It's already time to think about changing winter tyres, even if the obligation is still almost a month away from coming into force. From 15 October 2026, motorists can fit winter tires while also taking advantage of the seasonal exemption on the speed index, while from 15 November the requirements will come into effect on most of the affected roads. Be careful though, because there is no obligation valid without distinction throughout the national territory and some routes have early deadlines. Furthermore, to be compliant it is not essential to replace summer tyres, given that the Highway Code also allows the use of snow chains or equivalent devices.
The reference calendar is established by the directive of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of 16 January 2013, which identifies the period between 15 November and 15 April as the season in which road owners can impose winter equipment. For the 2026-2027 season the obligation will therefore generally start on 15 November 2026 and end on 15 April 2027. The requirements concern the roads affected by specific ordinances, recognizable through the appropriate signs. These include numerous motorway sections, state, provincial and municipal roads. The obligation remains valid even on sunny days and in the absence of snowfall. However, administrations and concessionaires can provide different periods in relation to climatic conditions and the characteristics of the roads. On the Autostrade per l'Italia network, for example, some sections of the A1 Milan-Naples, including the Direttissima, will become compulsory as early as November 1st. Before embarking on a journey, especially in mountainous areas, it is therefore advisable to check the ordinances relating to the route.
Italian legislation leaves motorists with two options. The first consists of fitting approved winter tyres, while the second allows you to keep summer tires as long as you have snow chains on board that are compatible with the tires and the characteristics of the vehicle. The chains must be of the correct size and, when road conditions require their use, they must be installed at least on the driving wheels, following the manufacturer's instructions. The presence of all-wheel drive does not exempt from the obligation of winter equipment. So-called snow socks are also permitted, as long as they comply with the UNI EN 16662-1:2020 standard, implemented by the ministerial decree of 23 February 2023. These textile devices can replace traditional metal chains, but it is necessary to verify their approval and compatibility with the car.
Those who use all-season tyres, also known as all season, do not necessarily need to make a seasonal change. To comply with Italian ordinances, however, it is essential that the tires bear the M+S marking on the side, an acronym for Mud and Snow. The same acronym identifies winter tires recognized by national legislation. On many models there is also the 3PMSF symbol, depicting a three-peaked mountain with a snowflake. This marking certifies the passing of specific performance tests on snow, while the M+S acronym alone does not require the same tests. In Italy the 3PMSF symbol is not mandatory to comply with the ordinary requirements on winter equipment, but it constitutes an important element in the choice of tyres, especially for those who frequently face snow-covered roads.
October 15th represents the beginning of the period in which it is allowed to use winter tires with a speed code lower than that indicated on the registration document, as long as it is not lower than Q, corresponding to 160 km/h. The possibility is provided for by ministerial circular 1049 of 17 January 2014. The exemption ends on 15 May 2027. Those who fit winter tires with a speed rating lower than that prescribed for their car will therefore have to replace them by that date. The case of winter tires is different, as they respect all the characteristics reported on the registration document, including the speed code. In this case they can be used legally throughout the year, although in the warmer months summer tires are generally more suitable in terms of performance, consumption and wear.
The sanctions change depending on the road on which the infringement is detected. In residential areas, based on article 7 of the Highway Code, the fine for failure to comply with the ordinances is between 42 and 173 euros. On extra-urban roads and motorways, where article 6 applies, the fine rises from 87 to 344 euros. The officers can also prevent the continuation of travel in unsafe conditions, taking the necessary measures to avoid dangerous situations. The consequences are more serious for those who drive with tires that do not comply with the vehicle's approval characteristics. In the case of winter tires with a speed code lower than the prescribed one, used outside the permitted seasonal window, the violation of article 78 entails a fine ranging from 430 to 1,731 euros, in addition to the withdrawal of the registration certificate.
The seasonal change is also an opportunity to check the conditions of the tires stored during the summer. Before assembly it is necessary to check the pressure, the presence of any damage on the sidewalls and above all the tread depth. The minimum limit required by Italian legislation for cars is 1.6 millimetres, but to deal with snow-covered surfaces it is advisable to have a greater residual depth, preferably at least 3-4 millimetres. In fact, with wear the tire's ability to ensure traction and control in the most difficult conditions decreases. A final note of attention concerns two-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds, which are excluded from the ordinary obligation of winter equipment. During the period of validity of the ordinances, however, they can only travel on the roads affected if there is no snow or ice on the surface and there is ongoing snowfall.
