Winter tyres become compulsory again on some Lake Garda roads from Sunday 15 November, but not on all of them. The requirement lasts until 15 April 2027 and applies only where the road operator has issued an order: a sign along the road announces it. Drivers who still have summer tyres can use those roads too, provided they carry snow chains or other suitable anti-skid devices on board.
The period comes from a directive of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport dated 16 January 2013, which sets the window but does not trigger the requirement by itself. On mountain roads, operators can set different periods.
Where it applies on the Brescia shore
The Province of Brescia lists the stretches with the requirement in 44 entries. Three concern the Alto Garda, the northern part of the lake: the SP 38 Tremosine-Tignale, the SP 115 Limone sul Garda-Tremosine and the SP 9 Gargnano-Valvestino-Magasa (SP stands for provincial road).
The published list of ordinances gives the stretches: on the SP 38 from kilometre 2 to 29, on the SP 115 up to kilometre 6, on the SP 9 from kilometre 6 to 26. On the SP 113 Capovalle-Turano di Valvestino it extends to kilometre 10. These are the roads that climb from the lake towards Tremosine, Tignale and Valvestino, in the area of the Forra road.
On Brescia provincial roads, in any case, the sign is what counts: the requirement applies for as long as it is displayed.
Verona shore and Trentino
Last season the Province of Verona required winter tyres or snow chains on board on all provincial roads in the Verona area, from 15 November to 15 April. The same list of ordinances also includes two regional roads: the SR 249 Gardesana Orientale and the SR 450 of Affi.
Motorbikes and mopeds are exempt from the requirement, but they may only travel there when there is no snow or ice on the road and no snow is falling.
In Trentino the requirement covers state and provincial roads.
When you can switch tyres and how much the fine is
From 15 October to 15 May 2027, winter tyres with the M+S marking and a speed rating lower than the one on the vehicle registration document, up to and including Q, are also allowed. Tyres with the same parameters as the registration document can be used all year round.
Anyone who does not comply with the order risks a fine of 87 to 344 euros outside built-up areas and 42 to 173 euros inside built-up areas.
