Driving to Austria this winter? From Sunday 1 November, winter tyres are once again compulsory there in wintry conditions. And the police in Tyrol have announced that they will be stepping up checks over the coming weeks. Anyone caught on summer tyres in snow or ice can expect a fine.
Austria has what is known as a situational winter tyre rule. On a dry, sunny November day, you can still drive on summer tyres. But as soon as there is snow, slush or ice on the road, your car needs winter tyres, and on all four wheels. The rule applies every year from 1 November to 15 April.
On 28 October, the Tyrol State Police Directorate announced that officers will be paying extra attention to winter equipment over the coming weeks. They will check whether cars are fitted with winter tyres and whether lorries over 3.5 tonnes are carrying snow chains. According to the police, offences will be dealt with firmly.
The reason for the crackdown is simple: in icy conditions, a single car or lorry on the wrong tyres can block the road for everyone. Think of an HGV getting stuck on a steep incline. The police therefore advise drivers not to set off without proper winter equipment from now on.
The police are urging drivers to get their cars ready for winter in good time. Don't just check your tyres and tread depth, but also your lights, wipers and antifreeze. And adjust your speed to the conditions and keep a safe distance.
For cars and vans up to 3.5 tonnes, the rule depends on the weather. Lorries and coaches face stricter rules: they must have winter tyres fitted throughout the winter period, even when the roads are dry.
In theory, you can drive in Austria on summer tyres with snow chains. In practice, it rarely works. Chains may only be used when the road is almost completely covered in snow or ice, and they have to come off again on clear or wet roads. So stick to winter tyres and keep the chains for emergencies.
In Austria, tyres marked M+S, M.S. or M&S count as winter tyres, as do tyres with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF). They also need at least 4 mm of tread, or 5 mm for older cross-ply tyres. All-season tyres are allowed too, as long as they carry one of these markings. Most UK cars run on summer tyres all year round, so check your set-up well before you leave. And if your route takes you through Germany, bear in mind that only tyres with the snowflake symbol have counted as winter tyres there since October 2024.
If you see a round blue sign showing a tyre with snow chains, you must fit chains, even if you are on winter tyres. Only an additional plate below the sign can make an exception. Your chains must meet the Austrian standard (ÖNORM), and the speed limit with chains is 50 km/h. Snow socks are not accepted as a full replacement for chains in Austria.
If you're caught without winter tyres in wintry conditions, you will usually pay around €100, according to the Austrian motoring club ÖAMTC. If you endanger other road users, the fine can in theory go up to €10,000. You could also run into trouble with your insurance after an accident. The rules apply to UK-registered cars too.
You'll find all the rules in detail in our in-depth guide to winter tyres in Austria. Also useful: our tips for driving in the mountains.
Meet Mike, Editor-in-Chief and co-owner of Snowplaza. As a seasoned winter sports expert and former ski instructor, he shares his unique knowledge of ski resorts, technique, and gear.
