Several European countries are adjusting regulations regarding winter tyres and equipment for trucks this year, with Germany among the nations making changes.
Tyre manufacturer Continental has published its annual guide to winter tyre requirements for trucks across Europe. New regulations will apply in a few countries for the 2024/2025 winter season.
Germany Winter tyre regulations in Germany will see changes this year. Previously, motor vehicles in Germany needed to be equipped with winter tyres bearing the Alpine symbol (3PMSF – a pictogram of a mountain with a snowflake) in winter conditions.
For commercial vehicles in classes N2 and N3 (those with a gross vehicle weight above 3.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes, and those over 12 tonnes), it was mandatory to equip at least the permanently driven axle wheels and the front steered axle wheels with winter tyres.
As of 1 October this year, the regulations in Germany have changed. From this date onward, M+S tyres are no longer permitted as winter tyres; only models marked with the ‘Alpine’ symbol (depicting a mountain peak and snowflake) are now allowed.
In Germany, the requirement for winter tyres depends on weather conditions: in cases of black ice, slippery snow, slush, ice, or frost, “suitable winter tyres are required” (according to § 2(3a) of the StVO – German Road Traffic Ordinance).
Penalties in Germany for non-compliance with these regulations include:
- €60 fine for using unsuitable tyres,
- €80 fine and 1 penalty point for causing an obstruction or disturbance in traffic due to unsuitable tyres,
- €100 fine and 1 penalty point for creating a dangerous situation with unsuitable tyres, and
- €120 fine and 1 penalty point for causing an accident due to unsuitable tyres.
Slovakia New rules will also be implemented this season in Slovakia. Trucks over 3.5 tonnes are now required to have 3PMSF winter tyres on the drive axle, with a minimum tread depth of 3 mm, from 15 November to 31 March. Previously, M+S tyres were permitted during this period.
Sweden In winter conditions, vehicles must have a minimum tread depth of 5 mm on all axles, except trailers, which require only 1.6 mm. Vehicles with a gross weight over 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with 3PMSF, POR, or studded tyres on the front and drive axle. M+S tyres are also permitted on other axles. The use of M+S tyres on all axles is allowed until 30 November 2024.
Hungary Until now, Hungary had no specific regulations regarding truck tyres. Starting this season, tyres with a diameter greater than 750 mm must have a minimum tread depth of 3 mm year-round.
