Winter tires in Germany: check the marking and conditions
Ask a tire shop to check your car before winter travel. The tire marking matters, and the legal requirement follows road conditions rather than a universal seasonal date.
Last recorded review: 2026-08-12. Requirements can change; confirm with the linked source or responsible office. Boris is independent of the DoD.
Look for the Alpine symbol
German StVZO §36 identifies winter tires by the mountain-and-snowflake Alpine symbol. Do not rely on “M+S” lettering alone when checking whether your tires meet the winter-tire definition. Have the shop inspect the actual tires fitted to your vehicle.
Plan around the conditions
Germany’s penalty schedule covers driving without the required winter tires in conditions such as ice, snow, slush and frost. A calendar rule of thumb is not a substitute for checking conditions and the legal requirement. If conditions exceed your vehicle or driving capability, change the trip rather than pressing on.
Ask the shop the useful questions
Bring your vehicle and tire details and explain where you expect to drive. Ask the shop to confirm suitability, condition and the manufacturer’s requirements.
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