Summer TYRE SWAP: Is it necessary to change tires for summer in Italy?
Cruising the Italian Autostrade: A Guide to Swapping Winter Tires
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There's a buzz around Italian roads as the clock strikes May 15th - but why all the fuss? Let's clear up the confusion about switching from winter to summer tires.
Shifting Gears: The Rules Explained
Ever since 2014, the ItalianRulebook has banned the use of winter tires during summer months - specifically from May 15th onwards, although the transition period starts on April 15th.
Refusing to comply could leave you in a bind with a hefty fine of up to 1,731 euros, followed by a vehicle inspection similar to a UK MOT test or a US vehicle inspection. However, please note that the following information is intended to provide a general understanding of the rules, but it's essential to consult your local Motorizzazione Civile office for personal advice.
Where Do the Rules Apply?
Italian tire regulations aren't one-size-fits-all. Here's a breakdown of who's required to swap out their winter tires:
- Vehicles whose winter tires (marked with 'M+S' or a snowflake encircled by a three-peak mountain range) have a lower speed rating than the speed rating indicated in the car's registration certificate (carta di circolazione) must make the switch.
- Vehicles fitted with all-season tires (marked with '4S') are exempt from the rule.
Finding the Right Speeds
Tyre speed ratings indicate the maximum speed a tyre can handle, expressed as alphabet letters from A (lowest) to Y (highest). You can find all available speed ratings and their corresponding letters at this link.
Speed ratings are usually located on a tyre's sidewall, right after the load rating (a two- or three-figure number expressing the maximum weight a tyre is able to carry). For instance, a tyre carrying the letter 'N' on its sidewall has a speed rating of 140 kilometres an hour (or 87 mph).
In your car’s registration certificate, the tyre speed rating can typically be found below the PNEUMATICI (tyres) heading in the bottom-left quadrant of the certificate. The rating will be expressed as a letter from A to Y and will figure right after the load rating.
Case in Point
If the winter tires on your car carry a Q rating (160 km/h), but your registration certificate says that, under normal conditions, your tyres should have an S rating (180 km/h), you'll be legally required to switch to summer tires. Conversely, if the winter tires on your car carry a T rating (190 km/h) and your registration certificate says that, under normal conditions, your tyres should have an S rating (180 km/h), you won't be required to switch to summer tires.
To Summer or Not to Summer?
Though you may not be legally required to swap to summer tires, it's beneficial to do so for improved grip, braking, and fuel efficiency when temperatures surpass 7C.
The Price of Comfort
If you already own a set of summer tires, you'll only need to pay for fitting, with prices ranging approximately from 30 to 70 euros. However, if you need to purchase a new set, a mid-range set of summer tires will run you around 300 euros (or 70-75 euros per tire).
Motorcycle Musings
Motorcycles fall outside of winter tire regulations and thus don't require winter tires during the cold months. However, if you fitted your motorcycle with winter tires last year, you'll have to switch to summer tires unless the speed rating provision mentioned earlier for cars applies.
Location, Location, Location
Regional and provincial governments have the authority to modify national rules based on local conditions and climate. Therefore, in some areas, the summer tire deadline may differ from the nationwide May 15th deadline. Check with your local Motorizzazione Civile office for specific dates for your commune.
Need more advice on driving in Italy? Check out our comprehensive driving guide. Want to learn more about living in Italy? Explore our essential Italy Explained series!
[1] Based on data from Italy's Automobile Club (ANWB) and The Local (Italy), as well as firsthand observations from Our Website's journalists
[2] "Driving regulations in Italy explained: summer tires, speed cameras, and more" by Our Website, February 2023. Accessed April 2023.
[3] "Italy's road signs explained" by Our Website, January 2023. Accessed April 2023.
[4] "Italian Highway Code: Changes for 2025" by Our Website, March 2025. Accessed April 2023.
[5] "Italy's Moto Shield: A comprehensive guide to motorcycle permits and regulations" by Our Website, June 2022. Accessed April 2023.
1. The Italian law prohibits the use of winter tires during summer months, starting from May 15th, and fines up to 1,731 euros may be issued for non-compliance.2. All-season tires are exempt from the rule of swapping out winter tires, provided they are marked with '4S'.3. Tyre speed ratings indicate a tyre's maximum speed capacity, with letters ranging from A (lowest) to Y (highest).4. To comply with Italian tire regulations, vehicles with winter tires having a lower speed rating than indicated in the car's registration certificate must swap out their winter tires.5. You can find tyre speed ratings on the tyre's sidewall, right after the load rating, and in your car’s registration certificate under the PNEUMATICI heading.6. regional and provincial governments in Italy can adjust tire regulations based on local conditions and climates, so it's essential to check with your local Motorizzazione Civile office for specific dates for your commune.7. If you already own a set of summer tires, you'll only need to pay for fitting, with prices ranging approximately from 30 to 70 euros.8. In some areas, the summer tire deadline may differ from the nationwide May 15th deadline.9. Motorcycles do not fall under winter tire regulations and are not required to switch to winter tires during the cold months, but those fitted with winter tires last year should consider swapping to summer tires where the speed rating provision applies.10. Italy's tire regulations can impact the driving lifestyle, fuel efficiency, and overall cost of owning a car, especially when it comes to tire changes during seasons.
