Even though it hardly seems like winter: winter tires are now mandatory until April 15, 2022. You can read here what that means and which tires are recommended.
On November 1, the winter law officially applies to Austrian roads. “Weather-dependent winter equipment applies from November 1 to April 15 for cars and small trucks up to 3.5 tons and for mopeds. This means that in winter road conditions – ie snow, slush or ice on the road – winter tires must be fitted on all wheels,” explains ÖAMTC lawyer Alexander Letitzki. If the road is constantly covered with snow or ice, snow chains are on at least at least two driving wheels are allowed.
Trucks and buses (until 15 March) with more than 3.5 tons must be fitted with winter tires on the driving wheels from 1 November. Winter tires are mandatory for these vehicles, regardless of whether there is snow on the road or not.
Here are the results of the current winter tire test
In the current winter tire test, the 33 tested by ÖAMTC makes in two dimensions. Two candidates failed, four almost, and the specialists recommend four per dimension.
Here is the winter tire test!
Wrong tires can be expensive
Anyone who does not comply with the winter equipment obligation can expect an administrative fine. In addition, accidents can have civil and often even criminal consequences. The winter equipment requirement does not apply to motorcycles, bicycles and scooters.
Winter tires must be marked with the snowflake symbol or the abbreviation “M&S” and have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm. All-season tires also have such a marking and are therefore legally classified as winter tires. Anyone caught in winter driving conditions without the right tires must take into account a legal mandate of around 50 euros. “If other road users are at risk because of the wrong tires, they could theoretically be fined up to 5,000 euros,” says the lawyer.
In the event of an accident with summer tires on a winter road, you should expect other inconveniences in addition to the consequences of the accident: The liability insurance must compensate the injured party for his damage, but the hull insurance can refuse to pay the car owner for “gross negligence”. The expert therefore advises not to wait until the first snow to change tyres. Morning frosts in the lowlands can also make roads icy.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
