Driving to Germany in Winter: Tyres, Ice and Your Sticker

Christmas markets, ski trips, family visits — November and December bring lots of drivers into Germany. The winter rules there work differently than many people expect.

Winter tyres "when conditions require"

Unlike Austria, Germany has no fixed winter-tyre season. The rule is situational: once there's snow, ice, black ice or slush on the road, you must be on winter tyres. And since October 2024, the old M+S marking alone isn't enough — tyres need the Alpine snowflake symbol (3PMSF).

The fine? €60 plus a penalty point, €80 if you obstruct traffic, €120 if there's an accident. Your insurer may also cut the payout.

Clear the whole car

A small peephole in the windscreen won't cut it. Clear all windows, lights, the number plate and the roof — falling snow and ice sheets are fineable too.

Your sticker must stay readable

Inspectors in a Umweltzone need to read your green sticker. If it's hidden behind frost or snow, it's as good as missing. Keep it in the lower right corner of the windscreen and scrape it clear every time.

Quick checklist

- tyres with the 3PMSF symbol, ideally 4 mm+ tread

- winter screenwash

- ice scraper, brush, gloves

- green sticker on the windscreen

No sticker yet? Order it online at nemeckaplaketa.cz — it's posted to your home, so you can set off stress-free.