Car Hire - cost of Snow Tires

I will be surprised if snow tyres are not included. Ring or email the car hire company/agent up.

Probably if you hire in Austria they have them already, but maybe not in Germany if it is not compulsory. But probably the German hire companies have them fitted if they are based in Munich / Bavaria, maybe the fee is based on policies for nationwide companies working to the same charges across Germany. The tyres should be marked as winter or M&S (all season). The charge sounds a rip off.

We had this discussion before, someone said that winter tyres are not compulsory in Austria if you have a UK car complying with UK law (so presumaby that would go for a German car complying with German law). I did some googling. That seems to have been true in the past, but now both British government http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/europe/austria and Austrian govvernment http://www.austria.info/uk/how-to-get-there/austria-by-road-1134817.html websites say winter tyres are compulsory for everyone using the roads in Austria in winter.

Having driven in Austria, I find winter tyres do make a huge difference on snowy and icy roads.

Road Travel in Winter (1 November-15 April)

All vehicles with up to 3.5 tonnes laden weight must use winter tyres on all wheels in wintry road conditions (snow, slush, ice). Snow chains on the driving wheels will only be allowed as an alternative where the road is fully covered by snow and/or ice and the road surface will not be damaged by the chains. Chains or summer tyres will not be allowed for slush conditions. Heavy fines or temporary loss of vehicle may be imposed on those who ignore this legislation

Innsbrucker, this is a copy of the section of the UK website you linked to. I have heard local anecdotal reports that foreign cars are being targeted for revenue generating activity this winter. It does look as though nothing has changed from UK Gov's perspective.

The Austrian link you provided....

Driving in Winter
All vehicles driving on snow-covered roads must have winter tires during the winter season (Nov - April) or risk a fine if pulled over. Alternatively, all-season tires (if marked for M&S: mud and snow) are also acceptable during the winter season. Snow chains are not compulsory but must be carried in areas under advisory. Snow chains on summer tires – as an alternative to winter tires - are only accepted if the entire road is heavily covered with snow and no damage to the road is caused by the snow chains. These winter provisions are strictly enforced and control points are common.

If Austria continues to promote local legislation, they may find that the EU Commissioner will step in, as European legislation on right of free passage for EU citizens/prevention of imposition of trade barriers/ will override what their Gov. is doing.

Alternatively UK Gov, could simply stop every Austrian car coming through a Channel port and fine them for having their Fog Light on the wrong side :D

I have already rung expedia and opodo, both of whom checked with the companies in Munich and then confirmed that I would have to pay locally at a cost of approx £15 per day. On some sites cars are offered with winter tyres which were approx £90 more expensive than the same car without.

I certainly agree about the safety aspect, but it is a total rip off when they are already fitted and they want to charge you extra. It's a bit like charging extra for seat belts which are also already fitted, a legal requirement and with proven safety benefits.

Liable actions in Germany are on the increase where vehicles involved in accidents not fitted with winter tyres have been pursued through the civil courts even when the blame for causing the accident was with the other party. I think when driving in these countries in a hire car the insurance on the rental vehicle would cover all liable & the rental company insurer would insist on winter tyres being fitted. My guess is the hire cars would come with winter tyres fitted as standard & the levy your being asked to pay is just a way of making a quick euro by the hire company.

Finn