Winter tyres and snow chains requirements in Austria and Switzerland

5 November, 2021 | Update: 08/10/2024

A winter holiday in the snow is one of the highlights of the year for many people. However, it’s useful to familiarize yourself with the rules beforehand. What are the rules for winter tyres and snow chains in Austria and Switzerland?

What is the required tread depth for winter tyres? How do I know if I have the right winter tyres? Can I use all-season tyres in Austria and Switzerland, and do I need winter tyres for my caravan? Below, we explain all the rules about winter tyres and snow chains in Austria and Switzerland.

Winter tyres in Austria

• Are winter tyres mandatory in Austria?
• What counts as winter tyres in Austria?
• What is the mandatory tread depth for winter tyres in Austria?
• Can I use all-season tyres in Austria?
• When do I need to use snow chains in Austria?
• Are snow chains mandatory for four-wheel-drive vehicles?
• Will I get fined in Austria if I don’t use winter tyres or snow chains?
• Winter sports campsites in Austria

Winter tyres in Switzerland

• Are winter tyres mandatory in Switzerland?
• Can I use all-season tyres in Switzerland?
• What is the required tread depth for winter tyres in Switzerland?
• Are snow chains mandatory in Switzerland?
• Winter sports campsites in Switzerland

Summary

Winter tyres are mandatory in Austria from November 1 to April 15 in winter conditions. In Switzerland, winter tires are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended in wintry conditions like snow or ice. All-season tyres are allowed in both countries as long as they have an M+S marking and sufficient tread (minimum 4 mm). High fines may be issued for violations. Snow chains are mandatory in certain mountain areas in both Austria and Switzerland and should only be used on snow-covered roads to avoid damaging the road surface.

Winter tyre regulations in Austria

Are winter tyres mandatory in Austria?

In Austria, winter tyres are mandatory between November 1 and April 15 during ‘winter conditions.’ This means in snow, ice, or slush. You must have winter tyres on all four wheels. This rule applies to all cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 tons. As an alternative, snow chains can be used.

For motorhomes over 3.5 tons, winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15, regardless of the weather. The winter tyres must be fitted on at least the driven wheels. You are also required to carry snow chains for at least two driven wheels.

Read all the information about winter tyres in Austria (website in German and English).

Are winter tyres and snow chains mandatory for motorhomes and caravans in Austria?

If you are driving a motorhome or a car-caravan combination heavier than 3.5 tons, you must have winter tyres from November 1 to April 15, even if there are no winter conditions. You are also required to carry snow chains for at least two driven wheels.

Winter tyres are not mandatory for braked or unbraked trailers in Austria, but it is highly recommended to fit winter tyres on your caravan if you are driving in wintry conditions in Austria.

Read more about the rules for winter tires in Austria for various vehicles and combinations, including cars with trailers (website in German).

What counts as winter tires in Austria?

Tyres with the markings ‘M+S’, ‘M.S’, ‘M&S’, ‘M/S’, or ‘M-S’, or tyres with the Alpine symbol (snowflake symbol) are considered approved winter tyres. Tyres with only the Alpine symbol are also acceptable.

What is the required tread depth for winter tyres in Austria?

The legally required tread depth in Austria must be at least 4 mm for radial tyres and 5 mm for diagonal tyres. Winter tyres are not mandatory for braked or unbraked trailers, but it is highly recommended to fit winter tyres on your caravan.

Can I use all-season tyres in Austria?

If your all-season tyres have the correct M+S marking, they are allowed. However, for safety reasons, it is still recommended to use winter tyres if you are driving in wintry conditions in the Austrian mountains.

When should I use snow chains in Austria?

If the road is completely covered in snow or ice, you may use snow chains as an alternative to winter tyres, provided your vehicle weighs less than 3.5 tonnes. The snow chains must be fitted to at least two driven wheels.

In Austria, only snow chains approved by Austrian ÖNORM V5117 or V5119, or those approved by the EU, are allowed.

It is not prohibited to put snow chains on your summer tyres, but this is strongly discouraged in alpine areas where weather conditions can change rapidly. You may encounter alternating stretches of snow, clear roads, or light snow. Snow chains provide excellent traction, but summer tyres without chains offer little grip when you unexpectedly drive on snow or ice.

In Austria, you are only allowed to drive with snow chains if the entire road surface is covered with snow or ice. This prevents damage to the road surface.

When are snow chains mandatory in Austria?

If you see a blue sign with snow chains, all vehicles must use snow chains, even those with winter or studded tyres. Sometimes there are conditions or limitations displayed below or above the sign, such as ‘in snow and ice’ or ‘today’. Always pay close attention to the signs.

Are you driving a campervan or a car-caravan combination weighing more than 3.5 tonnes? In Austria, you are required to carry snow chains from 1 November to 15 April. This applies to at least two driven wheels.

Are snow chains mandatory for four-wheel-drive vehicles?

This depends on the situation and is indicated by signs. If a sign underneath the blue snow chain symbol reads ‘ausgenommen Allradfahrzeuge’, then four-wheel-drive vehicles are exempt from using snow chains in that area. However, it is still advisable to carry snow chains when driving through alpine regions in winter, even if you have a 4×4.
Note: adjust your speed when driving with snow chains. You are not allowed to drive faster than 50 km/h with them. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific snow chains. Also, bear in mind that your braking distance will be longer than usual.

Winter sports campsites in Austria

View all winter sports campsites in Austria
View all campsites in Austria that are open during winter

Will I be fined in Austria for not using winter tyres or snow chains?

In Austria, failing to comply with the rules for winter tyres or snow chains can lead to hefty fines. If you are involved in an accident, the fine can be as high as €5000. In the event of an accident in wintry conditions, a driver using summer tyres must prove that the outcome would have been the same with winter tyres. There is also a risk that your insurance may not cover damages if you fail to account for wintry conditions.

To ensure your safety and that of other road users, it is better to be safe than sorry when travelling to Austria in winter—make sure you have winter tyres and possibly snow chains. Want to check the exact rules? Visit the Austrian government’s pages for rules on winter tyres and snow chains. The information is in German.

Winter tyre regulations in Switzerland

Are winter tyres mandatory in Switzerland?

Winter tyres are not officially mandatory in Switzerland. However, you must always be able to control your vehicle, and you may be fined if you cause danger or inconvenience to other road users due to insufficient grip. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they are not endangering themselves or others. It is strongly recommended to equip your vehicle with winter tyres before the first snow falls.

Can I drive on all-season tyres in Switzerland?

Yes, you can. However, bear in mind that they may not perform as well as winter tyres under harsh winter conditions, such as snow or ice. Swiss authorities strongly recommend using proper winter tyres for optimal safety during the winter months, especially in mountainous areas where conditions can change rapidly.

What is the minimum tread depth for winter tyres in Switzerland?

The legally required tread depth for car tyres in Switzerland is 1.6 mm. For winter tyres, a minimum tread depth of 4 mm is recommended.

Are snow chains mandatory in Switzerland?

As with winter tyres, snow chains are generally not mandatory in Switzerland, even for vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes. However, if there is a road sign showing snow chains, you are required to use them.

If you are involved in an accident in an area where snow chains and winter tyres are mandatory and you do not have them, you may be held partly responsible, even if you were not the cause of the accident.

Even in summer, you may drive through areas where snow chains are required. In the higher regions of the Alps, snow can fall in any season. Therefore, it is advisable to always carry snow chains when travelling in Switzerland.

Winter sports campsites in Switzerland

View all winter sports campsites in Switzerland
View all campsites in Switzerland open during winter

View all winter campsites here.

Travelling through Germany and winter tyre regulations in Italy and France

If you are heading to Austria or Switzerland for a winter holiday, there is a good chance you will travel through Germany. In Germany, winter tyres are mandatory. Read all about in our blog about winter tyres in Germany.