With the gradual drop in temperatures and the imminent arrival of winter, the obligation to travel on roads equipped with winter tires or snow chains is triggered throughout Italy. These devices serve to optimize road safety conditions as they ensure maximum grip in relation to weather conditions. The A24 and A25 highways pass through mountainous areas, reaching altitudes above 1,000 meters. Getting on the road with the proper equipment is essential for safe driving in the inland areas of Abruzzo and Lazio, where temperature drops and weather changes can be sudden.
Like all years, the obligation will take effect from November 15, 2025 until April 15, 2026, including on the A24 and A25 highways.
In detail, the ordinance will affect the following routes:
- A24 highway between the Tivoli and Teramo Est interchanges/ SS80 connection;
- A25 Highway for the entire extension between the Torano Directional Interchange and the Interconnection Interchange with the A14 Highway.
WINTER EQUIPMENT: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The requirement to fit winter tires or drive with chains on board applies to all motor vehicles, excluding two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles, which will be allowed to drive only when there is no snow or ice on the road and no snowfall phenomena in place;
- Anti-skid devices to be kept on board as an alternative to snow tires must be compatible with the tires on the vehicle on which they are to be installed and, when used, the installation instructions provided by the vehicle and device manufacturers must be followed;
- Winter tires must be marked M+S. Approval, which is the Authority’s official recognition of compliance with a technical specification or regulation, is indicated by the E mark followed by a number identifying the country that issued the approval and a serial number.
- driving without winter tires, during the period specified by law, is punishable by a fine that varies depending on the type of road being driven: fines start at 42 euros in built-up areas, rise to 84 euros on suburban roads, and can go up to 344 euros. In addition, there is a three-point deduction from the driver’s license and, if necessary, the detention of the vehicle by tow truck.In the event of serious violations, the vehicle registration certificate may even be withdrawn until the tires are replaced, with fines of up to €1,731.
- there is no rule that once the winter period has expired, winter tires must be replaced with summer tires, provided, however, that the same winter tires have a speed index equal to or greater than that indicated on the car registration card. The law, in fact, provides for the possibility of fitting winter tires with a lower speed index than that indicated on the car’s registration, provided that once the period of the obligation has expired they are replaced with tires with the correct index (thus equal or higher) within a month. For example, if the obligation ended on April 15, winter tires with a lower speed index would have to be replaced by May 15.
- in addition to snow chains, from 2023, “snow socks” can also be used in Italy, provided they are approved in accordance with European regulations. Like chains, socks can be a temporary solution for dealing with sudden snowfall and for traveling on snow. However, it is important to remember that they do not guarantee the same handling, grip, and durability as winter tires, which can be used at all times, even on dry asphalt.
Winter, snow, or all-season tires?
Winter tires must bear the M+S (Mud & Snow) marking and, preferably, the 3PMSF symbol (snowflake inside a mountain), which certifies high performance on snow. All-season tires with M+S marking are also permitted. Alternatively, summer tires can be used only if you have snow chains or snow socks approved to UNI EN 16662-1:2020 on board.
Here’s how to choose:
Practical advice
- Check local regulations: each authority may have different rules.
- Fit all four wheels: even if the law only allows them to be fitted on the drive axle, for greater stability it is advisable to fit winter tires on all wheels.
- Consult a tire dealer: to choose the model best suited to your driving style and the weather conditions in your area.
