made compulsory on certain roads as of this season – South Tyrol and the province of Milan opted to make the use of winter tyres compulsory within a certain time period. Between 15 November and 31 March all cars driving in these Italian provinces must have winter tyres. Drivers who are still using their summer tyres after the above date and are stopped by the carabinieri, Polizia Stradale, Polizia di Stato or their law-enforcement colleagues must pay a fine of around 80 euros. Incidentally, the Aosta valley has relied on a similar time-period enforcement for quite some time; the use of winter tyres is compulsory there between 15 October and 15 April. From the river Po to the straits of Messina, the latest storms from Liguria to Sicily demonstrated how violent weather changes can be in Italy, normally thought of as the country of our summer holidays. Essentially, the law is designed to ensure that Italian authorities can make winter equipment compulsory at short notice should there be a sudden onset of wintry weather, either at certain times across the entire country or on individual roads. Warning signs are set up for this purpose. TÜV SÜD advises motorists who use summer tyres and travel in Italy during winter to carry snow chains in the boots of their cars. When mounted to the drive wheels, snow chains are accepted as an alternative.

Look out for the signs in France: Skiers travelling to the Grand Massif may come upon the requirement to use winter equipment on certain routes. In France, the situation-based requirement to use winter tyres is indicated by the road sign "pneus neige" or "pneus hiver".

Drivers caught without winter tyres on these roads are fined 90 euros, while those travelling without snow chains pay 35 euros. France plans to introduce a general requirement to use winter tyres from the 2012/2013 winter season onwards.

Tread check in the Czech Republic: The Bohemian mountains are an increasingly popular destination among winter athletes. All holidaymakers aiming for Pec or Horni Marsov on main roads between 1 November and 31 March need to have winter tyres. On minor side roads, a road sign (showing a car and a snowflake) indicates the requirement to use winter tyres. Winter tyres must have a minimum tread depth of four millimetres. Snow chains on summer tyres are an accepted alternative. In the case of violation of the law, the Czech authorities charge a fine of 80 euros.

Carry a shovel in Sweden: Sweden requires a minimum tread depth of three millimetres. The Scandinavian country also demands that drivers carry a shovel in the boots of their cars between
1 December and 31 March. A sufficient amount of antifreeze in the screen washer is also compulsory to ensure clear vision and recognize obstacles like moose and other animals at an early stage. Another unique Scandinavian regulation says that drivers caught with under-inflated tyres must expect a fine.

Being familiar with national rules: In Germany, cars must use winter or all-season tyres with M+S, M.S, M & S or snow symbol markings on the sidewall, when conditions turn wintry. The minimum tread depth required by law is the same as for summer tyres, i.e. 1.6 millimetres. However, TÜV SÜD experts advise replacing the tyres at a tread depth of four millimetres, because for design reasons, tyre grip –and especially that of winter tyres – deteriorates rapidly once tread depth falls below four millimetres. According to the new German regulation, wintry road conditions are defined as roads covered by slush, snow or ice. Drivers caught with summer tyres in these conditions are fined 40 euros. Motorists with summer tyres who obstruct traffic risk an 80-euro fine and the addition of one penalty point to their driving licence. But beware: in contrast to Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic, snow chains are not considered a valid alternative.

Cross-border enforcement: Travellers hoping to escape fines collected abroad are in for a disappointment. Since October 2010 collection of all fines of 70 euros and above has been pursued across the EU.

Go for colour: Germans travelling abroad also have to remember that carrying a high-visibility vest is compulsory in many countries. In Austria, these "safety vests" must even be carried inside the passenger compartment. If the car breaks down on the motorway, passengers must be able to put on the vest before they get out of the car. The bright colour also helps drivers to stay safe while fitting their snow chains.

Well-prepared: Carrying a shovel in the boot of one's car makes good sense even for drivers outside Sweden – for example if they have to free their car from a snow drift. Other important items of winter equipment include an ice scraper, an anti-mist cloth for the windscreen, a hand broom to brush off snow, a torch with functioning batteries for emergencies and a warm blanket and gloves to keep you warm in traffic congestions.

Note for editorial staff: The photo can be downloaded in printable resolution from the "Current Press Photos" category at www.tuev-sued.de/pressefotos.

Contact: Frank Volk