With the arrival of the cold season, the question of the right tires for vehicles comes into focus. In Germany, there is a situational winter tire requirement, which states that in winter road conditions such as black ice, snow, slush, ice or frost, you may only drive with suitable tires – marked with the 3PMFS symbol. The situational winter tire obligation also applies to tires that carry a Professional Off-Road designation ('P.O.R.') or an MPT designation, such as those used for winter services in municipal applications.
But to which vehicles does this regulation apply, and what exemptions are there specifically for agriculture?
Exemptions for agricultural vehicles
There is good news for the agricultural sector: commercial vehicles used in agriculture and forestry are exempt from the winter tire requirement. The reason lies in the special tires of these vehicles. Tractors and similar machines are generally equipped with coarse-tread tires that provide sufficient grip even in winter conditions. In addition, the high weight of the vehicles strengthens the contact with the ground. The legislator therefore sees no need for special winter tires in the agricultural sector. Other exceptions include special vehicles for which no suitable car, light truck or truck winter tires are available due to their design.
Winter tires for agricultural vehicles?
Even though most agricultural vehicles and machines are exempt from the winter tire requirement, typical winter operations such as transporting animal feed or clearing roads demand a lot from the machines. Some farmers and contractors also equip their tractors with snow ploughs, converting them into snow clearing vehicles during the winter, and work as service providers for local authorities or private customers. These vehicles may also be driven on normal tractor treads with field lugs.
However, special winter tires or municipal tires for tractors are ideal for these applications. They have an adapted tread and rubber compounds that remain elastic and provide strong grip even at low temperatures.
Reminder: this symbol indicates winter tires
Tires marked with the Alpine symbol (three mountain peaks plus a snowflake) are considered winter tires within the meaning of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) and the Road Traffic Licencing Regulations (StVZO). This symbol confirms that the tire meets the requirements for winter road conditions. Tires with the pure M+S marking (mud and snow) no longer meet these requirements and have not been approved as winter tires since 1 October 2024.
Which vehicles are affected by the situational winter tire requirement?
The situational winter tire requirement essentially affects the following vehicle classes:
- Class M1: cars, SUVs, vans, off-road vehicles, motorhomes and buses with up to 8 seats.
- Class M2: buses with more than 8 seats and up to 5 tonnes of permissible total weight, as well as motorhomes.
- Class M3: buses with more than 8 seats and over 5 tonnes of permissible total weight.
- Class N1: vehicles for the transportation of goods up to 3.5 tonnes of permissible total weight.
- Class N2: vehicles for the transportation of goods over 3.5 tonnes and up to 12 tonnes of permissible total weight.
- Class N3: vehicles for the transportation of goods with a maximum permissible weight of more than 12 tonnes.
It is important to note that the legislator explicitly refers to motor vehicles, not trailers.
Situational winter tire obligation for tractors and similar vehicles at a glance
While the situational winter tire requirement applies to many vehicle classes, farmers can breathe a sigh of relief: their commercial vehicles are exempt from this regulation due to their special tires. But there are also adapted treads for tractors and the like for an even safer ride through the cold season.
