Can you drive in the snow without winter tires abroad?

Within the Netherlands it is not mandatory to drive with winter tires in the winter. For safety reasons it is recommended, but there is no liability for the driver in the event of an accident due to the absence of winter tires. The normal coverage of the car insurance applies. The reasons why it is advisable to exchange your summer tires for winter tires in the Netherlands can be read in this article. How is your liability abroad? Is driving in snow without winter tires also allowed there? This blog will answer these questions.

Where is driving in the snow without winter tires not permitted?

In some European countries, it is mandatory to drive with winter tires for a certain period or during certain weather conditions. In addition, in some countries, extra snow chains are also mandatory. So always check carefully before you travel whether your car is ready for winter. This also means, for example, topping up the windscreen washer fluid and windscreen wiper fluid in time. In addition, in some countries, the windscreen washer fluid must contain antifreeze. Would you like more tips on how to drive safely in snowfall? Read our tips for driving in the snow hereOf course, it can also be the case that winter weather conditions surprise you along the way. Read here some useful tips that can help you free your car from the snow.

Germany

If there are winter conditions in Germany, such as snow, sleet and frost, it is mandatory to use winter tires and have antifreeze in the fluids. Failure to comply with these rules can result in a fine and in the event of an accident the driver can be held liable for damages.

Austria

In Austria, there is a fixed period in which it is mandatory to drive with winter tires. Between November 1 and April 15, it is not allowed to drive in the snow without winter tires. If you do not have winter tires or your tires have too little tread, you risk a fine. If you cause an accident, the fine can be up to €5000.

Belgium

Just like in the Netherlands, winter tires are not mandatory in Belgium. However, it is advisable not to drive in the snow without winter tires during winter conditions and in mountainous areas, such as the Ardennes.

France

Although winter tires are recommended in France during the winter, they are not mandatory. If you decide to use them, the winter tires must have a tread depth of at least 3.5 millimeters. On certain roads in France, it may be mandatory to use snow chains, which is indicated by special road signs along the roads.

Italy

In some parts of Italy it is not allowed to drive in the snow without winter tires. For example, in the Aosta Valley winter tires are mandatory from October 15th to April 15th. In the mountainous north winter tires are strongly recommended during the winter months.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, winter tires are not mandatory, but they are strongly recommended. In the event of an accident, you can be held partially liable if you do not have winter tires. In addition, you can be held liable if your vehicle obstructs other traffic because it is not winter-ready.

Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, driving in snow without winter tires is not allowed during winter conditions. In this, the Grand Duchy follows the rules of neighboring Germany.

Liability and fines when driving without winter tires

If you drive in a country with summer tires, where winter tires are mandatory, you run the risk of being held liable in the event of an accident. This also applies if you did not cause the accident. People then believe that damage could have been prevented if your car had been winter-ready. The car insurance does cover you, but only partially. In addition, you can also receive a fine from the country for violating local traffic regulations. But how are you covered in a rental car? How is the insurance arranged in a rented car? Read the answer to these questions in this blog. Renting a holiday car offers several advantages. Read more about renting a holiday car in this blog.

Are snow chains mandatory?

Snow chains are only used when extreme winter conditions apply. For example, when you are on mountain roads with a lot of snow. You are only allowed to drive fifty kilometers per hour and you only use snow chains for short distances. On some roads in Europe, snow chains are mandatory. Special round traffic signs with a car tire and snow chain on them are placed along the road for this purpose. These roads can be found in countries such as Germany, France, Croatia, Norway, Italy and Austria. In Switzerland and Sweden, you are not required to use snow chains, but it is advisable on certain mountainous roads.

Can all-season tires also be used?

Many people choose to drive with all-season or four-season tires. These tires may also be used in many winter sports areas, provided they have the snowflake symbol. This alpine symbol has been mandatory since January 2018 in France, Austria, Switzerland and Germany, among others. The symbol can be found on the car tire. Nowadays, many people also drive an automatic, in which you have less grip on the snow and in which the importance of winter tires or 4-season tires is even more present. Read more about driving an automatic in the snow in this article.