Winter tires
This symbol is now mandatory
This symbol has been mandatory for winter tires since October 1, 2024.
© imago/Guido Schiefer / IMAGO/Guido Schiefer
There is a risk of a fine: Since October 1st, car tires have had to show the new mountain symbol in winter. The M+S label is no longer valid.
According to the old saying, you should equip your car with winter tires from O to O, from October to Easter. Just in time for the start of the O season, a new rule for winter tires now applies. From October 1, 2024, only tires that have the so-called Alpine symbol embossed on them may be used on the road. It is a stylized mountain with three peaks. A snowflake can be seen in the middle of the mountain pictogram.
The Alpine symbol replaces the old M+S marking. The two letters stand for “Mud and Snow”.
Transition period for tires with M+S is expiring
Since January 1, 2018, all new winter or all-season tires must bear the Alpine symbol. A transition period applied to models that were purchased before 2018 and are therefore only labeled M+S. This expired on September 30, 2024.
There is no general requirement for winter tires in Germany. Drivers only have to do so in winter conditions Have tires fitted with weatherproof treads. Anyone caught with tires that have the letters M+S instead of the mountain symbol in slippery or slushy conditions will have to pay a fine of 60 euros. There is also another point in Flensburg. Of course, this also applies to anyone who drives with summer tires in winter.
In some other countries, however, winter tires are mandatory during certain periods. Here you are also on the safe side if you can show an Alpine symbol.