They came into force in Germany from October 1 this year new regulations regarding the labeling of winter tires. From this year Tires with the M+S marking are no longer sufficient (an abbreviation of the English words “mud” and “snow”, i.e. “mud” and “snow”). In winter conditions Only tires with the Alpine symbol are now valid in Germany. This is a 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake) pictogram showing three mountain peaks and a snowflake.
M+S is a thing of the past
It should be remembered that manufacturers are obliged to mark tires adapted for winter conditions in this way only from January 1, 2018. Previously, an inscription on all-season or winter tires was sufficient M+S. There are still tens of thousands of cars on German roads with tires marked according to the old guidelines, and these now they are no longer recognized by the traffic police as winter tires. Only tires with the Alpine symbol meet these conditions. Anyone who still has tires manufactured before the end of 2017usually has M+S i tires now has to buy new ones.
Not only German drivers but also foreigners are exposed to fineswho are not aware of the new regulations in Germany.
What penalties?
According to German road traffic regulations, there is no general time limit for changing tires. The law only states that tires must be “suitable for weather conditions.” Most car clubs recommend installing winter tires at the beginning of October, because then the first frosts may appear. Drivers can also drive on all-season tires, but with the Alpine symbol.
There is a risk of not having the right tires in winter conditions a fine of at least EUR 60 and one penalty point. If the car additionally causes a traffic jam or other type of traffic disruption, the fine will be PLN 80 euro and one penalty point, and in case accident – 120 euros and one penalty point. In turn to the owner car You may receive a fine of EUR 75 and one penalty point.
Replacement every how many years?
According to the German automobile club ADAC Winter tires lose some of their winter properties (including grip) after about six years and therefore need to be replaced. When purchasing new tires, they should have been manufactured a maximum of two years earlier – advises ADAC, but the ACE car club recommends a maximum of 18 months. This can be checked using the so-called DOT number – a four-digit number on the sidewall of the tire. For example, the number 2321 means that the tires were manufactured in the 23rd calendar week of 2021.
The tread depth is also crucial. For winter conditions, regulations recommend a tread depth of at least 1.6 millimeters, but experts say at least four millimeters. (AFP, ADAC/home)
The article comes from the website Deutsche Welle