Driving to Germany in Dec

[drbru]

So this is the first time we are heading over to the xmas markets in Cologne in Dec....

I believe in Germany it is compulsory to use winter tyres when we go in Dec when conditions are "wintery"....DOes this mean that if its not actually snowing I would be ok to use my standard summer tyres?

Any advice greatly appreciated... I have to buy a new set of tyres within the next month and with this trip coming up...Buying winter tyres will hurt as well

[PetrolDave]

This might help http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/ov ... tyres.html

This http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/to ... ermany.pdf gives an explanation if what is meant by winter weather conditions:

Tyres *
This regulation applies to all motorised vehicles using roads in Germany, including those registered abroad, so vehicles registered in the United Kingdom are affected. It is prohibited to use summer tyres in Germany during winter weather conditions - summer tyres are predominantly fitted to vehicles in the United Kingdom.

Winter weather conditions include black ice, snow, ice, slush and hoarfrost. Please bear in mind that these conditions may also be present even if the temperature is above 0 degrees.

German law specifies that the tyres must be winter tyres or all season tyres designed for use in wintry conditions. Suitable tyres will normally be marked 'M+S', however these can also be marked with a snow flake or snowy mountains symbol.

Motorists, whose car is equipped with summer tyres may not take the car on the road in winter weather conditions. Motorists in violation face fines of €40. If they actually obstruct traffic, the fine is €80. You may also be prevented from continuing your journey unless the tyres are changed or the weather conditions change.

[drbru]

thanks...thats where I got it from....If "wintery" means snow, ice etc ...then does that mean if it is just wet in December then will I be ok with normal tyres

[lengster1]

One of the main worries, is that you are automatically at fault if you have an incident with summer tyres fitted!!

[BlingBling]

This might help http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/ov ... tyres.html

This http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/to ... ermany.pdf gives an explanation if what is meant by winter weather conditions:

Tyres *
This regulation applies to all motorised vehicles using roads in Germany, including those registered abroad, so vehicles registered in the United Kingdom are affected. It is prohibited to use summer tyres in Germany during winter weather conditions - summer tyres are predominantly fitted to vehicles in the United Kingdom.

Winter weather conditions include black ice, snow, ice, slush and hoarfrost. Please bear in mind that these conditions may also be present even if the temperature is above 0 degrees.

German law specifies that the tyres must be winter tyres or all season tyres designed for use in wintry conditions. Suitable tyres will normally be marked 'M+S', however these can also be marked with a snow flake or snowy mountains symbol.

Motorists, whose car is equipped with summer tyres may not take the car on the road in winter weather conditions. Motorists in violation face fines of €40. If they actually obstruct traffic, the fine is €80. You may also be prevented from continuing your journey unless the tyres are changed or the weather conditions change.

It isn't compulsary to have winter tyres, it's compulsary to have winter tyres if the weather conditions are wintery. Where I am last winter, bar 3wks when temp dipped severely under 0, it was very mild and dry so no need for winter tyres. Bayern etc would be a different case.The problem arises if there is an accident. If you are not wearing the correct tyres for the conditions then your insurance company won't pay out.

[rpsxr]

i would get them if i were you. especially in Germany they can be quite difficult about it. and on the other hand they can have pretty bad weather there too!
i'm not sure how you will go, but i am going to holland in december via the tunnel and then will cross france. i just found out that it is mandatory now to cary an approved breathaliser in france (on top of all the other stuff...) just to let you know.

bt, enjoy cologne! brilliant city. try an indonesian restaurant called Bali!!

rgds robert

[PetrolDave]

it is mandatory now to carry an approved breathaliser in france (on top of all the other stuff...) just to let you know.

Which you can get in most branches of Halfords http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_226211

That's a twin pack, as it's recommended that you have a twin pack so you've still got one if you've used one.

[sonny]

it is mandatory now to carry an approved breathaliser in france (on top of all the other stuff...) just to let you know.

Which you can get in most branches of Halfords http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_226211

That's a twin pack, as it's recommended that you have a twin pack so you've still got one if you've used one.

thats the kit i have, cheaper there than in the AA shop at the crossing.

[BlingBling]

i would get them if i were you. especially in Germany they can be quite difficult about it. and on the other hand they can have pretty bad weather there too!
i'm not sure how you will go, but i am going to holland in december via the tunnel and then will cross france. i just found out that it is mandatory now to cary an approved breathaliser in france (on top of all the other stuff...) just to let you know.

bt, enjoy cologne! brilliant city. try an indonesian restaurant called Bali!!

rgds robert

The Germans are not difficult about winter tyres at all. I've lived here 6yrs and never once questioned, even when I had GB plates. Plus the weather does not turn really cold until Jan/Feb. Last year was mild bar 3wks in Jan/Feb. Just watch the weather nearer your time of travel and make a decision based on that.

[drbru]

Thanks for the heads up everyone....

From what I gather, as we are going to Cologne we only travel approx 100km into Germany...

I also understand that Cologne is quite mild in Dec compared to the rest of Germany

Bottom line is I cant afford to by a normal set of tyres (which I now need) for English use and a set of Winter tyres for this trip....I hardly ever venture into Europe at Winter time by car

If it really is a risk and a problem we will simply get on a plane instead...