Winter Tyre Rules In Austria: What You Need To Know

Winter tyres are compulsory in Austria from 1 November to 15 April in winter conditions. This applies to cars, motorhomes, and lorries weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, such as lorries and buses, are subject to different regulations and are required to have winter tyres fitted during this period regardless of the weather conditions. Winter tyres provide much-needed grip on wintry roads and help ensure the safety of drivers and other road users.

Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 November to 15 April in winter conditions

Winter tyres are mandatory in Austria from 1 November to 15 April in winter conditions. This applies to passenger cars, trucks, and motorhomes with a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes. During this period, it is compulsory to have winter tyres fitted on all four wheels when driving in snowy, icy, or slushy conditions.

For vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes, such as larger trucks and buses, there are slightly different requirements. These vehicles must have winter tyres fitted to at least one driven axle during the mandated period, regardless of the weather conditions.

The law defines winter conditions as the presence of snow, sludge, or ice on the road. It is important to note that winter tyres are not just recommended but legally required during the specified period when such conditions are present.

The requirement to fit winter tyres applies only when the vehicle is being driven. From 1 November to 15 April, if your vehicle is parked and not in use, it is not necessary to have winter tyres fitted.

There are exemptions to the winter tyre requirement for certain vehicles, including those belonging to law enforcement, the armed forces, or the fire brigade, where winter tyres cannot be fitted due to their design or primary intended purpose.

It is also worth noting that there are specific requirements for the type of winter tyres used. To qualify as a winter tyre, it must carry the labels "M+S", "M.S.", "M&S", or display a snowflake symbol. All-weather and all-year-round tyres are considered suitable if they have one of these labels.

In addition to the winter tyre requirements, drivers should be aware of the minimum tread depth requirements for their tyres. Radial tyres, the most common type, must have a minimum tread depth of 4 millimetres, while cross-ply or diagonal tyres need a depth of 5 millimetres.

Failing to comply with the winter tyre regulations in Austria can result in fines. Driving in winter conditions without the appropriate tyres can incur a fine of €35, and if other road users are endangered as a result, the fine can increase to up to €5,000. In the event of an accident, there is a reverse burden of proof, meaning the driver must prove that the accident would have occurred even with winter tyres fitted.

Winter tyres must be fitted to all four wheels of vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes

Winter tyres are compulsory in Austria for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. This regulation applies to all cars and motorhomes in this weight class and is in effect from November 1 to April 15. During this period, it is mandatory to have winter tyres fitted to all four wheels when driving in wintry conditions, such as snow, sludge, or ice on the road.

The requirement to fit winter tyres only applies to vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, and they must be fitted when the vehicle is being driven. For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, such as lorries and buses, different regulations are in place. These vehicles must have winter tyres fitted to at least one driven axle during the prescribed period, regardless of the presence of snow on the roads.

It is important to note that winter tyres are recognised by specific markings. Look out for the labels "M+S", "M.S.", "M&S", or the snowflake symbol, which may appear with or without the other labels. These markings indicate that the tyres are designed for winter conditions and will provide the necessary traction and safety.

In addition to the tyre requirements, it is also compulsory to maintain a minimum tread depth. Radial tyres, the most common type, must have a tread depth of at least 4 millimetres, while cross-ply or diagonal tyres need to be at least 5 millimetres.

Failing to comply with these winter tyre regulations can result in fines. If you are caught driving without the appropriate tyres during winter conditions, you risk a fine of €60. However, if other road users are endangered due to your lack of winter equipment, the fine can increase to €5,000 or more. In the event of an accident, drivers using summer tyres must prove that the accident would have occurred even with winter tyres; otherwise, they will be deemed at least partially at fault.

To ensure your safety and compliance with the law, it is essential to equip your vehicle with winter tyres during the specified period if you plan to drive in Austria.

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must have winter tyres on at least one driven axle

In Austria, winter tyres are mandatory for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes from 1 November to 15 April, regardless of the weather conditions. This rule applies to all vehicles over the weight limit, including lorries, buses, and motorhomes. For these heavier vehicles, winter tyres must be fitted to at least one driven axle. In addition, snow chains must be carried within the vehicle and readily available for use.

The requirement to fit winter tyres to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes is in place at all times during the prescribed period, whether there is snow on the roads or not. This regulation ensures that vehicles are suitably equipped to handle potential winter conditions, such as snowy, icy, or slushy roads. It is important to note that winter tyres in Austria are defined by specific markings and tread depth requirements, which must be adhered to for compliance.

The mandatory tread depth for winter tyres in Austria is 4 millimetres for radial tyres and 5 millimetres for diagonal tyres. To qualify as a winter tyre, the tyre must bear certain markings. Look out for the labels "M+S", "M.S.", or "M&S", which stand for "mud and snow". Alternatively, a snowflake symbol, either alone or accompanied by the aforementioned labels, also indicates a recognised winter tyre.

It is important to comply with these regulations, as failing to do so can result in hefty fines. If a driver is involved in an accident during winter conditions while using summer tyres, they must prove that the accident would have occurred even with winter tyres. Non-compliance may also result in insurance companies refusing to pay out claims.

By adhering to these regulations, motorists can help ensure their safety and the safety of other road users when travelling on Austrian roads during the winter season.

Snow chains can be used as an alternative to winter tyres in certain conditions

In Austria, snow chains are mandatory in certain mountain areas and on certain roads. They should only be used when the road is covered in snow or ice to avoid damaging the road surface.

Snow chains can be used as an alternative to winter tyres for private cars and goods vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. They must be fitted to at least two drive wheels. However, this is only permitted when the road is covered in snow or ice.

If you are driving a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes, you must carry snow chains for at least two drive wheels from 1 November to 15 April.

It is worth noting that snow chains are not recommended for use on summer tyres in alpine areas, as weather conditions can change rapidly. Summer tyres without chains offer little grip when driving on snow or ice.

If you are driving in Austria during the winter, it is a good idea to carry snow chains in your vehicle. This will ensure you are prepared for any road conditions and can comply with local regulations.

Fines for non-compliance range from €35 to €5,000

Winter tyres are compulsory in Austria from 1 November to 15 April. During this period, motorists must have appropriate winter equipment on their vehicles. This means that drivers using the roads in wintry conditions must have winter tyres fitted to all four wheels. Alternatively, snow chains can be fitted to at least two of the driven wheels.

The requirement to fit winter tyres or snow chains applies to cars and lorries weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, such as lorries and buses, winter tyres are mandatory from 1 November to 15 April, and 1 November to 15 March, respectively. These vehicles must have winter tyres fitted to at least one of the driven axles.

Fines for non-compliance with these regulations range from €35 to €5,000. The base fine for driving in winter conditions without winter tyres or snow chains is €35. However, if other road users are endangered as a result of this violation, the fine can increase to up to €5,000. Additionally, drivers involved in accidents while using summer tyres may be deemed partially at fault and face insurance complications if they cannot prove that the accident would have occurred even with winter tyres or snow chains.

To avoid fines and ensure safety on Austrian roads during winter, it is essential to comply with the winter tyre and snow chain requirements.

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