Which type of tyre is needed as a visitor to Germany.

Winter tyres are a legal requirement in Germany. This is national legislation and as a visitor you can fit tyres that meet your own country’s requirements. However you can be given an on the spot fine if you hold up traffic due to unsuitable tyres. For example if you are going into mountainous regions you will need snow chains.

Thanks, I’ve always intended to take chains for all four wheels, but my own country regulations don’t require me to have winter tyres (England), and as we don’t really have the severe winters that would make them a necessity I am reluctant to fit them for just the one trip.

@thetas49 Just make sure your tyres can accommodate snow chains and you are ready for travel in France and Germany.

I’ve just read in my vehicle handbook that I cannot fit chains to my wheels, they’re too big at 17inches, (Jaguar X-type), I think I’d better fly it’ll be cheaper.

The legislation changed yesterday November 29, 2010. You need tyres with the “M+S” label which means Schnee und Matsch (snow and slush) whenever roads and streets are exposed to winter conditions. In theory, if you are lucky and the temperature never goes below, say 5 degrees Celsius during your visit you wouldn’t need winter tyres. An alternative would be to stop the car as soon as the conditions arise and park it and use other means of transportation such as trains or buses.

Thanks Matt, I’ve already ordered chains for low profile tyres, all four wheels because its four wheel drive, and decided on the public transport option when necessary. My insurance company assures me that my policy will be valid as long as my car conforms to the legal requirements in this country, so I think I’m set to go! I’ve got loads of snow driving experience and am not bothered by the prospect of bad conditions, just don’t want to be deemed “illegal”.
Oh and I speak fluent German.

Na denn, viel Spaß. Im Moment haben wir hier überall viel Schnee.

Ich Danke auch, ich hoffe mindestens das die Autobahns sind ohne Kette fahrbahr!

Ja, meistens. Da wird viel Salz gestreut. Aber es gibt in seltenen Fällen so viel Schnee dass Ketten nichts bringen, weil der ganze Verkehr zum Stillstand kommt. Manchmal müssen die Autofahrer dann im Auto schlafen. Am besten eine Decke und was zum Trinken mitnehmen. Manchmal bringt das Rote Kreuz auch warmen Tee.

Am besten einen Tag vorher die Wettervorhersage im Fernsehen schauen. Und dann erst entscheiden.