When the skiing and winter season starts again in the mountains, people from all over the world come to Austria to enjoy the ski slopes. But before you even get on your skis, there is one important thing to consider when preparing – the right tires for your vehicle. In addition, driving through Austria usually requires a vignette.
In Austria, a weather-related (situational) obligation to use winter tires applies from November 1 to April 15 of the following year. This means that in winter road conditions (snow, ice, slush) vehicles up to 3.5 tons must have winter tires on all wheels.
However, there are exceptions.
In order for tires to be considered winter tires, they must meet certain legal requirements:
They must be marked “M+S”, “MS” or “M&S” (meaning “mud and snow”).
They must have a profile depth of at least 4 mm, and diagonal tires as much as 5 mm.
Unlike Germany, the snowflake symbol is optional in Austria.
All-season tires must also have the M+S mark or the snowflake symbol.
Tire markings have their own meanings and it is important to know them.
Anyone who drives without winter tires can be fined around 100 euros. However, if it endangers other road users, the fines can be up to 10,000 euros.
Other options: Spikes and snow chains
There are two more options for driving without classic winter tires:
Spikers (studded tires) – are allowed from October 1 to May 31, with speed limits:
Max. 80 km/h outside the village
Max. 100 km/h on the highway
Vehicles must not exceed 3.5 tons in total weight
The vehicle must have a sticker for spikes
Snow chains on summer tires – allowed only when the road is completely or almost completely covered with snow or ice. Chains must be placed on at least two drive wheels, and the maximum driving speed is then 50 km/h.
Note: Chains on summer tires are not a safer substitute for winter tires.
Special rules for trucks and buses
Trucks over 3.5 tons and buses must always have winter tires on at least one drive axle, regardless of weather conditions:
For trucks: the obligation is valid from November 1 to April 15
For buses: the obligation is valid from November 1 to March 15
During the specified period, they must always have snow chains in the vehicle, according to “Fenix-Magazin”.
(Vijesti.ba)
