The onset of winter on the Riedberg Pass: cars without winter tires cause chaos!

The onset of winter on the Riedberg Pass: cars without winter tires cause chaos!

The winter season is proving to be particularly harsh on the Riedberg Pass this year. The first major onset of winter in 2025 caused significant traffic disruptions on October 27th. The highest pass road in Germany, which connects the Oberallgäu with the Bregenzerwald, is currently a problem child for drivers. How Mercury reported that the road maintenance department's clearing and gritting vehicles had to be called out without winter tires due to blocked cars. The authorities are therefore urgently warning about the winter road conditions, which endanger safety on the pass road due to snowfall and slippery conditions.

The situation is serious: drivers without the necessary winter equipment face difficulties. The Allgäu newspaper emphasizes that winter tires are important not only for your own safety, but also for that of all road users. In a region where autumnal temperatures can still prevail in the valley, but winter conditions already prevail at higher altitudes, appropriate tires are essential.

Recommendations for drivers

So what should drivers pay attention to now? According to the authorities, it is advisable to regularly check the current weather situation and find out about the navigability of the Riedberg Pass. The website www.oberallgaeu.org/verkehr/riedbergpass provides valuable information. Inadequately equipped vehicles also increase the risk for all road users, which is a major problem, particularly at the exposed altitude of the Riedberg Pass.

• Rechtzeitig Winterreifen montieren
• Aktuelle Wetterlage und Straßenverhältnisse einholen
• Alternative Routen in Betracht ziehen, falls nötig

In Germany there is a situational winter tire requirement, like this ADAC clarified. This means that winter tires are mandatory in wintry road conditions such as black ice or snow. It's not enough to just have these installed from October to Easter; What matters is the current weather conditions. In the event of violations, drivers can expect a fine of up to 80 euros if they hinder others.

The situation on the Riedberg Pass is an example of the challenges that come with the sudden onset of winter. District Administrator Indra Baier-Müller and the road maintenance authorities appeal to everyone's responsibility - let us get through the cold season safely!

For the residents and visitors of the Oberallgäu, it is now important to master the winter with a good hand and prepare for the winter conditions. This means you can enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape to the fullest without losing sight of safety.