Winter tyres and snow chains in Germany with a rental car (2026-27)
According to Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport and the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), checked on 30 October 2026, there are no fixed dates: in black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost you may only drive a car if all its wheels have winter tyres, and tyres count as winter tyres when they carry the Alpine symbol (a mountain with a snowflake).
The ministry page and the law are in German: our English translation is under each quote. The pages we read do not say when you must carry or fit snow chains.
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 wheels in ice, snow or slush |
|---|---|
| Period | No dates: it depends on road conditions |
| Snow chains | Speed limit with chains: 50 km/h |
| 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
Bei Glatteis, Schneeglätte, Schneematsch, Eisglätte oder Reifglätte dürfen Kraftfahrzeuge nach § 2 Absatz 3a der Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) nur gefahren werden, wenn alle Räder mit Winterreifen ausgerüstet sind, die den Anforderungen des § 36 Absatz 4 der Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO) genügen.
Our translation: In black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost, motor vehicles may only be driven, under § 2(3a) of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), if all wheels have winter tyres that meet the requirements of § 36(4) of the Road Vehicle Registration and Licensing Regulations (StVZO).
Source: BMV: Winterreifenpflicht (German Federal Ministry of Transport), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
(3a) Der Führer eines Kraftfahrzeuges darf dies bei Glatteis, Schneeglätte, Schneematsch, Eisglätte oder Reifglätte nur fahren, wenn alle Räder mit Reifen ausgerüstet sind, die unbeschadet der allgemeinen Anforderungen an die Bereifung den Anforderungen des § 36 Absatz 4 der Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung genügen.
Our translation: (3a) The driver of a motor vehicle may only drive it in black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost if all wheels have tyres that, in addition to the general tyre requirements, meet the requirements of § 36(4) of the Road Vehicle Registration and Licensing Regulations.
Source: Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO), § 2 (German Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet)), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Which tyres count
Als Winterreifen gelten gemäß § 36 StVZO Reifen, die mit dem sogenannten Alpine-Symbol (Bergpiktogramm mit Schneeflocke) nach der UN-Regelung Nr. 117 gekennzeichnet sind.
Our translation: Under § 36 StVZO, winter tyres are tyres marked with the so-called Alpine symbol (a mountain pictogram with a snowflake) under UN Regulation No. 117.
Source: BMV: Winterreifenpflicht (German Federal Ministry of Transport), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Snow chains
Die zulässige Höchstgeschwindigkeit beträgt für Kraftfahrzeuge mit Schneeketten auch unter günstigsten Umständen 50 km/h.
Our translation: The maximum speed for motor vehicles with snow chains is 50 km/h, even in the best conditions.
Source: Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO), § 3 (German Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet)), 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 Germany
Hiring a car in Germany 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.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
More for drivers in Germany
Driving in Germany, do you need an international driving permit? UK licence · Canadian licence · Australian licence
Other countries
Questions
Are winter tyres mandatory in Germany?
Only in winter road conditions. The Federal Ministry of Transport says (our translation from German): “In black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost, motor vehicles may only be driven, under § 2(3a) of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), if all wheels have winter tyres that meet the requirements of § 36(4) of the Road Vehicle Registration and Licensing Regulations (StVZO).”
What are the dates for winter tyres in Germany?
The rule has no dates: it depends on the road. The Federal Ministry of Transport says (our translation from German): “In black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost, motor vehicles may only be driven, under § 2(3a) of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), if all wheels have winter tyres that meet the requirements of § 36(4) of the Road Vehicle Registration and Licensing Regulations (StVZO).”
Which symbol must winter tyres have in Germany?
The Federal Ministry of Transport says (our translation from German): “Under § 36 StVZO, winter tyres are tyres marked with the so-called Alpine symbol (a mountain pictogram with a snowflake) under UN Regulation No. 117.”
What is the maximum speed with snow chains in Germany?
The Road Traffic Regulations say (our translation from German): “The maximum speed for motor vehicles with snow chains is 50 km/h, even in the best conditions.”
Does a rental car in Germany 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 Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport and the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), 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.