Snow tyres and chains

Penny

11/29/2011 - 10:49

There was a change the Codice Stradale last year and now Regions can set their own rules for use of snow chains and/or snow tyres. A lot of regions insist on one or the other in winter so you may need to hire them if renting a car or buy them if bringing your own. Here is a list of who requires what and when by region:

Topic

Travel

Comment

Thank you, Penny, very useful. Does anyone know which is the current situation regarding the snow socks or "calze da neve". I do not see any mention, they only refer to chains or snow tyres.

I suspect if it doesn't say then you can't use them. They are only any good in areas where there is constant lying snow. So, if you're on a road where there is some snow then not, the parts that have no snow wreck the 'socks' eventually. That is how my Noregian friends explained it to me. In Italy they have to have either a Ö-NORM or CUNA approval to be legal in Italy and I can't find any snow socks that are.

This issue (about whether 'snow socks' are legal in terms of the directives) is still a bit obscure: heck, this is unacceptable after five years...but as yet, they are not approved (as far as I can determine anywhere in Italy.) However, the requirements, under the directive, are to carry snow chains, or to run a car with winter tyres capable of transiting in conditions of snow or ice. Now, in my understanding, this means 'studded' tyres - not simply 'winter tyres'. And then you get the the San Gottardo tunnel, where they wish to protect their tarmac, and don't approve of studded tyres (quite reasonably as far as I'm concerned). So - (I do agree that it is silly to organise your life just to comply with badly written requirements) - if you are incapable of avoiding a potentially snow impacted journey, equip yourself with chains which you hope will remain utouched in the boot, and trust to luck. Of course, if you live in Piemonte or another northern region where 'winter tyres' are the norm, the 'legge' is not going to interest you - everyday practicalities will be what govern your choice.

Thanks Penny. It is a pity, as they are very easy to fit. We have only used them with the road totally covered in snow and we found them fantastic.

Thanks, Fillide, and I do agree with you in that what they mean is studded tyres. Having chains on board seems to be the best option.

Fillide, you just need tyres with the snowflake mark to comply with the legislation. They do not need to be studded. Also the problem with chains is you have to keep taking them off and putting them on if you are in an area with intermittent snow. No fun in cold weather! Where we live you need the winter tyres in winter. €78 fine and 2 points off your licence if you get caught without them.

Does this mean if one is simply driving through these areas in a foreign registered car one needs to have snow tyres or chains and if not will be fined? I will be driving to Genoa from the UK to take the ferry to Sardinia in February.

yes, because ( and not only in italy but also in germany) there have been so many blocked roads due to foreign cars and lorries without chains or snow tyres causing the problem...the only difference being with foreign cars they'll take the fine on the spot rather than posting it.

In theory yes Pamela. Check your route and the regions you pass through to see what the rules are on which roads. Either buy chains or risk the fine which might actually cost less :-)

I have heard these are very good and easy to fit. Have a look at the videos for more info. I have a 4x4 and carry snow chains as well though not easy to fit; I wish I'd have had these as they fit all different tyre sizes so you can keep them when you change your car. A lot cheaper than ones bought in Italy as well looks as though they deliever to Italy as well.

Just to qualify all this for those a little nervous about being fined. The Police will only fine you if you are caught on a road which has Snow on it or it is currently snowing, and you don't have Chains. The likelyhood of them pulling you over on a clear road where there is no snow and it isn't snowing and fining you for not having Chains during those periods is nonsense. So if you are travelling where it is snowing either have some cahins with you or stop your journey until the snow has cleared.

Flip, I agree that the likelihood of being pulled over when it is not snowing or icy is less but the police are actually able to fine you on the roads listed and during the periods listed even if it is not snowing. You have no way of knowing when you set off on a long journey whether it is going to snow or not so personally I would prefer to carry chains/have snow tyres for purely safety reasons not just to avoid being fined.

What do you do when the car hire company say they haven't got any snow chains/tyres, as happened to us last Dec. and will probably happen this Dec. as well? Surely they are breaking the law not to provide them.

Alma, I don't think they are legally bound to provide them as only certain roads are listed in the Legislation (and then only some parts of it) as it's down to you on what roads you use. As a rule of thumb if you are hiring a vehicle between November and April I would suggest that you state that you will require chains when hiring the vehicle. Also check weather forecasts in advance and consult local web cams on the internet. Penny, I have it on good authority from a Carabinieri friend of ours, that no checks will take place if there is a lack of Snow & Ice on the listed roads between the indicated dates, it is meant as Safety legislation rather than a way of raising money. But the outlay of €80 odd is a worthwhile expense if you live here.

Further to Pennys post, I saw today on the Foligno/Macerata road, new notices stating the dates for these regulations, start date for that road 01/12. Suppose you could be lucky and get away with it, but is it worth the risk? Our 4x4 has winter tyres (no chains), as does the normal car with chains carried as well.

I checked a few years ago with the tyre centre about using these here and was told only Police/Forestale could use them. This may of course have changed.

Apparently Fermo Province is doing it differently. You need your winter tyres or snow chains with you on ALL roads in the province. Also outside of the stated dates of there is snow or ice on the roads.

apparently yesterday afternoon the police and carabinieri were having a field day down at campiglione di fermo yesterday giving out E.80 FINES + POINTS OFF LICENCE FOR ALL WITHOUT SNOW TYRES OR CHAINS ABOARD....despite temperatures of nearly 18#..