Winter and all-season tyres, everything you need to know to drive safely

Winter dossier

Winter tyres, their time has come. Here's what you need to know

With the arrival of the autumn season also comes the season in which the ordinances concerning circulation in the cold season come into force. Except in some regions such as Valle d'Aosta, where they have been in force since 15 October, they impose the use of winter tyres or the presence of chains and approved snow socks on cars on many Italian roads from mid-November.

by Massimo Mambretti

11 November 2025

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Winter tyres, where to get information
Winter tyres, what the Highway Code requires

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The time has come in some parts of Italy to use winter tyres or to have so-called anti-skid equipment, which translated from the bureaucratic language are chains and approved snow socks. The ordinances have already been in force since mid-October in Valle d'Aosta and other mountain areas and have been in force since 15 November elsewhere. However, even now in those areas it is already possible to equip cars with snow tyres, even if you want to use tyres with a lower speed code than the one shown in the booklet, but only up to the letter Q, which identifies homologation up to 160 km/h. A possibility that allows rational planning by tyre dealers.

Winter tyres, where to find out

Streets and areas affected by the Ordinances where specific road signs appear indicating the obligations they entail and their duration can be found at https://www.stradeanas.it/it/info-viabilità/ordinanze-web and https://pneumaticisottocontrollo.it. It should be added that these regulations are often patchy and, therefore, in order not to be found unprepared, it is a good idea to inform oneself, to know how to equip oneself and, as anticipated, to plan well in advance for the tyre change.

On the roads concerned, the ordinances restrict the circulation of cars, commercial vehicles and trucks only if they are equipped with winter tyres or the aforementioned equipment to be fitted in case of need, which is, moreover, only advisable for those who may occasionally have to deal with difficult road conditions. Obviously, those who have already equipped their vehicles with all-season tyres, which are of course type-approved, can travel peacefully anytime and anywhere. Finally, the provisions do not apply to motorbikes, since they cannot circulate during snowfall or even on snow-covered roads.

Winter tyres, what the Highway Code requires

The obligations are in force until 15 April 2026, but if the tyres have a lower speed rating than that on the registration certificate, there is time until mid-May to fit summer tyres. Be aware that otherwise you will incur fines ranging from 155 to 624 euros and the withdrawal of the registration certificate. On the other hand, if it is the same or higher, there is no problem. It should be emphasised, however, that in hot weather it is advisable to reuse normal tyres, to prevent high temperatures from damaging winter tyres with characteristics designed for low temperatures.

Driving without the correct equipment risks penalties ranging from EUR 42 to 173 in built-up areas, from EUR 87 to 344 on out-of-town roads and up to EUR 318 on motorways, the deduction of three points from the licence and the immediate immobilisation of the vehicle. In practice, it must be removed from the road with a tow truck or only by fitting chains or snow socks on the spot. If you continue not being in compliance and are stopped, further, rather heavy penalties are added

Remember that winter and all-season tyres must be of sizes that comply with those in the car's booklet and be marked M+S (or MS, M/S, M-S and M&S) and with the additional Alpine pictogram (a three-peaked mountain with a snowflake inside it) that certifies how the structure and compound also act in low temperatures and not just snow. In addition, it should be remembered that winter tyres are very effective for safety in low temperatures even when the road surface is not snow-covered. Finally, the Ministry of Transport does not impose but recommends winter tyres on all four wheels. A wise piece of advice that, in practical terms, reflects on safety, since the uniformity of the 'tyre' positively affects the car's behaviour in all driving situations.