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In Germany, vehicles must have snow or all-weather tires when driving on snowy or icy roads.
Motorists who don’t obey these regulations risk paying a fine, and auto insurances can refuse to pay for the damage in case of an accident due to wrong tires, said officials at the German automobile club ADAC.
Also, Germany’s neighboring countries and countries known for their winter sports areas have strict regulations for driving on ice and snow. Austria does not have a general obligation for snow tires. But snow chains or snow tires are needed on snowy, icy roads and on snow slush.
All-weather tires are considered as snow tires, if they are labeled with the letters M + S. This applies from Nov. 1 to April 15. If there is a blue traffic sign showing a tire with snow chains, then only vehicles with snow chains are authorized to use that road.
In Italy, snow chains or snow tires are required for some specific roads. In the Aosta Valley vehicles must have snow tires from Oct. 15 to April 15.
In France officials can demand, on short notice, an obligation for snow chains on mountain roads by putting up the corresponding signs. The chains have to be mounted on the driving axle.
Switzerland does not generally request snow tires, but there is a risk of high fines when driving with inappropriate tires causes an obstruction of traffic. Motorists without snow tires causing an accident on snow or ice must anticipate a major joint liability.
Several countries request snow tires for a specific time frame: Slovenia: Nov. 15 to March 15; Finland: Dec. 1 to the end of February; Lithuania: Nov. 1 to April 1; and Estonia: Dec. 1 to March 31; if necessary the time can be changed in Estonia from October to April.
In Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Poland, Bulgaria and Norway the choice of tires is left with the motorist. In these countries, it is also authorized to mount snow chains when the streets are covered with snow or ice.
Some general information:
When temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius (48 degrees Fahrenheit), snow tires demonstrate their good qualities. Summer tires harden in cold weather and lose their grip.
Snow tires should not be older than six to eight years and the tread should be at least four millimeters or 0.16 inches. Because of their special rubber mixture, snow tires also have a better grip on icy and wet roads, increasing safety.
(Courtesy of ADAC)
