Can I drive without winter tyres in Austria?
It depends on the weather — Austria has a situational winter-tyre duty. From 1 November to 15 April, in wintry driving conditions (snow, slush or ice) you must run winter tyres on all four wheels. On a dry, snow- and ice-free road, summer tyres are allowed even in January. Winter tyres are those marked M+S (or the Alpine snowflake) with at least 4 mm tread. Alternatively: summer tyres plus snow chains on the driven wheels, but only with a continuous snow/ice cover. Lorries and buses over 3.5 t, by contrast, have a fixed calendar duty. In short: no winter tyres only in non-wintry conditions.
📋 The rules
- Situational duty 1 Nov – 15 Apr
- Compulsory only in snow, slush or ice
- Winter tyres on all four wheels
- Marked M+S, min. 4 mm tread
- Alternative snow chains on snow cover
🔓 Exceptions
- Mopeds, mofas and motorcycles are exempt
- Lorries/buses over 3.5 t: fixed calendar duty, 5 mm tread
- Studded tyres allowed 1 Oct – 31 May (speed limits, sticker)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving without winter tyres in wintry conditions risks a fine of about €100; if others are endangered, up to €10,000 is possible and police can stop the journey. After a winter crash on summer tyres, the insurer can seek recourse (up to about €11,000) and comprehensive cover may lapse. Beware a myth: "winter tyres are compulsory on a fixed date in Austria like in Germany" is false — the duty is situational, tied to the road; on a dry day in January summer tyres are legal. Tip: switch to winter tyres whenever there's snow, for liability and insurance reasons alone.
📎 Official sources
- ÖAMTC · winter tyre rule Austria →
- oesterreich.gv.at · winter equipment →
- RIS · Motor Vehicles Act (KFG) →
❓ Frequently asked
When does the winter-tyre rule apply?
From 1 November to 15 April a situational winter-tyre duty applies. That means you must run winter tyres only when wintry driving conditions exist, namely snow, slush or ice on the road. On a dry road, summer tyres are allowed.
Which tyres count as winter tyres?
Winter tyres are those marked M+S, M.S. or M&S, and all-season tyres with that mark, each with at least 4 millimetres of tread. The Alpine snowflake is recommended but not legally required. They must be fitted on all four wheels.
Can I drive on summer tyres with chains?
Yes, as an alternative to winter tyres you may drive on summer tyres plus snow chains on at least the driven wheels. But this is only allowed where the road is largely continuously covered with snow or ice. On a clear road, chains are not permitted.
What does a breach cost?
Driving without winter tyres in wintry conditions risks about €100. If other road users are endangered, up to €10,000 is possible. After a crash, the insurer may also seek recourse and reduce comprehensive cover.
Does the rule apply to motorcycles?
No. Mopeds, mofas and motorcycles are exempt from the winter-tyre duty. For lorries and buses over 3.5 tonnes, by contrast, a fixed calendar duty applies, with its own minimum tread depth and snow chains to be carried.
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