AntoineBachmann
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not very clear
by law you don't
if you intend to drive to a mountain area, high up (but there aren't many such areas in Germany), and with snowy small roads, then you would potentially need snow tires. But firstly there is no snow right now, and secondly even if there was, odds would be that the roads would have been cleaned.
if you're really very paranoid about snow but you're really going to some mountain are and going for just one day (but then why go to the mountains), then snow chains should do it for you.
Hope this helps |
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Dana Scully
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I, too, live in Heidelberg and there's one thing you should know: winter tires are not just for snow, even in icy cold weather with freezing temperatures winter tires are better!! When the police stops you and your car is without winter tires you have to pay a fine!
Check the page listed in my sources!
Driving on snow-covered roads is permitted only if your car is equipped with winter tires. Use of regular tires can result in a fine and, much worse, loss of your insurance coverage in the event of an accident. |
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shovelkicker
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By law (STvO) you are required to have winter tires or all season tires during the winter (and at temperatures below 7 celcius). The Polizei are not allowed to stop you just to look.
But if you are impeding traffic due to road conditions and you don't have M&S or a Snowflake symbol for all seasons you will be ticketed.
If you are in an accident, does not have to be your fault at all, and again no M&S or Snowflake you will be ticketed, recieve points and insurance can refuse all or a portion of the costs. Most German insurance companies have agreed that your full coverage insurance will be negated (coverage dropped for that accident) and only a portion of the madatory will be paid to third party damage. The rest will be left up to you for not have a vehicle outfitted per the law.
This law went into effect 2006. |
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sosunny
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Yes, from 1st jan on, it´s law in Germany to have winter tires. Also it depends on where you go. In the north west there is normally few snow, but in the rest of the country it can be much and long time. My source of my answer: I am german
P.s.: From now on, the police is also allowed to stop you and control if your tires are ok for the actual weather. |
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Alex S
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Yes you do. You might not need them because of the weather
but driving with summer tires in winter can get you into some
unnecessary trouble in case you have an accident.
Besides that weather can be extremely unstable in winter.
Today you have 7C and the sun is shining and tomorrow
it's 2 below and the roads are iced or with fresh snow.
Also, and this is no joke, don't forget to pack your snow chains
if you go to certain areas. If there're hills or mountains take
the chains with you. If you don't I can guarantee you that you'll
regret it royally. The cleaning service is excellent and in operation
24 hours. But there're those days they just can't keep the roads
ice free for the whole day. Doesn't happen often. But you know
how things are. |
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ARRGH!!!
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If you travel now: no.
If you travel between January and April: YES!!!!
Winter tyres are not only for snow, but for better grip on the street when the asphalt is colder. |
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texmex112571
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I am a Soldier who is currently living in Germany. Looks like this year will be rather warm. If you would like to visit Heidelberg Germany, you and your family are welcome to stay with us.
Happy travels. |
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MikeInRI
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Depends on what time of you year you are traveling there and where you are going. |
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Unique
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It depends. I lived in Germany for three years and did not need winter tires. I lived in the Southern part of Germany. |
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xoxo
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yea, new law actually but I think it´s different when you rent the car! |
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