Winter Tyres in Italy 2026: Rules From 15 November

In five days, on 15 November 2026, the winter-tyre-or-chains rule returns on a great many Italian roads. It is not the same everywhere, though: it depends on the order issued by whoever manages the road. Here are the dates, rules, fines and what to do to stay safe until 15 April 2027[1][2][3].

The dates: 15 November to 15 April, with a technical window

For the 2026-2027 season the obligation runs from 15 November 2026 to 15 April 2027, but only on stretches covered by a specific ordinance[1][2]. A wider technical window, from 15 October 2026 to 15 May 2027, lets you fit and remove winter tyres without rushing[2][3]. In some mountain areas and on certain passes the obligation can begin in mid-October or on 1 November and end on 30 April[2].

Where the rule really applies

The rule is not a blanket national one: it is set by the bodies that own or run the roads, meaning regions, provinces, ANAS, municipalities and motorway operators, and it must be shown with road signs. The legal basis is article 6 of the Codice della Strada and Ministerial Decree 1580/2013[3]. Some examples:

• in Modena it applies across the whole municipality from 15 November to 15 April, whatever the weather;
• on the A4 motorway run by CAV the same period applies, even with no snow on the road[2];
• on Alpine passes, ordinances can apply it at any time when there is snow or ice[3].

The updated snow plan for 2026-2027 was not yet available in the sources consulted, so before a trip check the ordinance of the body managing your route[2].

Winter tyres, all-season or chains: what to choose

You have three valid ways to comply[1][3]:

1. Winter tyres on all wheels, marked M+S; the 3PMSF symbol (mountain with snowflake) means better performance and is recommended by many authorities.
2. Approved all-season tyres with a winter marking and a size and speed index compatible with the registration document. If you fit these, you do not need chains on board[3].
3. Approved snow chains on board, suitable for the drive wheels, or snow socks that meet standard UNI EN 16662-1:2020, adopted by the decree of 23 February 2023[2]. Chains are for genuinely snow-covered surfaces and low speeds only[3].

Fitting only two winter tyres reduces grip, so change all four[2].

Speed index: the rule many people miss

During the technical window a speed index lower than the one on the registration document is allowed, but never below the letter Q, which is 160 km/h[2]. Outside the permitted period, tyres with too low an index can bring heavy penalties, up to 1,731 euros plus withdrawal of the registration document[3]. Check the index on the sidewall before buying a cheap set of winter tyres.

What you risk: the fines

Sources quote slightly different amounts, so treat them as an order of magnitude[2][3]:

• municipal roads or urban areas: roughly 41 to 169 euros;
• outside built-up areas: 80 to 318 euros in one source, up to 338 euros in another;
• in serious cases or bad weather the vehicle can be stopped until you comply[3].

Amounts can be updated, so always check the current text of the Codice della Strada.

When to swap your tyres

Temperature is a better guide than the calendar: when averages stay below about 7 degrees, winter compounds grip better even on dry or wet asphalt, not just on snow. Book the change early: in the first weeks of November garages fill up and prices rise. Store summer tyres somewhere dry, away from heat and direct light.

Checklist before 15 November

1. Check the M+S or 3PMSF marking and the DOT date: very old tyres lose grip.
2. Check tread depth: below 4 mm winter tyres lose much of their advantage, while the legal minimum is 1.6 mm.
3. If you choose chains, practise fitting them in the garage: doing it cold and in the dark is a common mistake.
4. If you travel in the mountains or abroad, learn the local rules.
5. Keep the receipt and registration document, and when buying a used car ask whether winter tyres are included in the price.

Buying or selling a car with winter tyres

A good set of winter tyres is real value in a negotiation: if you sell, mention it in the listing with photos of the tread and the marking; if you buy, check it before accepting a price without winter tyres. On VendiVoce you can list the included extras to attract buyers who want a winter-ready car.

Bottom line

From 15 November to 15 April, check the ordinance on your route, fit winter or approved all-season tyres or carry chains, and respect the speed index. Acting now costs less than a fine of hundreds of euros.

Further reading

1. Auto.it, Gomme invernali, quando scatta l'obbligo e cosa sapere (28 October 2026)
2. Motor1 Italia, Gomme invernali 2026: date, obblighi e novità da sapere (4 November 2026)
3. UnipolMove, Obbligo gomme invernali: quando scatta e cosa sapere (8 October 2026)