Italy Fines Missing Winter Tyres up to EUR 345 in 2026

Missing the winter tyre window in Italy — 15 November to 15 April — carries a fine of EUR 87 to EUR 345, separate from any speeding penalty. Speeding itself starts at EUR 42 for the smallest violation and climbs past EUR 2,170 with a licence suspension for the worst offences, though a 30% discount applies if you pay within five days. Motorways are capped at 130 km/h, and the alcohol limit is 0.05%. Supervised driving is allowed from 17, with an unrestricted licence at 18.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. You must be at least 17 to drive.

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Emergency Numbers in Italy

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 113 | Ambulance: 118 | Fire: 115

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Italy, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Italy

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Italy are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Switzerland (120 km/h).

Italy uses an extensive network of fixed and mobile speed cameras. The typical enforcement tolerance is about 5 km/h.

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Warning for foreign drivers: Italy pursues unpaid fines through cross-border enforcement agreements. You may receive a penalty notice at your home address weeks or months after your trip.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: EUR 250-1,000 + 5 points
• Running a red light: EUR 167-665 + 6 points
• Seatbelt violation: EUR 83-333 + 5 points

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is EUR 250-1,000 + 5 points. Use hands-free devices only.

Daytime running lights are required in most situations. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels, rain, and reduced visibility.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3.0 mm for adequate grip.

Studded tyres: restricted.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Italy guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Italy must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest (high-visibility)

Recommended:

• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Spare bulbs

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

The minimum driving age is 17 years.

EU/EEA licences valid. Non-EU visitors need IDP or sworn translation.

Parking and Fuel

City-centre parking in Italy is typically paid — use parking meters, ticket machines, or mobile payment apps. Look for P+R (park and ride) facilities on the outskirts connected to public transport.

Current fuel prices in Italy: petrol approximately $2.02/litre, diesel $1.80/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Winter is mild in coastal areas but mountain roads may see snow and ice. Check conditions before mountain driving in winter.

Useful Driving Phrases in Italian

Knowing a few phrases in Italian helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Italian language pack in your translation app for offline use.

Practical Driving Tips for Italy

• Speed camera warning apps (Waze, Google Maps) are legal here.
• Dashcams are legal and recommended for evidence in case of an accident.
• Download offline maps of Italy before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Check if you need a motorway vignette (toll sticker) or an environmental zone sticker for city driving.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.