Winter tyre laws in Austria
Winter tyres are required in wintry conditions between 1 November and 15 April.
Austria requires winter tyres from 1 November to 15 April whenever there are wintry road conditions (snow, slush or ice). Chains can replace them on snow-covered roads.
- Rule
- Situational
- Period
- 1 November – 15 April
Last verified 2 November 2026. Informational only, not legal advice. · Official source
From when do the winter tyre rules apply in Austria?
The rule applies from 1 November to 15 April. Austria requires winter tyres from 1 November to 15 April whenever there are wintry road conditions (snow, slush or ice). Chains can replace them on snow-covered roads.
When should you change to winter tyres before driving in Austria?
Legal dates are a minimum, not the best date. Winter tyres grip better once the average temperature stays below about 7 °C, and before the first frost or snow. The calculator works out the best days for any town.
Whatever the law says, the temperature decides how well your tyres grip. Use the calculator for dates tailored to your town and driving profile. Calculator