Where to Ski And Snowboard - Germany to tighten winter tyre law

Germany to tighten winter tyre law

2nd November 2010, by Chris Gill

Motorists heading for Germany’s ski areas this winter will need to ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with tyres for driving in snow and mud, if the transport minister has his way.

According to a local interview with Bild news, Peter Ramsauer announced plans to tighten the legal requirements for winter driving – which he calls vague at present. He insists that owners should be responsible for making sure their vehicles have safe and suitable tyres, meeting winter specifications. Until now that has rested with the manufacturers’ labelling.

He said: ‘We have to act quickly. It cannot be that a free pass is given for dangerously sliding on ice. The provisions of the road traffic regulation are therefore being overhauled. We will, on an interim basis, introduce an obligation to use winter tyres. Anyone who drives in snow and mud during winter with unsuitable tyres is endangering themselves and others.’

This ought to mean that cars hired at German airports should come fitted with winter tyres as standard – but it is still worth checking.

The new ruling is likely to apply for this winter. Beyond that, reports suggest a European regulation is planned and could take effect in the next year or two.