Winter service regulations for snow and ice removal in Austria and Germany

Regulations regarding winter services and snow removal duties are being highlighted for property owners and municipalities in Austria and Germany to ensure public safety and avoid legal liability.

In Austria, responsibilities for clearing snow and ice depend on the type of road. ASFINAG manages motorways and expressways, while federal states manage state roads. Municipalities and private owners are responsible for other areas. Under § 93 StVO, homeowners must clear public sidewalks daily from 6:00 to 22:00, including Sundays and holidays. Failure to manage hazards like icicles or snow drifts can lead to administrative fines and civil liability for damages.

In Germany, specifically in areas like Pforzheim, residents, tenants, and lessees are obligated to clear snow and grit ice from adjacent walking surfaces. Clearing must ensure the safety of pedestrian traffic without pushing snow onto the roadway, which can result in fines. Requirements include clearing sidewalks or a 1.2-meter strip alongside roads if no sidewalk exists. Clearing must typically be completed by 6:30 on weekdays and 8:00 on Sundays and holidays, with duties generally ending at 20:00.