San Marino Sets No Winter Tyre Mandate for 2026-27

San Marino sets no winter tyre mandate for its roads. Its policy on studded tyres isn’t published, so the confirmed standard to rely on is a 1.6mm tread floor. That single figure is what a roadside check would actually measure.

If you are heading to San Marino by road or picking up a hire car at the airport, knowing what inspectors look for turns a stop into a formality.

Tyre Law Summary for San Marino

Winter Tyre Rules in San Marino

San Marino has no legal requirement for winter tyres. However, if you drive in areas that experience cold temperatures (below 7°C), winter or all-season tyres provide measurably better grip than summer tyres. Summer rubber hardens in cold weather and loses traction significantly.

Minimum Tread Depth in San Marino

San Marino sets the legal tread depth minimum at 1.6 mm. Inspectors measure across the central three-quarters of the tread surface.

For San Marino’s roads, the practical replacement threshold is 3.0 mm — well above the legal minimum. The difference in wet braking at 80 km/h:

How to check in San Marino: use a tread depth gauge from any automotive shop, or look for the built-in tread wear indicators (TWI) — small raised bars in the grooves that become flush with the surface at 1.6 mm.

Studded Tyres in San Marino

Studded tyre regulations in San Marino are not clearly defined. Check with local authorities or your rental company before fitting studded tyres.

All-Season Tyres in San Marino

All-season tyres with the M+S marking are accepted in San Marino. For drivers who prefer not to switch tyres seasonally, they offer a practical middle ground — adequate in mild winters and acceptable in summer heat, though not optimal in either extreme.

Penalties for Tyre Violations in San Marino

Driving with illegal tyres in San Marino risks fines and, more critically, insurance problems. If you have an accident and your tyres do not meet the legal standard, your insurer may reduce or refuse your claim entirely.

Tyre Choice for San Marino’s Climate

San Marino has Mediterranean climate with hot summers. This means tyres face both warm-weather wear and occasional cold-weather challenges:

• Summer: high temperatures increase tyre pressure and accelerate wear. Check pressure monthly and inspect for cracking or bulges
• Autumn/winter: wet roads and occasional frost mean tread depth matters more than in summer. If your area sees regular frost, consider winter or all-season tyres
• Year-round: all-season tyres are a practical choice if your winters are mild and you prefer not to swap tyres twice a year

Road Conditions and Tyre Wear in San Marino

San Marino has a well-maintained road network. Tyre wear tends to be predictable and even on main roads. Urban stop-and-go traffic causes shoulder wear, while longer highway stretches wear the centre. Regular rotation (every 8,000–10,000 km) keeps wear even.

How San Marino’s Tyre Laws Compare to Neighbours

Planning a cross-border trip from San Marino? Here is how neighbouring countries differ:

• Cyprus: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
• Portugal: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: not_verified.
• Malta: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
• Andorra: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded tyres: no specific national rule.

For speed limits, traffic rules, and licence requirements in San Marino, see our Driving in San Marino guide.