Austria’s winter tyre requirement returns on November 1

Austria’s situational winter tyre requirement takes effect on November 1, ORF reports. Drivers must use appropriate tyres when roads are snowy, slushy or icy, through April 15.

The requirement does not apply when roads are dry or merely wet. Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels. All-season tyres are also permitted if they carry the snowflake symbol.

Heavier vehicles face stricter rules. Trucks weighing more than 3.5 tonnes must use winter tyres from November 1 to April 15, whatever the weather. Buses must do so from November 1 to March 15.

Drivers caught without suitable tyres in winter conditions face fines of 36 to 100 euros. If they put others at risk, the penalty can reach 10,000 euros. An accident could also lead to insurance problems.

According to a recent ÖAMTC survey cited by ORF, 46 percent of drivers have already switched to winter tyres.