Important changes for winter and all-weather tires from October 2024

From October 1, 2024, an important change will come into force: from this date, only winter and all-weather tires with the Alpine symbol (a snowflake in front of a mountain) will be permitted in Germany in winter conditions. This change affects all drivers who drive on snow-covered or icy roads. The M+S tires (mud and snow) often used up to now will no longer meet the legal requirements. Tires with both the M+S symbol and the Alpine symbol are also permitted.

Why is this change being introduced?

The new regulations serve to increase road safety. M+S tires often do not offer the same performance in extreme winter conditions as tires with the Alpine symbol. The latter have been specially developed for use on snow and ice and have undergone more stringent tests. Studies have shown that these tires offer better grip and can reduce the risk of accidents.

What are the consequences?

Anyone who continues to drive with pure M+S tires without an additional Alpine symbol in winter conditions after October 1, 2024, must expect penalties.

These include fines and possibly points in Flensburg. In addition, insurance cover could be jeopardized if the wrong tires were used in an accident.

What should drivers do now?

It is recommended that you check at an early stage whether your own tires bear the Alpine symbol. If not, new tires should be purchased in good time to avoid legal and safety-related problems. This is particularly important in regions with heavy snowfall or frequent wintry conditions.

The M+S symbol, which stands for “mud and snow”, is a freely usable marking for tires whose tread, rubber compound or construction are specifically designed to provide better driving characteristics and traction on snow than tires without this symbol (in accordance with EU Regulation No. 661/2009 of 13 July 2009). However, it is important to know that many manufacturers also label summer or off-road tires with the M+S symbol, especially for the US market. A genuine winter tire can best be identified by the combination of the M+S symbol and the Alpine symbol (snowflake in the mountain), which clearly distinguishes it from summer and off-road tires marked with M+S.

The Alpine symbol, also known as the “snowflake in the mountain” or Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF), is awarded by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is awarded to tires that can demonstrate higher traction on snow and ice in standardized tests compared to a reference tire. These tests are internationally recognized and ensure that the tires meet certain minimum requirements in terms of snow performance. Tires with this symbol offer particularly good safety and driving stability in winter conditions, such as snow, ice and low temperatures.