Winter Tire Requirements in Germany: Complete Rental Car Guide 2025

**✅ Last Verified: January 2025 | Next Update: July 2025**\n\n# Winter Tire Requirements in Germany: Complete Rental Car Guide 2025 Germany's winter tire laws are among the strictest in Europe, and getting caught without proper winter equipment can result in hefty fines and insurance complications. This guide covers everything rental car drivers need to know about winter tire requirements in Germany. ## The Legal Reality **Mandatory Period**: October 1st - April 15th (weather-dependent) **Fine**: €60 + 1 point on license **With obstruction**: €80 + 1 point **Causing accident**: €120 + 1 point + potential insurance issues ### What Most Guides Miss - **Insurance void risk**: Your travel insurance may not cover accidents if you're driving illegally without winter tires - **Rental company liability**: You're personally responsible for fines, not the rental company - **Cross-border complications**: Different rules apply when driving to Austria, Switzerland, or France - **All-season tire confusion**: Not all "all-season" tires meet German legal requirements ## Legal Requirements Explained ### The "Situational Requirement" (Situative Winterreifenpflicht) Germany doesn't have fixed dates but requires winter tires when conditions demand them: **Mandatory conditions:** - Snow on roads - Ice formation - Slush (slippery road conditions) - Black ice potential - Temperatures consistently below 7°C with precipitation ### Tire Specifications **Legal markings required:** - **M+S** (Mud + Snow) - minimum requirement - **Alpine symbol** (snowflake in mountain) - preferred and mandatory for tires manufactured after 2018 - **Minimum tread depth**: 1.6mm (legally), 4mm recommended **What qualifies:** - Winter tires (Winterreifen) - All-season tires with proper markings - Snow chains on summer tires (emergency only, specific conditions) *Last verified: January 2025*