Tyre rules and obligations in Italy: the answers
What the law says about tyres, with official sources. The winter obligation rules depend on the authority that manages each road: always check the signs.
When are winter tyres mandatory in Lombardy?
On roads where the managing authority requires it by ordinance and signs, generally from 15 November to 15 April you need winter tyres fitted or snow chains on board. Dates may differ from one road to another, for example in the mountains: check the operator's ordinance and signs.
Sources: mit.gov.it, poliziadistato.it
Who decides where the winter tyre obligation applies?
It is decided by the authority that owns the road by ordinance (art. 6 of the Italian Highway Code, Codice della Strada): ANAS for state roads, the Metropolitan City or the Province for provincial ones, each concessionaire for its own motorway. In built-up areas the municipality may require it (art. 7).
Sources: mit.gov.it, brocardi.it, brocardi.it
Does the winter tyre obligation apply even if it isn't snowing?
Yes. On roads with the sign, the obligation to carry snow chains or winter tyres must be observed even without snow (State Police).
Sources: poliziadistato.it
Do 4-season tyres count for the winter obligation?
Yes, if they carry the M+S marking (or MS, M-S, M&S) and are type-approved: for the Italian winter obligation it is the marking that identifies winter tyres.
Sources: poliziadistato.it, mit.gov.it
Is the snowflake symbol (3PMSF) mandatory in Italy?
No. For the Italian winter obligation the M+S marking is enough. The three-peak mountain with snowflake symbol is an additional snow performance certification, not required by Italian rules.
Sources: mit.gov.it, poliziadistato.it
Are studded tyres allowed in Italy?
Yes, but only for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross mass (State Police). According to the ministerial directive, for driving on ice on M1, N1 and O1 vehicles they must be fitted on all wheels.
Sources: poliziadistato.it, mit.gov.it
Must motorcycles have winter tyres?
No: two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles are excluded from the obligation, but may travel only when there is no snow or ice on the road and no snowfall in progress (2013 ministerial directive).
Sources: mit.gov.it
How much is the fine without winter tyres or chains?
Outside built-up areas from 87 to 344 euro (art. 6 of the Italian Highway Code, Codice della Strada), in town from 42 to 173 euro (art. 7). Amounts in force as of October 2026, with a reduction if paid within five days.
Sources: brocardi.it, brocardi.it
Will I be stopped if I have no winter tyres or chains?
No accessory penalties are provided, but the driver is ordered not to continue the journey until equipped with the required devices (State Police).
Sources: poliziadistato.it
Can I fit winter tyres with a lower speed code than the one on the registration document?
From 15 October to 15 May yes, but not below code Q (160 km/h), according to Ministry of Infrastructure circular no. 1049 of 2014. Outside that period you need tyres with the speed code on the registration document.
Sources: mit.gov.it
What is the label to put in the car with lower-speed winter tyres?
If the maximum speed of the winter tyre is lower than that of the car, a reminder label must be placed inside the cabin, in the driver's view (State Police).
Sources: poliziadistato.it
What is the minimum tread for motorcycles and scooters?
At least 1 mm for motor vehicles (motorcycles and scooters registered as motor vehicles) and 0.5 mm for mopeds. Pirelli in any case recommends replacing motorcycle tyres below 2 mm.
Sources: gazzettaufficiale.it, pirelli.com
What do you risk with bald or worn tyres?
A fine of 87 to 344 euro for worn or defective tyres (art. 79 of the Italian Highway Code, Codice della Strada), as well as a safety risk, especially in the wet.
Sources: brocardi.it
What do you risk with tyres different from those on the registration document?
Fitting tyres that do not match those indicated on the registration document (size, load index or speed) carries a fine of 430 to 1,731 euro and withdrawal of the registration certificate (art. 78 of the Italian Highway Code, Codice della Strada).
Sources: brocardi.it
Is there a maximum age for tyres?
In the Italian legislation we consulted there is no maximum age. Michelin recommends a check at least once a year by a professional after five years of use and replacement at ten years from production, regardless of the tread.
Sources: michelin.ca
Does the winter tyre obligation apply on Milan's ring roads?
It depends on the ordinance of the operator of each road: it is not automatic. Check the signs at the entrance and the operator's website (concessionaire, ANAS, Metropolitan City or municipality) before setting off.
Sources: mit.gov.it
Are the winter obligation dates the same throughout Italy?
No. The ministerial directive gives 15 November to 15 April as the reference period, but each authority may set different dates on individual roads, for example mountain ones.
Sources: mit.gov.it
Questions reviewed on October 5, 2026 by Pneumatici SuperStore, Via Enrico Cosenz 63/1, Milano.