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From 1 November to 15 April Austria has rules for winter tyres and snow chains, and they differ clearly depending on whether your motorhome weighs up to or over 3.5 tonnes. This page sets out what the official sources say, with a source for every figure.
From 1 November to 15 April, motorhomes up to 3.5 t need winter tyres on all wheels (at least 4 mm tread) in snow, slush or ice. For trucks over 3.5 t and vehicles derived from them the obligation always applies, on at least one driven axle (5 mm), with snow chains on board. Whether this applies to your motorhome depends on its registration.
Who wrote this. This page is published by AlpRoute, a map app for motorhome stopovers and campsites. We are not an authority and this is not legal advice. Every rule below links to the official source it comes from; the current legal text always prevails (§ 102 KFG, § 4 KDV).
The obligation applies every year from 1 November to 15 April. For buses it already ends on 15 March, which does not matter for motorhomes. According to oesterreich.gv.at (Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, last updated 12 January 2026) it is based on § 102 of the Motor Vehicles Act (KFG) and § 4 of its implementing regulation (KDV).
The key difference is between the weight classes: up to 3.5 t the obligation is situational, so it only applies in wintry road conditions. Over 3.5 t it always applies to trucks during this period, even on a dry road.
From 1 November to 15 April, cars and trucks up to 3.5 t may only be driven in wintry road conditions, in particular snow, slush or ice, with winter tyres on all wheels (oesterreich.gv.at). The obligation only applies while driving; a parked vehicle does not need winter tyres.
For trucks with a maximum authorised mass over 3.5 t and vehicles derived from them, from 1 November to 15 April: winter tyres at least on the wheels of one driven axle, always, whether or not there is snow (oesterreich.gv.at).
The official texts refer to trucks over 3.5 t and vehicles derived from them; the word “motorhome” appears neither on oesterreich.gv.at nor at the ÖAMTC. Whether your motorhome falls under it depends on the vehicle class it is registered in, which is shown in its registration certificate. If you are unsure, equip it as if the over-3.5 t rule applied: winter tyres on the driven axle and snow chains on board. Your registration authority or a motoring club can give a binding answer.
Regardless of weight, a snow chain obligation can be ordered on individual roads by a traffic sign (round blue mandatory sign “snow chains required”). Chains must then be fitted to the driven wheels for as long as the sign applies. On Alpine passes you should therefore carry suitable chains even under 3.5 t and practise fitting them once beforehand.
According to the ÖAMTC, driving in wintry conditions without winter tyres risks a fine of around 100 euros; if other road users are endangered, up to 10,000 euros is possible. Anyone who persistently refuses winter equipment can be stopped from continuing by the police (ÖAMTC, page of 28 October 2026).
There is also the insurance side: after an accident with the wrong tyres, contributory negligence may be assumed. What this means for your policy is set out in your insurance terms.
What AlpRoute is: AlpRoute is a free map of overnight stops in 51 European countries, not only the Alps despite its name. With AlpRoute Pro you plan routes by your vehicle’s height, width, length and weight wherever map data records limits. AlpRoute does not show road conditions, snow lines, pass closures or live traffic.
AlpRoute does not show winter tyre rules and does not check your tyres. Whether a pass is currently open or closed is not shown in AlpRoute; road operators and authorities publish that. What the app can do:
From 1 November to 15 April. Up to 3.5 t it only applies in wintry road conditions such as snow, slush or ice; for trucks over 3.5 t and vehicles derived from them it always applies during this period.
No. Up to 3.5 t the obligation only applies in snow, slush or ice, but then on all wheels, with at least 4 mm tread on radial tyres. Snow chains on two driven wheels are only allowed if the road is completely covered with snow or ice.
For trucks over 3.5 t and vehicles derived from them, from 1 November to 15 April the following always applies: winter tyres on at least one driven axle (5 mm tread on radial tyres) and snow chains for two driven wheels on board. Whether your motorhome falls under this depends on its vehicle class in the registration.
Yes, if they are marked M+S, M.S., M&S or with the snowflake symbol and have the minimum tread depth.
According to the ÖAMTC around 100 euros; if others are endangered, up to 10,000 euros is possible. In case of persistent refusal, the police can stop you from continuing.
No. AlpRoute shows stopovers that fit your vehicle and, on the page “Vignette or toll box?”, whether your motorhome needs a vignette or a GO-Box in Austria. Check the winter tyre rules with the official sources.
No. AlpRoute shows overnight stops and, with Pro, plans routes where map data contains restrictions. Pass opening times and closures are published by road operators and authorities; please check there before setting off.
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