Regulations for winter tires: Snowflake symbol becomes mandatory!

Thomas Wachsmuth 17 January 2024 Test sites, laws, offenses, information

Reading time 2 Min.

A change for cars and trucks will come into force in Germany from October 2024: All new Winter and all-season tires must then be compatible with this Snowflake icon, as well Alpine symbol known, provided. The regulation aims to increase safety on winter roads. Previous markings, like that M + S symbol (mud and snow). no more than sufficient considered. The M+S symbol alone did not require a specific winter suitability test and could therefore be misleading as it also on off-road tires was to be found. The Snowflake icon however, will only awarded to tires that have proven their suitability for winter conditions in a test.

Winter tires: snowflake symbol

The new regulation follows the production changeover that was initiated in 2017. Since then, tire manufacturers have not made any Winter or all-season tires without the snowflake symbol. The amendment to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) was already aimed at improving road safety in the winter months through appropriate tires. For drivers, this means they should check their winter tires, especially if they before 2018 were produced. It is advisable to seek advice from a tire shop, car dealership or workshop to ensure that the tires comply with the new regulations. Threatening if you fail to comply Fines and one point in the Flensburg traffic offenders register.

Snowflake symbol & M+S mark

Interestingly, many keep winter and all-season tires in addition to the snowflake symbol, the M+S markingin order to meet the different regulations abroad. Stay despite the new regulations M+S stamped tires, especially for off-road vehicles, is still in circulation. The change represents an important step towards increased road safety and reflects efforts to standardize and more clearly define the requirements for winter tires. It is now even more important for vehicle owners to find out about the appropriate tires in good time and to make adjustments if necessary in order to drive safely and in accordance with the rules.

That wasn't it yet.

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