Tyre markings
Tyres marked M+S, without the well-known snowflake, may still be used until 30 September 2024, if they were manufactured before 31 December 2017. Tyres with a production date after 31 December 2017 must have the snowflake and mountain symbol, as well as be marked M+S.
The date of production is known as the DOT-code. This is placed on the tyre sidewall.
For example: DOT B94W HWNX 3913
- B9: tyre's factory code
- 4W: tyre's size code
- HWNX: manufacturer's specific code
- 3903: tyre production date. In this case week 39 of 2013
Trailers and semi-trailers
Winter tyres will not be compulsory for trailers and semi-trailers. All tyres must, however, have a minimum profile depth of 1,6 mm.
Fines
Not having the correct tyres incurs a fine of €60 for the driver and €75 for the vehicle owner. If a dangerous situation arises as a result of not having the correct tyres, the driver can be given, in addition to a fine, a penalty (the so-called Flensburger Punkte). Winter tyres are compulsory during winter conditions such as snow, ice and black ice, and are not dictated by specific periods of the year.