What are the winter tyre rules for trucks in Austria?

HGVs over 3.5 t in Austria need winter tyres marked M+S on at least one drive axle from 2026-11-01 to 2027-04-15, with at least 5 mm of tread on radial tyres. Drivers must also carry snow chains for at least two drive wheels during the same period.

Which winter tyres does an HGV need in Austria?

The duty covers N2 vehicles (3.5 to 12 t) and N3 vehicles (over 12 t) and applies whatever the weather, so a dry road in January does not excuse summer tyres. According to the ÖAMTC winter equipment guidance checked on 2026-10-23, the tyres on at least one drive axle must carry an M+S, M&S or MS marking, and tyres marked for special use (ET, ML or MPT) are also accepted. If the drive axle runs twin tyres, all four must be winter tyres, as the WKO guide for trucks and buses states.

Tread depth is the figure inspectors check first. The ÖAMTC gives 5 mm for radial tyres and 6 mm for diagonal tyres. Almost all current HGV tyres are radial, so 5 mm is the working number, and a gauge reading taken before 2026-11-01 costs less than a roadside fine.

When must a truck carry snow chains in Austria?

From 2026-11-01 to 2027-04-15 the driver must carry suitable chains for at least two drive wheels, a duty the Austrian government portal bases on section 102 of the Kraftfahrgesetz. Carrying is mandatory, fitting is not: chains go on only where snow or ice covers the road, and only in a way that does not damage the surface. Vehicles whose design makes chain fitting impossible, vehicles built for snow-free roads, and M2 or M3 buses in scheduled service are exempt.

Buses follow a shorter calendar for tyres, ending on 2027-03-15, so a mixed fleet cannot use one date for every vehicle. Drivers planning an Austrian winter trip can also check the Austrian HGV speed limits before departure.

How should a dispatcher plan for the Austrian winter rule?

Treat 2026-11-01 as the audit date for every tractor unit that may enter Austria: measure tread on the drive axle, confirm the marking on each tyre, and check that chains for two drive wheels sit in the cab. Austria is one of several countries with a fixed seasonal window, and the EU-wide winter tyre and snow chain comparison shows where else the same kit is needed on a given route.

Chains are easy to forget because they ride in a locker until a mountain pass needs them. Put chain inspection on the same checklist as the tread gauge, and replace damaged links before November.

Frequently asked questions

Do twin tyres change the Austrian winter tyre rule for trucks?

Yes. If the drive axle carries twin tyres, all four tyres on that axle must be winter tyres. Fitting winter tyres on only one tyre of each pair does not meet the rule.

What tyre markings count as winter tyres on a truck in Austria?

M+S, M&S, MS, M.S., M/S and M-S markings are accepted, and so are tyres marked for special use (ET, ML or MPT). Check that the marking is legible on every drive-axle tyre before the season starts.

Does the Austrian winter rule apply to buses as well?

Yes, with a different end date. Buses over 3.5 t must run winter tyres on a drive axle from 2026-11-01 to 2027-03-15, while trucks keep them until 2027-04-15. The chain-carrying duty for M2, M3, N2 and N3 vehicles runs to 2027-04-15.

Do I have to fit snow chains every time I drive in Austria in winter?

No. You must carry them from 2026-11-01 to 2027-04-15, but you fit them only where snow or ice covers the road continuously or nearly so. Fitted chains must not damage the road surface.

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