Winter tyres in Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France

[sherbertdip]

I know in Germany there is a legal requirement to have winter tyres fitted when there could be frost, ice and snow, not tied into what date it is.

Does anybody how strict policing is on this?

I will also be travelling through The Netherlands and possibly France, what are they like.

I ask as it will only be for 3 days at the end of February, and not really worth forking out for a set, and I'm selling the car in March so again not really worth forking out for.

[Earthdweller]

Winter tyres aren’t mandatory in Germany .. driving with them in wintry conditions is though

Here’s a guide for Europe

https://www.uniroyal-tyres.com/car/tyre-guide/wint...

[vikingaero]

I was in Germany before Christmas and I think that if you got stuck, then it is a €80 fine, if your car is not fitted with winters.

[QJumper]

If there's no snow, slush or ice you're fine (Germany). If there is then it's 40 euros if you're caught and 80 if you cause an obstruction.

France you need them in mountanous areas between Nov-Mar, but alternatively you're allowed to have snow socks/chains.

Personally, as long as long as I wasn't planning long drives through mountains where snow is expected, I'd get a relatively inexpensive set of snow socks and take my chances with that.

[RizzoTheRat]

No requirement in the Netherlands but watch out for the speed limit, it's limited to 100kph before 7pm

[Filibuster]

The real problem comes when you have an accident with summer tyres in winterly conditions.
I can'r answer for other countries, but here in Switzerland, if you do have an accident in a vehicle that wasn't road worthy i.e. suitably equipped, insurance will take recourse. Winterly conditions are also temperatures below 7°C!

[JakeT]

If you have something like Michelin across Climate, or any other good all season with the three peak mountain snowflake symbol, you’ll be okay.

Don’t forget to get a Crit’air sticker, Umwelt sticker, or register with the LEZ areas if you’re stopping in any cities.