Winter tyres in Germany: the rules, the fines and what your car insurance does on summer tyres
Germany has no fixed date for switching to winter tyres – instead, the obligation depends on the weather. If you are caught driving on summer tyres in icy or snowy conditions, you pay a fine and get a penalty point. An accident can cost much more: your motor liability insurance always pays the other party, but your Kasko cover may reduce its payment and your liability insurer may, in some cases, claim money back from you. Here is what the rules say and how the wrong tyres can affect your insurance.
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When winter tyres are required
The rule is situational (§ 2(3a) of the German Road Traffic Regulations, StVO): in conditions of black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost, you may only drive a car if all wheels are fitted with winter-capable tyres. The law sets no fixed date. A common rule of thumb is "O to O" – roughly from October (Oktober) to Easter (Ostern). If you do not want to fit winter tyres, you must leave the car at home in wintry conditions.
Which tyres are allowed
- Alpine symbol: tyres count as winter-capable if they carry the Alpine symbol (a mountain pictogram with a snowflake, also called 3PMSF) under § 36(4) of the Road Vehicles Registration and Licensing Regulations (StVZO). This also applies to all-season tyres with that symbol.
- M+S alone is no longer enough: tyres marked only "M+S" could be used under a transition rule until 30 September 2024 at the latest. Since 1 October 2024 they no longer meet the winter tyre requirement.
- Tread depth: the legal minimum is 1.6 millimetres. Experts recommend replacing winter tyres at around 4 millimetres, because grip on snow drops sharply as the tread wears.
Fines and penalty points
| Offence | Standard fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Driving in wintry conditions without winter-capable tyres | €60 | 1 |
| … and obstructing other road users | €80 | 1 |
| Vehicle keeper orders or allows the journey | €75 | 1 |
Source: German fines catalogue (BKatV), entries 5a, 5a.1 and 213a. Higher fines are possible if others are endangered or property is damaged.
Accident on summer tyres: what insurance pays
- Motor liability (Haftpflicht): it always pays the victim's damage. However, if you breached your obligations it may take recourse against you as the policyholder – according to the insurer HUK-COBURG, up to 5,000 euros.
- Vollkasko: Kasko may reduce payment for damage to your own car if you acted with gross negligence – for example by knowingly setting off on summer tyres in snowy conditions (§ 81 VVG, model terms AKB A.2.9.1). The reduction depends on how serious the fault was. Many tariffs fully or partly waive this defence – check your terms.
- Teilkasko: the gross negligence rule applies here too if the damage results from it.
- If you are the victim: if you were not at fault but were driving on summer tyres, you may be held partly liable if the wrong tyres contributed to the damage – for instance through a longer braking distance. The other driver's insurer then pays only part of your damage.
An accident where your liability or Vollkasko insurer pays also leads to a downgrade of your SF class: SF class after an accident. What to do after a crash: car accident in Germany – what to do.
What to look for in your policy
- Waiver of the gross negligence defence in Kasko – and whether it applies without exceptions.
- Game collisions and icy-road accidents: a collision with game animals is covered by Teilkasko; a skid without any third party involved only by Vollkasko. More: Haftpflicht, Teilkasko and Vollkasko explained.
- Deductible: with more small dents in winter, check whether a higher deductible suits your budget: how to lower your premium.
Frequently asked questions about winter tyres in Germany
Are winter tyres mandatory in Germany?
Yes, but not by date. In black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost, all wheels must have winter-capable tyres.
Are M+S tyres still allowed?
Not as winter tyres. Since 1 October 2024 the Alpine symbol is required; tyres marked only M+S no longer count in wintry conditions.
Does insurance pay for an accident on summer tyres?
Liability insurance always pays the other party, but may claim back a limited amount from you. Kasko may reduce payment for gross negligence unless your tariff waives this.
What is the fine for driving without winter tyres?
€60 and one point, or €80 and one point if you obstruct others. A vehicle keeper who allows the journey pays €75 and also gets a point.
Can I use all-season tyres?
Yes, if they carry the Alpine symbol. They then meet the winter tyre requirement.
Next step
Want to know whether your Kasko pays in cases of gross negligence? Compare tariffs by PLZ before winter. Compare car insurance by PLZ
Note: General information without guarantee; not legal or insurance advice. Fines as per the current German fines catalogue; whether and how much an insurer reduces payment or takes recourse depends on the individual case and the terms (AKB) of your policy. Last updated: October 2026.