🛒 Which winter tyres can I buy in Austria?

With conditions

Quick answer

Any tyre that is marked as a winter tyre and has enough tread. In Austria a tyre only counts as a winter tyre if it is marked M+S, M.S. or M&S or carries the snowflake symbol — so an all-season tyre counts only with that marking. It needs at least 4 mm of tread (radial tyres; 5 mm for cross-ply), otherwise it may only be used as a summer tyre. From 1 November to 15 April, on snow, slush or ice, winter tyres must be fitted on all wheels, of the same construction and size. There is no official price: get quotes from at least three sellers and compare the total including fitting. The free GISA trade register query shows whether a business holds a trade licence.

📋 What the law requires

Winter tyres on all wheels from 1 November to 15 April when there is snow, slush or ice on the road (cars and vans up to 3.5 t). Where the road is covered by a continuous layer of snow or ice, snow chains on at least two driven wheels are also enough (§ 102(8a) KFG).
Marking: a tyre only counts as a winter tyre if it is marked M+S, M.S. or M&S, with the snowflake symbol as well or on its own. All-season tyres count as winter tyres only with this marking.
At least 4 mm of tread on radial tyres and 5 mm on cross-ply tyres, measured in the middle of the tread, the part that covers about three quarters of its width. Below that, the tyre may only be used as a summer tyre (at least 1.6 mm).
Same construction and size on all wheels of a car up to 3.5 t; if the car's approval says otherwise, at least on each axle. Winter tyres and other tyres may not be fitted together on one axle. Neither rule applies to a spare wheel used only for a short distance, such as to the nearest garage (§ 4 KDV).
Speed: winter tyres must match the car's design speed, or be rated for at least 160 km/h if the car is faster. If the tyres' maximum speed is below the car's, it must be clearly displayed where the driver can see it.

🔓 Checklist before you buy

The EU tyre label: on new non-studded tyres it must be stuck on the tyre at the point of sale or shown printed next to it. It shows classes A–E for fuel efficiency and wet grip, rolling noise in dB and whether the tyre is made for severe snow or ice. If you cannot see the tyres when you buy, the dealer must give you a copy of the label first; in any advertisement with a price, online too, the label sits next to the price (Regulation (EU) 2020/740).
Studded tyres: only for vehicles up to 3.5 t, on all wheels that transmit force to the road, and not from June to September. Studs may only go into brand-new tyres or retreaded tyres not yet used, fitted by an authorised trader who gives you a written confirmation for each tyre; at most 110 studs per tyre on rims up to 13 inches, 130 otherwise. With studs: at most 100 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on other roads outside built-up areas, and a standard stud sticker at the rear.
Second-hand tyres: measure the tread (4 mm for winter) and look for cracks or tread separation reaching the carcass — such tyres are not allowed. Car tyres must not have been regrooved, and studs may not be added to second-hand tyres later. Second-hand tyres usually do not need an EU tyre label.
Where to buy: tyre dealers, garages, car dealers or online shops. The free public query of the GISA trade register shows whether a business holds a trade licence, and which one. Only an authorised trader may repair tyres, and must issue a written confirmation for each tyre.
Bought online or by phone: you can withdraw within 14 days without giving a reason. The period starts when you receive the tyres, or, if you have them delivered to a garage you named, when the garage receives them (§ 11 FAGG). This right does not apply to purchases in a shop.
Snow chains must meet the Austrian standard ÖNORM V 5117 or V 5119; equivalent products from other EU countries are also allowed (§ 4(7) KDV).

⚠️ Prices and fines

There is no official price for winter tyres, fitting, balancing or storage. Get quotes from at least three sellers for the same job and compare the total: tyres, studs if you want them, fitting, balancing and, if needed, storing your other set. For new tyres, the EU tyre label helps you compare. The wrong tyres can cost you: a breach of the Motor Vehicles Act or its implementing regulation is an administrative offence carrying a fine of up to €10,000 (§ 134 KFG). Problems after the purchase, such as a defect? See the page “Exchanges & returns”.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-10-25

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❓ Frequently asked

When do I need winter tyres in winter 2026/27?

Austria's winter tyre rule is situational: it applies from 1 November 2026 to 15 April 2027, but only in wintry road conditions such as snow, slush or ice. On a dry road you may drive on summer tyres even in that period. Lorries over 3.5 t, by contrast, always need winter tyres in that period, at least on one driven axle.

Do all-season tyres count as winter tyres?

Only if they are marked M+S, M.S. or M&S or carry the snowflake symbol, and only with at least 4 mm of tread on radial tyres. Without that marking they do not count as winter tyres in snow, slush or ice. So check the marking on the tyre before you buy.

How much do winter tyres and a tyre change cost?

There is no official price. Get quotes from at least three sellers for the same job — tyres, fitting, balancing and, if needed, storage — and compare the total. For new non-studded tyres, the classes on the EU tyre label help you compare.

Can I buy second-hand winter tyres?

Yes, if they meet the rules: at least 4 mm of tread on radial tyres, the M+S or snowflake marking, and no cracks or tread separation reaching the carcass. Car tyres must not have been regrooved, and studs may not be added to second-hand tyres later.

How do I check a tyre dealer or a garage?

The free public query of the GISA trade register (Gewerbeinformationssystem Austria) shows whether a business holds a trade licence, and which one. For every tyre a trader studs or repairs, the trader must issue a written confirmation — ask for it. Compare quotes from at least three sellers before you order.

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