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Does anybody understand the German snow tire law?

Posted by (Durham) on

(After plenty of googling, I'm starting to think the answer is no.)

I had adjusted our route to avoid the mountains, but the forecast is for snow anyway. So I'm back to needing to figure this out!

Gemut.com says "The good news is if you’re not in the mountains, your chances of actually driving on snow are pretty small. And when it does snow in Germany, roads are quickly cleared."

Doe that mean that the law applies only if you're actually driving literally on snow, as in there's snow on the road? But that generally the roads are cleared, so it's OK?

More specifically, we're planning to drive from Munich to Rothenburg and then the Romantic Road from Rothenburg to Fussen in about two weeks.

Posted by
57 posts

Found this on the "How to Germany" website (howtogermany.com) -- "Driving on snow-covered roads is permitted only if your car is equipped with winter tires. Use of regular tires can result in a fine and, much worse, loss of your insurance coverage in the event of an accident." I'm assuming it only involves snow covered roads (but then if it's snowing while you're driving the road will be covered anyway). I would ask the car rental company about it. I'm sure they know about the law & would make the necessary accomodations for their vehicles.

Posted by
12313 posts

I recently moved East from Washington State where I had to drive a rental accross the mountains regularly. The rental companies always put on snow rated tires (studs aren't required) during winter months.

I would be amazed if rental companies in Germany didn't do the same. I would ask the rental company but expect them to provide proper tires.

And yes, snow tires are not required (at least on Cascade, Rockies and Canadian Rockies passes) when the roads are clear. Only when there is snow and ice on the road. It might be good to learn German for "Snow tires advised" and "Snow tires required".

Posted by
2779 posts

It means that on roads with winter conditions (snow, ice) if you cause an accident (no matter if you caused it due to poor tyre equipment or not) your insurance company doesn't HAVE TO pay for any claims because of your lack to comply with appropriate equipment of your car. Also if you get involved in an accident even though you didn't cause it the other party's insurance doesn't have to pay your claims in full because of your lack to comply with the recommendations. In Austria it's different: There it is ILLEGAL to drive with summer tyres in winter. If you get caught, even on a dry and sunny mild winter day, you get fined pretty heaviy.

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