Winter Tyres And Driving In Germany

[Johnb]

I have tried to send a direct message to Lutz but am told such messages are not allowed on this forum. I was not aware such a restriction was in operation so here is the question which I'm sure Lutz could answer but maybe others too.

We are driving in Germany later this year (March 12th to March 19th approximately. We will be taking the Hull Rotterdam ferry (no caravan) and driving in the Wuppertal area (East of Dusseldorf).

My wife sings with a choir and they are taking part in an International Competition. We caravan in Europe every year, including Germany, but always in the warmer part of the year.

My wife has just returned home from visiting a neighbour (who is German) and has been told that we must have "winter tyres" for Germany.

My understanding is that if conditions such as ice and snow exist then you are expected to drive with winter tyres. If involved in an accident without them there could be/will be insurance issues and the police can fine you if stopped when driving in snow/ice etc without them if they deem it an avoidable risk.

However, my understanding is it is not mandatory per se to drive with winter tyres providing the road conditions are suitable - basically roads are clear and trips over mountain passes not attempted!

I'm hoping that my summer tyres (tread depth at least 4/5 mm) will be fine.

Any thoughts please?

John

 

[otherclive]

I have tried to send a direct message to Lutz but am told such messages are not allowed on this forum. I was not aware such a restriction was in operation so here is the question which I'm sure Lutz could answer but maybe others too.

We are driving in Germany later this year (March 12th to March 19th approximately. We will be taking the Hull Rotterdam ferry (no caravan) and driving in the Wuppertal area (East of Dusseldorf).

My wife sings with a choir and they are taking part in an International Competition. We caravan in Europe every year, including Germany, but always in the warmer part of the year.

My wife has just returned home from visiting a neighbour (who is German) and has been told that we must have "winter tyres" for Germany.

My understanding is that if conditions such as ice and snow exist then you are expected to drive with winter tyres. If involved in an accident without them there could be/will be insurance issues and the police can fine you if stopped when driving in snow/ice etc without them if they deem it an avoidable risk.

However, my understanding is it is not mandatory per se to drive with winter tyres providing the road conditions are suitable - basically roads are clear and trips over mountain passes not attempted!

I'm hoping that my summer tyres (tread depth at least 4/5 mm) will be fine.

Any thoughts please?

John

Your understanding is correct wrt snow, ice, slush and freezing conditions. But you don’t need dedicated winter tyres, All Seasons with the 3PMS symbol meet the requirements. But if you don’t meet the weather conditions your existing tyres are okay.

Mandatory winter tyres: The rules in Germany and the rest of Europe

In some European countries winter tyres are mandatory for cars. In others they are not mandatory or only under special conditions. Therefore, it should be helpful, before going on holidays, to have a closer look at the corresponding regulations.

www.evz.de

 

[Lutz]

Yes, I can confirm that your understanding is correct.

 

[Johnb]

Thanks Lutz and otherclive.
Whist my understanding seemed to make sense - at least to me - it's good to get confirmation.
Appreciated.

 

[Jcloughie]

I have tried to send a direct message to Lutz but am told such messages are not allowed on this forum. I was not aware such a restriction was in operation so here is the question which I'm sure Lutz could answer but maybe others too.

We are driving in Germany later this year (March 12th to March 19th approximately. We will be taking the Hull Rotterdam ferry (no caravan) and driving in the Wuppertal area (East of Dusseldorf).

My wife sings with a choir and they are taking part in an International Competition. We caravan in Europe every year, including Germany, but always in the warmer part of the year.

My wife has just returned home from visiting a neighbour (who is German) and has been told that we must have "winter tyres" for Germany.

My understanding is that if conditions such as ice and snow exist then you are expected to drive with winter tyres. If involved in an accident without them there could be/will be insurance issues and the police can fine you if stopped when driving in snow/ice etc without them if they deem it an avoidable risk.

However, my understanding is it is not mandatory per se to drive with winter tyres providing the road conditions are suitable - basically roads are clear and trips over mountain passes not attempted!

I'm hoping that my summer tyres (tread depth at least 4/5 mm) will be fine.

Any thoughts please?

John

With regards to personal messaging. You will find answers here.

Important changes to the forum

UPDATE: Direct Messages (DM) have been disabled. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Hey folks, As a result of recent changes within the UK Online Safety Act, we're going to be disabling direct messages between members of the forum. You'll still be able to contact our Administrators...

forums.practicalcaravan.com

John

 

[Johnb]

Thanks John. Must have missed that but I can understand the change. Sadly a reflection of thre world we now live in!

 

[Hutch]

Snow socks for car tyres are now acceptable, instead of snow chains, in most European countries, easier to fit,,

 

[Lutz]

Snow socks for car tyres are now acceptable, instead of snow chains, in most European countries, easier to fit,,

Snow socks and snow chains are of little help in dry sub-zero conditions. Only winter tyres are of any benefit in such a case.

 

[RogerL]

Snow socks and snow chains are of little help in dry sub-zero conditions. Only winter tyres are of any benefit in such a case.

The British public has a perception that winter tyres are all about grip in the snow - whereas winter-rated tyres, ie with 3PMSF symbol, cope better than summer tyres in a wide range of conditions found in winter - specifically for the UK, in cool wet conditions that we often get.