Von O bis O, from O to O, is the rule of thumb for winter tires. It means from Oktober to Ostern, from October to Easter. The law itself sets no dates. Since 2010, the road traffic regulations have required winter tires only in winter road conditions: black ice, packed snow, slush, ice or frost. A driver caught in these conditions without winter tires pays 60 euros and gets a point. The car’s owner can face 75 euros and a point as well. The popular rule covers the whole season in advance, so the tires are already on the car when the first frost comes. The automobile club ADAC adds that even this is only partly right, because wintry roads can also appear before October and after Easter, especially at higher altitudes.