Winter tyre rules differ across Europe.
- ECC France explains that France requires winter equipment from 1 November to 31 March in 34 mountain départements, Austria from 1 November to 15 April when conditions require it, and Germany whenever there is snow or ice.
- A car rented in a country without winter rules may not be equipped.
- Ask in writing whether winter tyres and chains are included, what they cost, and whether the car may be driven to your resort's country.
You land in Geneva, Munich or Turin, pick up a car and head for the mountains. The weather forecast says snow. Does the car have the right tyres? Winter tyre rules are national, and a rental car is set up for the country where you rent it, not for the resort you drive to. A few questions before you book can save you a fine, an extra fee at the desk, or a car that is not safe on the pass.
The rules differ per country
ECC France keeps an overview of winter tyre rules in Europe, last updated in October 2025. A selection:
| Country | When winter equipment is required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| France | 1 November to 31 March, in 34 signposted mountain départements | Winter or all-season tyres with 3PMSF, or chains or socks; fine 135 euros |
| Austria | 1 November to 15 April, when conditions require | Cars on summer tyres must carry chains; rules apply to foreign cars |
| Germany | Whenever there is snow, ice, slush or frost | Alpine symbol needed; M+S-only tyres not allowed since 1 October 2024 |
| Italy | Where signs require it, usually 15 November to 15 April | Aosta Valley from 15 October; Brenner A22 15 November to 15 April |
| Czech Republic | 1 November to 31 March, depending on conditions | Minimum tread 4 mm |
| Sweden | 1 December to 31 March | Alpine symbol required |
| Croatia | 15 November to 15 April | Chains in the boot as well |
Rules change, so check the official source for each country before you travel.
Why a rental car may not be equipped
A rental company equips its fleet for the rules of its own country. A car rented in a country without a winter tyre obligation can have summer or all-season tyres, even in January. ECC France notes for Austria that drivers must carry the required winter equipment and should check that it is included in a hire car. Your Europe also warns that winter tyre rules differ between countries, which matters when you drive across a border.
Ask in writing before you book
Email the rental company or check the booking terms for three things:
- whether winter tyres are fitted, and with which marking;
- whether chains or snow socks are in the car;
- whether there is a winter equipment fee per day or per rental.
Keep the answer. It is your evidence if the desk says otherwise.
Check the cross-border rules
Many ski trips cross a border: from Geneva to France, from Munich to Austria, from Milan to Switzerland. Make sure the countries are allowed in your contract and declared at the desk. Read driving a rental car to another country.
Check the tyres at pick-up
Look at the sidewall of each tyre for the mountain and snowflake symbol (3PMSF), and photograph one tyre with the marking visible. Check that chains or socks are in the boot if promised. Note any difference on the pick-up report.
Watch out for fees at the desk
Winter equipment is often an extra. Some companies include it in the winter season, others charge per day. If the desk adds a fee that your booking said was included, point to your booking and ask for it to be removed. Our guide on extra insurance and add-ons at the desk explains how to handle pressure.
Plan the vignette and tolls
Austria and Switzerland require a vignette for motorways, and a car rented in another country will not have one. See tolls and vignettes with a rental car.
Damage in winter
Snow and ice bring their own damage risks: scraped bumpers from snow banks, scratches from chains, stone chips from gritted roads and windscreen damage. Many damage waivers exclude tyres, glass and the underbody. Read windscreen, tyre and underbody damage and compare cover with the excess calculator before the trip.
Ski racks and roof boxes
If you need a ski rack or roof box, book it in advance and ask for the price. Check at pick-up that it is fitted correctly, and photograph the roof, because roof scratches from racks are a common item on a return report.
A short example
You book a car at Geneva airport for a week in the French Alps. The booking page lists winter tyres as an option at 12 euros a day, with chains not included. You add the winter tyres, email the company to confirm they carry the 3PMSF marking, and buy snow socks yourself. At pick-up, you photograph the tyre marking and the cross-border clause showing France is allowed. On the way up, you pass a sign requiring winter equipment, and your car complies.
Frequently asked questions
Does a rental car in winter always have winter tyres?
No. It depends on the country where you rent and the company's policy. In a country without a winter tyre rule, the car may have summer or all-season tyres. Ask in writing before you book.
Are all-season tyres enough?
In France, ECC France explains that all-season tyres count if they carry the 3PMSF (mountain and snowflake) symbol. In Germany, since 1 October 2024, tyres marked only M+S are no longer allowed in winter conditions.
What is the fine for driving without winter equipment in France?
ECC France mentions a fine of 135 euros, and the vehicle can be immobilised if the police consider it necessary.