The ordinary winter equipment requirement runs from 15 November to 15 April on roads where a local order and road signs impose it. According to InfoCilento, the requirement does not apply automatically to every Italian road.

On the mountain routes of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and the Alburni, drivers must therefore follow the signs and the order in force on the road they are using. The Transport Ministry directive allows road owners and concessionaires to prescribe winter tires or snow and ice anti-slip devices, with different periods possible for particular roads.

What counts as compliant

Where the local order allows it, compatible snow chains carried on board can replace winter tires. According to ACI, the obligation depends on the order for that road, and 15 October does not create a generalised national obligation.

Anti-slip devices must be compatible with the tires fitted to the vehicle. When used, they must be fitted at least on the wheels of the drive axles, according to the Transport Ministry directive.

The directive recommends fitting winter tires on all wheels for M1 and N1 vehicles, for more uniform grip.

Tires marked M+S, MS, M-S or M&S are identified by ACI as winter tires admitted under the rules. The 3PMSF symbol additionally indicates passing specific snow performance tests.

Compatible homologated all-season tires can satisfy the requirement without additional chains, according to ACI, unless the local order imposes a specific prescription.

Fines

Outside built-up areas, the reported penalty range is 87 to 344 euros. Inside built-up areas, the reported range is 42 to 173 euros, according to ACI.

The exact amount depends on the place and the violation recorded.

Before driving to the Cilento high ground

Before heading for the high ground of Cilento, Vallo di Diano or the Alburni, drivers should check the weather, road conditions, signs and the orders that apply to their route. Dates and any extension of the requirement can differ on individual mountain stretches.

Chain or device compatibility must be checked against the tire size and the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

Two-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds

Two-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds are excluded from the ordinary winter equipment obligation. During the period of an order, however, they may circulate only when there is no snow, ice or ongoing snowfall, according to ACI and the ministry framework.