Does the trailer have to have winter tires? A look at the legal situation

Winter is just around the corner, and with the falling temperatures, many drivers are asking themselves whether their vehicle and trailer are ready for the cold season. While the requirement to use winter tires for cars and trucks is widely known in Germany, there is often uncertainty when it comes to trailers: Do trailers actually have to have winter tires too?

The legal situation in Germany

In Germany, winter tires are required in certain situations . This means that in winter conditions (snow, black ice, mud, etc.) vehicles may only be driven with suitable tires, i.e. winter or all-season tires with the "Alpine symbol" (mountain pictogram with snowflake) . However, this regulation only applies to motor vehicles , i.e. vehicles with an engine. Trailers do not fall into this category by definition, as they are not independent motor vehicles.

In short: There is no obligation to use winter tires for trailers in Germany .

security aspects

Even if there is no legal requirement, trailer owners should consider whether special tires for winter use on the trailer might be useful. A trailer with unsuitable tires can slide more easily on slippery or snowy roads, which could destabilize the vehicle combination. The use of tires designed for winter could offer an added safety advantage, especially when driving in mountainous regions or in winter weather conditions.

M+S tires for trailers

A commonly used marking on tires is the M+S (mud and snow) marking . These tires are designed to provide better traction on muddy and snow-covered roads than standard summer tires. For trailers, such M+S tires can be a sensible solution, as they ensure reliable grip even in changeable winter conditions. Although the M+S marking does not replace the properties of winter tires with the Alpine symbol, it does offer a solid all-weather option for trailering.

Tire selection for the trailer in winter

Even if winter tires are not mandatory for trailers, the tires should still be appropriate for the weather conditions. The following points can serve as a guide:

• Tread depth: The legally required minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm also applies to trailer tires. However, experts recommend using at least 4 mm in winter conditions.
• M+S marking: Tires with M+S marking offer better traction than summer tires in winter road conditions such as snow and mud. They are a good option for trailers used in winter.

liability issues and insurance coverage

Even if the law does not prescribe special winter tires for trailers, in the event of an accident on winter roads, the question could arise as to whether the trailer was adequately equipped. Insurers could check whether the tires played a role. Tires with the M+S marking could be a sensible precautionary measure here, as they perform better on winter roads than summer tires.

Conclusion

Although there is no legal requirement to equip the trailer with winter tires, it is worth adapting the tires to the winter road conditions. M+S tires offer a good alternative to get the trailer safely through the winter, especially if you are planning to drive into snowy areas. However, the decision for the right tires should always be tailored to the individual conditions of use.