Winter tyres and snow chains in Austria with a rental car (2026-27)
According to Austria's Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, checked on 30 October 2026, from 1 November to 15 April cars must have winter tyres on all four wheels when there is snow, slush or ice on the road, and snow chains on at least two drive wheels may replace winter tyres only where the road is continually or almost always under snow or ice.
Local orders and road signs come first. We quote governments, police forces and road safety agencies word for word, with the date we checked them; this is information, not legal advice. Before you drive, check the signs on your route and ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
At a glance
| Obligation | Only in winter conditions – winter tyres on all four wheels in snow, slush or ice |
|---|---|
| Period | 1 November – 15 April |
| Snow chains | Instead of winter tyres only on roads under snow or ice |
| Rental cars | Not covered by the official pages: ask the rental company |
| Checked | 30 October 2026 |
What the official sources say
When the rule applies
From 1 November to 15 April of the following year, passenger cars are subject to a situational winter equipment obligation.
That means that drivers using the roads in wintry conditions during this period must have winter tyres fitted.
Source: BMIMI: Winter tyres and snow chains (Austrian Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Which tyres count
When there is snow, slush or ice on the roads, private cars and goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must be equipped for winter driving conditions with winter tyres fitted on all four wheels.
Winter tyres are recognised as such in law if they bear the markings "Matsch und Schnee" (German for "mud/slush and snow"), commonly abbreviated to: M+S, M.S. or M&S.
In addition, tyres on private cars and goods vehicles up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes must have a tread depth of at least 4 millimetres in the case of radial tyres (commonest type) and 5 millimetres in the case of cross-ply tyres.
Source: BMIMI: Winter tyres and snow chains (Austrian Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Snow chains
Private cars and goods vehicles up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes may use snow chains instead of winter tyres. Chains must be fitted to at least two drive wheels. But this is only permitted where the road is continually or almost always under snow or ice.
Source: BMIMI: Winter tyres and snow chains (Austrian Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Fines and liability
Driving in winter road conditions without winter tyres or snow chains incurs a fine of € 35. If other road users are endangered as a result, fines of up to € 5 000 may be imposed.
This means that anyone who has an accident whilst driving with summer tyres must prove that the accident would still have happened if winter tyres or chains had been fitted.
Source: BMIMI: Winter tyres and snow chains (Austrian Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
With a rental car
The official pages we read do not say whether rental cars come with winter tyres or chains. Ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
Hire a car in Austria
Hiring a car in Austria this winter? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Before you book, ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
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Questions
Are winter tyres mandatory in Austria?
Yes, in winter road conditions. The Austrian ministry says: “From 1 November to 15 April of the following year, passenger cars are subject to a situational winter equipment obligation.” “When there is snow, slush or ice on the roads, private cars and goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must be equipped for winter driving conditions with winter tyres fitted on all four wheels.”
What are the dates for winter tyres in Austria?
The Austrian ministry says: “From 1 November to 15 April of the following year, passenger cars are subject to a situational winter equipment obligation.”
Do you need snow chains in Austria?
Chains can replace winter tyres only in some conditions. The Austrian ministry says: “Private cars and goods vehicles up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes may use snow chains instead of winter tyres. Chains must be fitted to at least two drive wheels. But this is only permitted where the road is continually or almost always under snow or ice.”
Does a rental car in Austria come with winter tyres or snow chains?
The official pages we read do not say whether rental cars come with winter tyres or chains. Ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
Where does this answer come from?
From the official pages of Austria's Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, read on 30 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page (with our translation when the page is not in English). It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Winter tyres with a rental car: all countries.