Yes, studded tires are legal in Italy but subject to stringent regional and seasonal restrictions enforced by local ordinances and the Codice della Strada. Their use is permitted only in mountainous provinces during winter months, typically from November 15 to April 15, with mandatory authorization from provincial authorities. Compliance requires adherence to technical standards set by the Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti, which mandates stud dimensions (≤ 1.5mm protrusion) and density limits to minimize road damage.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in Italy
- Seasonal and Regional Restrictions: Use is confined to provinces designated as “zone montane” (e.g., Alto Adige, Trentino) during winter, with exact dates varying by municipality. Non-compliance risks fines up to €169 under Art. 6 of the Codice della Strada.
- Technical Standards: Studded tires must comply with UNI EN 14422:2015, limiting stud protrusion to 1.5mm and prohibiting studs exceeding 250 per tire. Vehicles must display a rear warning sign (“Pneumatici con catene a bordo”) when equipped with studded tires.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Decreto Ministeriale 2024 introduces phased restrictions, banning studded tires in urban areas and reducing seasonal windows by 2026. Operators must monitor updates from ANCI (National Association of Italian Municipalities) for local amendments.
Failure to comply with these provisions may result in vehicle impoundment or liability for road damage, as enforced by ANAS (National Road Authority). Exemptions require prior approval from provincial traffic police (Polizia Stradale).