Starting from November 1, all heavy-weight vehicles in Austria must be properly prepared for the winter season. During the cold season, vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons must have winter tires on at least one drive axle until April 15. Drivers must also carry snow chains with them, which they can install on at least two drive wheels if necessary.

When choosing winter tires, it is important that the tread depth be at least 5 mm for radial tires and 6 mm for bias-ply tires. The Austrian road police reports that drivers can expect more frequent random inspections to ensure their vehicles are properly prepared for the cold season. Special attention will be paid to drivers travelling in the Tyrol region. During these checks, officers will inspect drivers’ tires and snow chains.

Drivers operating on routes in Austria can also expect other important changes - truck traffic will be restricted on the A12 highway in Austria from November through March. To prevent traffic congestion on the A12 and A13 highways and on the Lueg Bridge, the number of passing trucks will be regulated and restricted starting at 5 a.m. on the dates listed below:

• November 11, 2026

• November 18, 2026

• November 25, 2026

• December 9, 2026

• January 11, 2027

• January 18, 2027

• January 25, 2027

• February 1, 2027

• February 8, 2027

• February 15, 2027

• February 22, 2027

• March 1, 2027

• March 8, 2027

• March 15, 2027

From November 1 until April 30, trucks weighing more than 7.5 tons will be prohibited from travelling on the A12 highway between Kufstein and Zirl in both directions. The restrictions will apply at night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. (on Sundays and public holidays, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.).

Keywords: work for drivers, work for long-haul drivers, road bans, traffic restrictions, winter season requirements