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When does the requirement apply?
The reference period runs from 15 November to 15 April, as set out in the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's Directive of 16 January 2013. However, the authority managing the road can extend the dates depending on the weather.
So if you are travelling at the edges of the season, such as late October or late April, it is worth checking the orders for the roads you will be using.
Does the requirement apply on every road in Lombardy?
No, the requirement is not automatic on every road: it applies where the road authority has imposed it by an order and indicates it with dedicated signs. These authorities can be Comuni (municipalities), Provinces, ANAS or motorway concessionaires.
In Lombardy many roads outside towns, especially in hilly and mountain areas, are subject to an order, but the rules can change from one stretch to another and from season to season. To find out what applies on your route, check the road authorities' websites or keep an eye on the signs.
Which tyres are accepted?
Winter tyres marked M+S (Mud and Snow) are accepted, as are those with the 3PMSF symbol, the three-peak mountain with a snowflake. Many all-season tyres carry these markings.
| Marking | What it means |
|---|---|
| M+S | Tyre declared by the manufacturer as suitable for mud and snow |
| 3PMSF (mountain with snowflake) | Tyre that has passed a snow performance test |
The markings are on the tyre sidewall, near the size. If you do not know where to look, read how to read your tyre size.
Is it enough to carry snow chains?
Yes, as an alternative to winter tyres you can carry snow chains compatible with your vehicle's tyres. They must be the right size, and it helps to have tried fitting them before you need them.
Chains should be fitted when the road is covered in snow or ice; on dry tarmac they must be taken off. Check your owner's manual for any restrictions on using chains with your vehicle, for example with certain tyre sizes.
Can winter tyres have a lower speed rating?
For winter tyres, a speed rating lower than the one shown in the vehicle registration document is generally allowed, but within precise limits and only during a certain period of the year. The detailed rules can change, so it is wise to check them with your tyre fitter or in the Ministry's official announcements.
The tyre size must in any case be one of those approved for your vehicle.
What happens if you do not comply?
If you drive on a road subject to an order without winter tyres or snow chains on board, you risk a fine and, in some cases, not being allowed to continue. But the main point is safety: on snow and ice, summer tyres lose much of their grip.
Remember too that the tread must be deep enough: the legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm, but in snow and rain a deeper tread makes all the difference. Find out more in aquaplaning: what it is and how to avoid it.
Puncture on winter tyres in Milan?
If you get a puncture in winter, with the cold and the early dark, SOS Tyre comes out 24/7 across Milan and its province, in 30 minutes on average, including at night and on public holidays. Call +39 377 326 0999 or use the request for assistance, giving your tyre size. For evening callouts, see also the page on our night-time tyre service in Milan.
For the seasonal changeover between summer and winter tyres, on the other hand, you can book a tyre change at your home, or at your office or company premises.
Frequently asked questions
Do all-season tyres count as winter tyres?
Yes, if the sidewall bears the M+S marking or the 3PMSF symbol. Many all-season tyres have these markings and are therefore accepted where the requirement applies. Always check the tyre sidewall before setting off on roads subject to an order.
Do you need winter tyres in the city of Milan?
The requirement depends on the orders issued by the authority managing each road, not on the city as a whole. To find out whether a road is subject to the requirement, check the signs and the orders published by the road authority. If you leave Milan for hilly or mountain areas, you are very likely to come across stretches where it applies.
Can I fit just two winter tyres?
It is strongly discouraged: with only two winter tyres the car behaves unevenly between the front and rear axles, especially when braking and cornering. Vehicle and tyre manufacturers generally recommend fitting them on all four wheels.
Do chains count even if I do not know how to fit them?
For the purposes of the requirement, what matters is having them on board and in the correct size, but for your own safety you need to be able to fit them when necessary. Practise fitting them at home, calmly and on a dry surface, before setting off on a journey to areas where it might snow.