This is not a common classic car topic, but classic car owners in particular sometimes switch to winter and all-season tires because they can fit the correct tire dimensions. In Italy, however, using winter and all-season tires could have expensive consequences!
Only with summer tires to Italy
From May 15 to October 14, 2014, certain winter and all-season tires (M+S in each case) may no longer be used in Italy.
All vehicles fitted with tires with speed classes L, M, N, P and Q are affected. In a press release, the Automobile Club of Switzerland ACS therefore recommends that motorists only drive to Italy with summer tires during the specified period.
The speed class, also known as the speed index, indicates the maximum permitted driving speed. It is 120 km/h for the L class and 160 km/h for the Q class. The class is indicated on the tire as the last letter of the tire designation.
Read the index before driving, risk of expensive fines
The ACS therefore advises all drivers who want to drive in Italy with winter or all-season tires to read the index of their tires before driving. Those who want to be on the safe side should also ask their garage whether their vehicle tires are actually permitted in Italy. This could be worthwhile: In addition to a hefty fine of between 419 and 1682 euros, the vehicle may also be impounded.
