Driving in winter requires extra caution. The ADAC offers tips. (Photo: © fermate/123RF.com)
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January 2026
Whether it's snow, freezing rain or black ice – the ADAC gives tips on how drivers can get through winter conditions safely.
Im Winter can be caused by slippery conditions, snow and icy temperatures difficult conditions on highways and roads prevail. To get through the winter conditions safely, a thorough preparation and adapted driving style offered. The ADAC gives tips.
Before every journey, the Vehicle completely freed from snow or ice This will ensure an unobstructed view and prevent other road users from being endangered by falling snow. License plates must always be legible."If necessary, a break must be taken during the journey to clean the license plate. Drivers who fail to do so face a warning fine of five euros," the automobile club stated. "Intentionally obscuring the license plate can lead to criminal proceedings for misuse of license plates."
A ice scraper as well as a solid whisk should be present in the vehicle at all times. Winter tires or suitable all-season tiresWinter tires, which ideally should have a tread depth of at least four millimeters, are essential. "Anyone driving with summer tires in winter road conditions faces a fine of 60 euros; if other road users are obstructed, the fine increases to 80 euros and one point on their driving record," explains the ADAC (German Automobile Club).
Anyone traveling in snowfall or on icy roads should Drive only as fast as the vehicle can be safely controlled.. There should always be a generous distance to the vehicle in front must be observed. Furthermore, the road traffic regulations stipulate that the Speed always adjusted to current conditions despite legal speed limits must be. When visibility is limited to less than 50 meters, a maximum speed of 50 km/h applies.
Mobility
Operations management
Operations management
Improved performance on slippery roads low-speed driving and gentle steering and braking movements control of the vehicle. To better estimate a longer braking distance on ice and snow, a short Brake test on an open stretch of road help.
In general, the ADAC advises that Vehicle in extreme conditions such as blizzards, freezing rain or black ice to leave and to only begin journeys once the winter service has cleared or spread grit.
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"Become Start the engine before driving Leaving the car unplugged to make scraping ice off the windows easier or to preheat the interior harms the environment and increases wear and tear on the vehicle,” the automobile club reminds us. Drivers who do so also risk a fine of 80 euros. Causing avoidable exhaust pollution.
The ADAC further advises that (Winter) jackets removed before the journey should be. "An ADAC test shows: If a driver wears a winter jacket and therefore the seatbelt is not directly against their body, it can Even a rear-end collision at 16 km/h resulted in serious internal injuries. cause."
Also worth knowing: Holders of Vehicles with seasonal license plates Vehicles are no longer permitted to participate in public traffic after the registration period has expired; this includes parking. "Therefore, they must now be registered for winter." on purely private property "Stand. Anyone who fails to comply risks a warning fine of 40 euros."
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ADAC breakdown assistanceBut the "Yellow Angel"are available 24/7 at the telephone number 089 20204000 as well as digitally via the Breakdown assistance app or Web App .
First figures of the new year
From the January 1st to 7th, 2026 ADAC breakdown assistance has already been completed during peak load periods. 96.487 missions, these are 15,5 percent more than in the same period of the previous year. (83.551). With 20.516 call-outs, the ADAC provided the most breakdown assistance on Monday, January 5, 2026.Source: ADACDHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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