Winter Tires for Trucks: Legal Requirements and Fines in 2025

In many countries, there are strict seasonal regulations for changing tires, but in Germany, the principle of «weather-dependent obligation» applies. This means that winter tires are required for trucks only when weather conditions such as black ice, snowfall, or slush make them necessary.

Ignoring these rules — whether due to lack of awareness or deliberate non-compliance — can lead to fines and, in some cases, more serious consequences, such as dangerous road accidents or complications with insurance claims.

In this article, we will examine the snow tire laws for trucks in Germany, the specific requirements for compliance, and the potential insurance implications associated with these regulations.

What law regulates the use of winter truck tires?

The regulations concerning the weather-dependent obligation to use and install winter tires in Germany are set out in § 2 Abs. 3a StVO and § 36 Abs. 4 StVZO. The key legal documents include:

• The Ordinance Amending the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), which came into force on December 4, 2010 (BGBl. I 2010, S. 1737).
• The 52nd Ordinance Amending the StVO and StVZO, effective from June 1, 2017 (BGBl. I 2017, S. 1282).

Many foreign drivers are accustomed to fixed seasonal requirements, but in Germany, a weather-dependent winter tire obligation (situative Winterreifenpflicht) applies. According to § 2 Abs. StVO, if there is snowfall, slush, black ice, or icy road conditions, the use of road legal tires becomes mandatory. How does the weather-dependent winter tire rule work?

Whenever one of the above-mentioned weather conditions occurs, the legal requirement for winter tires is automatically enforced. If a truck is not equipped with appropriate tires, the driver risks fines and potential insurance complications in case of an accident.

What happens if a driver uses summer tires in winter? German tire regulations require drivers to anticipate deteriorating weather conditions. For example, if roads are dry in the morning but snowfall or ice develops during the journey, the absence of winter tires does not exempt the driver from liability. In the event of a police inspection or an accident, using summer tires in winter conditions is classified as a traffic violation, leading to fines and legal consequences.

Let's summarize the key points from the regulatory documents. What does the tire law say about winter tires: 

• Only tires marked Alpine (3PMSF) are considered winter tires. These tires feature a mountain with a snowflake symbol.
• The use of M+S marked tires is permitted, but only if they were manufactured before December 31, 2017.
• Drivers must follow the weather-dependent obligation rule and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
• It is important to know the requirements for different types of trucks and comply with them.

Next, we move on to discussing an important issue — the number of fines and the allocation of penalty points.

Fine Schedule for Improper Use of Winter Truck Tires

Violating the regulations for winter truck tires in Germany can result not only in fines but also in the allocation of penalty points in the Flensburg system, which may later affect the right to drive a vehicle. Responsibility for such violations falls on both the driver and the owner of the vehicle, who is required to ensure the truck's technical compliance.

The Fine Schedule 2025 (Bußgeldkatalog) establishes penalties — a specific fine amount in euros and the allocation of penalty points — if the winter tire law is violated and proper winter tires are not used.

Penalties for operating without winter tires

Violation	Monetary fine (including administrative fees)	Points
Operation of a truck without the required winter tires	€88.50	1
Operating without winter tires while causing traffic obstruction	€108.50	1
Operating without winter tires while creating a hazard	€128.50	1
Operating without winter tires in an accident	€148.50	1
Operating a truck or trailer with insufficient tread depth	€88.50	1
Allowing the operation of a truck or trailer with insufficient tread depth	€103.50	1

It is significant to clarify what Flensburg penalty points are and the consequences of accumulating them. These points are assigned for serious traffic violations related to road safety. If a driver accumulates a certain number of points, they may lose the right to operate a truck in Germany.

• 1-3 points - warning about the violation.
• 4-5 points - the driver receives an official warning.
• 6-7 points - mandatory attendance of a road safety training course.
• 8 points – rof the driver's license and loss of driving privileges.

Having covered fines and penalty points, we will now discuss in detail the requirements for winter tires and their installation on different categories of trucks.

Key Requirements for Winter Truck Tires

All tire specifications for a specific truck are listed in the vehicle registration certificate (Fahrzeugschein). In terms of legal requirements, the law on winter tires (§36 StVZO) establishes the following tyre tread regulations:

• The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm (for winter tires, a tread depth of 6 to 8 mm is recommended).
• All tires on the same axle must be of the same type.
• Studded tires are prohibited – their use is not permitted in Germany.
• Mandatory use of 3PMSF-marked tires (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) confirms that the tire has passed grip tests under winter conditions.

When choosing winter tires, tread depth plays a crucial role. First, the deeper the tread, the better the road grip. Second, winter tires help reduce the risk of hydroplaning and loss of vehicle control on icy roads.

Tires with less than 1.6 mm tread depth are classified as worn-out and prohibited from use. Driving with insufficient tread depth is subject to a fine for bald tires of €60 and 1 penalty point.

Key Requirements for Installing Winter Truck Tires

When installing legal tires on a truck, it is essential to strictly follow the established legal regulations applicable to truck tires. Errors in tire selection or installation can result in poor vehicle handling, increased fuel consumption, and fines.

Each truck type has recommended tire sizes and classifications, which are specified in the vehicle registration certificate (Fahrzeugschein). It is also important to consider that different manufacturers may produce tires with slight parameter variations. Therefore, all tire classifications must strictly comply with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Additionally, let’s discuss the rules for truck tires in terms of their installation depending on the vehicle type:

• Light trucks (N1) up to 3.5 tons - winter tires must be installed on all axles.
• Trucks (N2, N3) from 3.5 tons and above - mandatory winter tires on the drive axle.
• Buses (M2, M3) - winter tires are required on the steering axle.

These requirements apply not only to trucks registered in Germany, but also to foreign transport vehicles operating in Germany during winter.

Truck drivers should also be aware that German regulations allow different tire brands and tread patterns on different axles but prohibit variations on the same axle. All tires on a single axle must have the same tread pattern and identical construction. If a truck is fitted with mixed tires of different speed ratings or not the legal tire sizes on the same axle, a fine of €15 may apply for violating mixed tire regulations.

Truck tire tread depth requirements

Tire tread depth is crucial for road safety. In Germany, this parameter is regulated by §36 StVZO (Regulations on the Admission of Vehicles for Operation). Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines and penalty points in the Flensburg system.

The minimum allowable tread depth for truck tires is 1.6 mm, but for winter tires, a depth of 6–8 mm is recommended, as worn-out tires reduce traction and increase the risk of hydroplaning.

You can check tire tread depth using a 1 or 2 Euro coin:

• Insert the coin into the central part of the tread.
• If the gold edge (1 Euro) or silver edge (2 Euro) is not visible, the tire is in good condition.
• If the edge is visible, the tire needs replacement.

Requirements for Sidewalls, Wheel Geometry, and Tire Age: What to Consider?

The condition of truck tires directly affects road safety, vehicle handling, and service life. In addition to tread depth, it is important to monitor the sidewalls and wheel geometry. The requirements for tire condition are regulated by §36 StVZO, which defines the criteria for damage that makes a tire unsuitable for use.

Let's consider the basic requirements:

1. Sidewalls.

Must be free from:

• Deep cuts, cracks, or bulges that could lead to tire rupture under load.
• Delamination of the rubber layer or cord damage.
• Traces of oil or chemical exposure that could weaken the rubber structure.

1. Wheel geometry.

Another critical factor to monitor is wheel alignment. Incorrect alignment causes uneven tire wear, reduced traction, and increased fuel consumption.

If the tire sidewall shows excessive wear, especially on one side, this may indicate suspension issues or incorrect axle alignment.

1. Tire age and compound condition. 

There are no legal restrictions in Germany regarding tire age. However, manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 6-10 years, even if they appear visually intact.

This recommendation is since over time, tires lose elasticity due to oxidation and UV exposure. Increased rubber porosity reduces grip and makes the tire more susceptible to mechanical damage.

If there are visible signs of aging — such as microcracks or discoloration of the rubber—replacement is mandatory, even if the tread depth remains within legal limits.

Is It Allowed to Use Retreaded Winter Tires for Trucks?

The use of used tires in truck transport is allowed in Germany, but under certain conditions. The main requirement is mandatory tire retreading, rather than simply reusing them without restoration.

When referring to retreaded or regenerated tires, we mean tires where the tread layer has been replaced, and the structure has undergone inspection and restoration. Retreading is performed by specialized companies and is generally a suitable solution that extends tire lifespan while maintaining performance characteristics. Additionally, it contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste.

We summarize the rules for using retreaded tires in Germany:

• The law on tyres does not prohibit the use of retreaded tires.
• Retreading is allowed no more than twice, after which the tires must be disposed of.
• Tires must undergo certified quality inspection before being reused.
• Retreaded tires must be properly marked and are subject to regular inspections.

Of course, retreaded tires require more frequent monitoring of tread depth and sidewall condition, as their service life is slightly lower compared to new tires.

Does Insurance Cover Accidents If Winter Truck Tires Were Not Installed in Time?

If a truck driver is involved in an accident while using summer tires in winter, can they rely on insurance compensation? German legislation strictly regulates this aspect, and failure to comply with seasonal tire requirements can lead to serious financial consequences.

According to § 2 (3a) StVO (German Road Traffic Regulations), winter tires are mandatory under specific weather conditions, such as black ice, freezing rain, or snowfall. As discussed earlier, operating a truck on summer tires in such conditions violates the weather-dependent obligation. The driver is held responsible for potential risks and consequences.

If an accident occurs and the truck was not equipped with winter tires in required conditions, the insurance company may classify this as gross negligence (grobe Fahrlässigkeit). In this case, the situation may develop in two ways:

1. Partial compensation of damages – The insurer may reduce the payout amount.
2. Complete denial of coverage – If gross negligence is severe, the driver may receive no insurance compensation.

These sanctions primarily affect voluntary insurance policies. This could include Teilkasko – Partial comprehensive insurance, covering natural disasters, fire, and animal collisions. Vollkasko – Full comprehensive insurance, covering a wider range of risks, including accidents caused by the driver.

In the case of the motor vehicle liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung), the situation is different:

• The motor vehicle liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung) always covers damages to third parties — this rule has no exceptions.
• However, if the insurance company determines that the driver violated safety regulations (e.g., used incorrect tires), it may demand reimbursement from the at-fault driver (regress claim). First, the insurer pays compensation to the affected parties. Then, the insurer charges the at-fault driver for part or all of the damages. 

How to avoid financial risks? Insurance policies can be complex, and avoiding financial losses requires careful planning. To minimize risks, follow recommendations from BdV (Bund der Versicherten e.V.):

1. When choosing Teilkasko or Vollkasko, select policies that exclude penalties for gross negligence (grobe Fahrlässigkeit).
2. Consider adding «RabattSchutz», which prevents premium increases after the first insurance claim.

If your current insurer does not offer favorable conditions, consider switching to another provider. According to German insurance law, changes to Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung must be made by November 30 to take effect for the upcoming year.

Why Is Compliance with Regulations Important?

Following winter tire regulations for trucks is essential for road safety. In addition, compliance with winter tire requirements helps extend the lifespan of road surfaces.

The importance of following the weather-dependent winter tire requirement:

• Road safety. Using winter tires that meet specifications reduces the risk of accidents. Trucks equipped with inappropriate tires lose traction, increasing the likelihood of skidding and loss of control. This is particularly dangerous on high-speed roads, where braking distances increase significantly.
• Impact on the Vehicle. Failing to meet tire specifications leads to uneven tire wear and increased strain on the suspension and transmission of the truck. Incorrect tires also increase fuel consumption, leading to higher operating expenses.
• Impact on Road Surfaces. Using improper tires, especially in winter, contributes to premature road deterioration. Trucks and buses create deeper ruts in the asphalt, accelerating road damage.
• Environmental Impact. Proper tire selection reduces CO2 emissions and minimizes road dust pollution. In contrast, using the wrong tires increases harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
• The influence of winter tires on braking distance. The type of road surface and tire specifications are two key factors affecting braking distance. In winter, the situation worsens due to reduced grip. For example, on compacted snow, the braking distance increases by 2-3 times compared to dry asphalt, reaching 40-50 meters at a speed of 50 km/h. On an icy road, it can be 5-10 times longer, extending to 100-150 meters at the same speed. On frozen dry asphalt, the braking distance increases by about 1.5 times. Using winter tires that meet specifications helps reduce braking distance by 20-30% compared to summer tires.

Let's summarize. If a truck is operated without winter tires in winter conditions (snowfall, black ice, slush, or snow-covered roads), the driver not only risks fines but may also face insurance claim denials in the event of an accident. Germany has strict legal requirements, making it safer and more practical to switch to winter tires in advance and ensure compliance with all regulations covered in this article. Additionally, choosing the right insurance policy can help secure coverage, even in complex cases.