As soon as the temperatures drop, the right tires in the fleet play a decisive role in the safety and usability of the vehicles. Winter tires are not just a recommendation, but are required by law under certain conditions – especially for commercially used vehicles. Planning in good time minimizes risks, increases road safety and protects the company from legal consequences.
Legal requirements: When are winter tires mandatory?
In Germany, the so-called situational winter tire obligation applies (§ 2 Para. 3a StVO). This means that vehicles must be fitted with winter tires in icy, slushy, icy or slippery conditions. This applies regardless of the calendar date. The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but at least 4 mm is recommended for optimum grip.
The tires must also be marked with the Alpine symbol (mountain pictogram with snowflake) – older M+S tires were only permitted on a transitional basis. For the vehicle fleet, this means checking which vehicles are affected and whether all tires meet the requirements.
Why are winter tires indispensable in the fleet?
Winter tires offer significantly more grip, shorter braking distances and better directional stability than summer tires at low temperatures, on wet or icy roads. They therefore make an important contribution to road safety – especially for frequent drivers, field service vehicles or vans with high payloads.
Obligations for fleet managers
Those responsible for the vehicle fleet have a duty to ensure that the vehicles are ready for use at any time of year. This includes
- Timely conversion in the fall
- Documentation of the tire conditions
- Checking the tread depth
- Coordination with workshops or tire partners
- Planning tire change dates to avoid bottlenecks in October/November
Anyone who violates these obligations risks not only fines, but also recourse claims from the insurance company in the event of damage.
Economic advantages through good planning
Early appointments and partnership agreements with tire dealers can reduce costs and minimize downtime. The use of all-season tires can also be an alternative under certain conditions – for example, for vehicles with low annual mileage and a regionally limited area of use.
Conclusion: Winter tires are a safety obligation and a management task
Professional tire management is an indispensable part of fleet operations. It not only protects drivers and vehicles, but also ensures that companies meet their legal obligations – economically efficient and legally on the safe side.
