Germany does not have a general, year-round winter tyre requirement. Instead, the Highway Code (StVO) requires so-called situational winter tyres: in winter road conditions – i.e. snow, slush, ice or frost – winter tyres must be fitted.

Winter tyres are those bearing the Alpine symbol (mountain pictogram with snowflake, M+S for short) and manufactured after 2018. Pure M+S tyres without the Alpine symbol are no longer permitted from 2024. A minimum tread depth of 4 mm is recommended; 1.6 mm is required by law.

Those who drive with summer tyres in wintry conditions risk a €60 fine, one point in Flensburg and, in the event of damage, also reduced insurance benefits. ENBA partner workshops offer quick tyre changes and professional tyre storage.