Winter weather is slowly approaching. Here’s what drivers in Germany need to know:

With winter just around the corner, it’s important to remember that Germany’s tire requirements differ from those in the United States.

Under German law, drivers must use winter tires whenever roads are affected by snow, slush, ice, black ice or frost. This is a situational requirement, meaning it applies whenever winter conditions occur — not from a specific date.

Many drivers follow the informal “O to O” rule, switching to winter tires in October and keeping them on until Easter. While this practice isn’t legally required, it remains a common seasonal guideline.

Only tires marked with the Alpine symbol — a mountain with a snowflake — qualify as legal winter tires. Tires with the old M+S (mud and snow) marking no longer meet legal requirements and are not permitted in winter conditions. If you use all‑weather tires, they must also display the Alpine symbol to be compliant.

Please make sure your vehicle is equipped with the correct tires before winter weather arrives. It’s best to prepare early to stay safe — and stay within German regulations.

#COMMUNITYANNOUNCEMENTS (Sept. 28-Oct. 4):

•  Starting today, Sept. 28 at 5 a.m., Gate 6 (traffic circle gate) on Tower Barracks fully reopens for all traffic and visitor sign-in 24/7.
• The main intersection in Grafenwoehr will be fully closed beginning Wednesday, Sept. 30, through approximately Nov. 14 due to construction work on the traffic light system.
• Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Inspection Station in Grafenwoehr will be closed Oct. 1 from 10:30 a.m. until noon
• Family and MWR, in partnership with the Bavaria Community & Spouses' Club invite you to the Crown Jewel Bazaar Oct. 2-4
•  The Grafenwoehr Key Control office will be closed Oct. 2
• The VAT Office on Tower Barracks will be closed from 1-4 p.m., Oct. 9 to allow for deep cleaning of the building.
• Remember to update your mailing address from “CMR” to “PSC” by Sept. 30! The USPS is updating all overseas military mailing addresses from the CMR designation to PSC. To avoid mail delays, please ensure all correspondents are notified of your new PSC address no later than Sept. 30, 2026.

#HOHENFELSCOMMUNITY:

• Gate 3 closure: Sept. 28 until 6 p.m.
• Gate 1 outbound closed, Gate 2 outbound open: While Gate 1 outbound undergoes work, Gate 2 outbound will be open from 7:30 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Gate 1 inbound and pedestrian and bicycle outbound traffic will not be affected.
• Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Inspection Station in Hohenfels will be closed Oct. 1 from 10:30 a.m. until noon
• The Hohenfels Exchange Gas Station will temporarily close from Oct. 5-16 for essential upgrades and repairs.
• New hours of operation at Hohenfels Fitness Center (effective Oct. 1)
     Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
     Tuesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
     Closed Saturday and Sunday.
     24/7 access is available for registered users.
• New Hours of Operation at Hohenfels Library (effective Oct. 1)
     Monday and Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
     Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
     First Saturday of each month: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Please note: The library will no longer be open on the third Saturday of the month.

For more announcements and events you can also download the My Army Post App.

U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria is coordinating closely with the Department of War Education Activity– Hohenfels Elementary and U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Bavaria after routine water testing detected a positive total coliform result at Hohenfels Elementary School.

Total coliform bacteria are common microorganisms found naturally in soil and plants. Their detection in a water sample signals a possible pathway for environmental material to enter the system but does not mean the water contains harmful materials. Importantly, the results were negative for E. coli. The water entering the building continues to meet all established U.S. and German water quality standards.

The school will flush water lines and address potential sources of the issue. 

As a precaution, DoWEA is providing bottled water for use for drinking and for food preparation. Signs are posted throughout the building advising everyone not to use the fountains until treatment is complete.

The health and safety of our community remain our highest priority. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.