When do trucks need winter tyres in Italy?
Italy truck winter tyres: HGVs need winter tyres or snow chains on signposted roads from 2026-11-15 to 2027-04-15, fine EUR 87 to 344.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
HGVs in Italy need winter tyres or snow chains on board from 2026-11-15 to 2027-04-15, but only on roads where the road owner has issued an ordinance and posted signs. Chains must sit at least on the drive axle wheels, and fines run from EUR 87 to EUR 344 outside built-up areas.
Where does the Italian winter tyre rule apply to HGVs?
The duty is not national. Under article 6 of the Highway Code, the road owner or concessionaire (ANAS, a motorway operator, a region, a province or a municipality) decides by ordinance, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport directive of 2013-01-16 sets 15 November to 15 April as the uniform window outside built-up areas. Owners may use a different period on high mountain roads, so the sign and the ordinance for your route always win over the general dates.
Where an ordinance applies, the road carries the compulsory chains sign, which under the road sign regulation published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale means driving with snow chains or winter tyres from that point. Drivers can check the Italian HGV speed limits for the same trip.
Can an HGV use snow chains instead of winter tyres in Italy?
Yes. The directive lets a vehicle either run winter tyres or carry anti-skid devices, and the driver chooses. Chains must suit the tyres of the vehicle and, when used, go on at least the wheels of the drive axles. For heavier vehicle categories the directive also accepts devices that meet the Austrian ÖNORM V5119 standard, so check the label on chains bought for a tractor unit. Winter tyres must carry the UNECE approval mark.
How much is the fine for missing winter equipment in Italy?
According to the Automobile Club d'Italia page checked on 2026-10-23, the fine is EUR 87 to EUR 344 outside built-up areas under article 6, and EUR 42 to EUR 173 inside them under article 7. Under article 192, officers can also order a driver without the required equipment to stop until it is fitted.
Plan the check before the first mountain run of the season, and compare it with the public holidays on the Italian calendar for 2026 when you set loading windows. The EU-wide winter tyre and snow chain guide covers the other countries on a route.
Frequently asked questions
Does the winter tyre rule apply on every Italian road from 15 November?
No. It applies only on roads covered by an ordinance, and those roads are signposted. Some mountain roads use a different period, so check the ordinance of the road owner before departure.
Can I fit winter tyres before 15 November in Italy?
Yes. Under ministry circular 1049 of 2014, winter tyres with a lower speed index than the registration document, not below Q, may be used from 15 October to 15 May. The 15 October date does not create an obligation, it only allows early fitting.
Do all-season tyres meet the Italian winter rule?
The Automobile Club d'Italia states that four-season tyres with the winter markings M+S, M&S or MS can meet the obligation without chains. For a truck, confirm the marking on every drive axle tyre and read the ordinance of the specific road.
What happens if an HGV has no chains or winter tyres on a signposted road?
The driver risks a fine of EUR 87 to EUR 344 outside built-up areas. Officers can also order the vehicle to stop until the equipment is fitted, which on a mountain route can cost more than the fine.
Need a carrier who plans Italian winter routes in advance? Request a quote from Logifie .
