In short
On roads where the managing authority requires it by ordinance and signs, from 15 November to 15 April you need winter tyres (M+S) fitted or snow chains on board, even if it is not snowing. The obligation is not the same everywhere: each road operator decides (ANAS, Metropolitan City, motorway concessionaires, the municipality in town), so always check the road signs.
Who decides and where it applies
The Italian Highway Code (Codice della Strada, art. 6, paragraph 4, letter e) allows the authority that owns the road to require, by ordinance, that vehicles carry winter tyres or anti-skid devices. In built-up areas the same power belongs to the municipality (art. 7). A 2013 directive of the Ministry of Infrastructure states that the period concerned runs from 15 November to 15 April, but allows different dates on individual roads, for example in the mountains.
- ANAS decides for the state roads and link roads it manages.
- The Metropolitan City (or the Province) decides for provincial roads.
- Each motorway concessionaire decides for its own motorway.
- The municipality may decide for urban roads.
The exact dates for the 2026–27 season must be checked on the ordinance and signs of the operator of the road you are driving on: dates may differ from one authority to another. We update this page when the ordinances are published.
The same obligation does not apply to motorcycles: the directive provides that two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles may travel only when there is no snow or ice on the road and no snowfall in progress.
Even without snow
On roads with the sign, the obligation must be respected even if it is not snowing: the State Police (Polizia di Stato) states this. So looking at the weather is not enough.
What is allowed
- Winter tyres with the M+S marking (or MS, M-S, M&S) and type-approved. Under Italian rules M+S is enough: the three-peak mountain with snowflake symbol (3PMSF) is an additional certification, not required.
- Snow chains on board, to be fitted at least on the wheels of the drive axles when needed.
- Studded tyres, permitted in Italy only for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross mass.
For cars and light commercial vehicles the directive recommends fitting winter tyres on all wheels: it is a recommendation, not an obligation.
Winter tyres with a lower speed code
A circular from the Ministry (prot. 1049 of 17 January 2014) allows, between 15 October and 15 May, fitting M+S winter tyres with a speed code even lower than the one on the registration document, but not below Q (160 km/h). If the tyre's maximum speed is lower than the car's, a reminder label must be placed inside the cabin, in the driver's view. Outside that period you need tyres with the speed code shown on the registration document.
What you risk
| Situation | Article | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| No winter tyres or chains where required, outside built-up areas | Art. 6 | from 87 to 344 euro |
| No winter tyres or chains where required, in town | Art. 7 | from 42 to 173 euro |
| Worn or defective tyres | Art. 79 | from 87 to 344 euro |
| Tyres different from those on the registration document (size, load, speed) | Art. 78 | from 430 to 1,731 euro and withdrawal of the registration certificate |
For lack of winter tyres or chains no accessory penalties are provided, but the driver is ordered not to continue the journey until equipped with the devices. The amount may be reduced if paid within five days.
When to fit them
Booking in October avoids the wait at the November peak, and the same goes for April. If you fit with us, your summer set stays in free storage until the next changeover.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need winter tyres in Milan?
On roads where the managing authority has required them by ordinance and signs, generally from 15 November to 15 April. Dates may vary from one road to another: check the signs and the operator's website.
Does the obligation apply even if there is no snow?
Yes, on signed roads the obligation must be respected even without snow (State Police).
Are 4-season tyres enough?
Yes, if they carry the M+S marking (or MS, M-S, M&S): under Italian rules that is what identifies them as winter tyres. The snowflake symbol is not required.
Can I fit winter tyres with a lower speed code than the registration document?
From 15 October to 15 May yes, but not below Q (160 km/h), with the reminder label in the cabin. Outside that period you need tyres with the code on the registration document.
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). No accessory penalties, but you cannot continue the journey without the devices.
Does it apply to motorcycles too?
According to the ministerial directive, two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles may travel only when there is no snow or ice and no snowfall in progress.
Sources
- Ministry of Infrastructure (MIT), Directive no. 1580 of 16 January 2013
- Ministry of Infrastructure (MIT), Circular no. 1049 of 17 January 2014
- Polizia di Stato (State Police): winter tyre obligation from 15 November
- Polizia di Stato (State Police): winter tyres and speed code
- Codice della Strada (Italian Highway Code), art. 6 (winter obligation outside built-up areas)
- Codice della Strada (Italian Highway Code), art. 7 (built-up areas)
- Codice della Strada (Italian Highway Code), art. 78 (tyres different from the registration document)
- Codice della Strada (Italian Highway Code), art. 79 (worn or defective tyres)
Updated on October 5, 2026 by Pneumatici SuperStore, Via Enrico Cosenz 63/1, Milano.