Many drivers are of the opinion that winter tires are generally mandatory in the dark season. So you can't drive summer tires at all?
- The ADAC recommends winter tires from October to Easter.
- But is there a general requirement for winter tires?
- We will inform you about possible fines.
It's officially winter, but the weather doesn't always tell you that. After all, the cold season does not automatically include heavy snow and difficult weather conditions. In a mild winter, there is often hardly any snow and the roads are largely clear. Do winter tires still have to be attached to the car?
Is there a general requirement for winter tires in winter?
It's not that simple. The season and the weather of the previous days are not decisive for whether winter tires have to be attached to the car. According to Section 2 (3) StVO, drivers are only allowed to drive in ice, slippery conditions and snow if the vehicle has the appropriate tires . Conversely, this means that winter tires (Alpine symbol) * are only mandatory if winter conditions actually prevail.
In order not to be surprised by the sudden onset of winter, it makes sense to install winter tires for the cold season anyway - also for insurance reasons, which we will explain later. The ADAC recommends winter tires for the period "from O to O", ie October to Easter.
What happens if I have summer tires on my car in winter conditions?
Anyone who drives summer tires despite the wintry conditions must expect fines . It depends on the degree of severity: As a rule, 60 euros are due, the fine increases to 80 euros in the case of disabilities, 100 euros in the event of a risk and 120 euros as a result of an accident.
Whoever, as the keeper, allows someone to drive his car with unsuitable tires will also be held accountable - with a fine of 75 euros and a point in Flensburg.
Here is an overview of the fines for incorrect tires in winter conditions :
violation | fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
Driving with tires unsuitable for the weather conditions | 60 euro | 1 |
... with disabilities | 80 euro | 1 |
... with danger | 100 euros | 1 |
... with the consequences of an accident | 120 euros | 1 |
Driving or driving with tires unsuitable for the weather conditions is arranged or approved as the holder | 75 euros | 1 |
Source: bussgeld-info.de
The only exception, where the car is allowed to wear summer tires in winter conditions, is when it is parked. This applies, for example, to drivers who leave the car standing over the winter anyway.
Also interesting : Buy winter tires: when is the right time?
Does insurance cover apply to summer tires in winter?
In fact, there may be problems with the insurer if there is an accident with summer tires * in winter. The insurance company can consider this to be negligence and refuse or restrict the regulation of the damage. However, the individual case decides here. If the weather conditions allow driving with summer tires and the insurance company still refuses to regulate the damage, those affected should seek legal advice.
Read also : Caught ice cold: This is expensive for drivers in winter.
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* tz.de is part of the Ippen-Digital editors network.