Winter is upon us and on many roads the Ordinances that bind the circulation of cars and commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tons only with snow tires mounted, with chains or approved additional adhesion devices. Translating from the bureaucratese, the latter include the so-called socks, which have already entered the price lists of some tire manufacturers.
It must be said immediately that the obligation is not general, because the Ordinances concern certain road sections (reported on the Stradeanas and pneumaticisottocontrollo sites) and do not normally involve urban areas. However, both the fact that the provisions concern safety and the growing number of affected areas together with the fact that, at times, these provisions in some areas are patchy, it is good not to underestimate the situation. Driving without the correct equipment risks fines, ranging from 42 euros in built-up areas to 87 euros on suburban roads and motorways, and the immediate stop of the vehicle. In practical terms, it must be moved from the road with a tow truck or only by adopting the prescribed devices.
If you continue not being in order and are stopped, you will add a further fine of 87 euros and the deduction of three points from the driving license. For many motorists the most functional way to travel respecting the rules, not to be in a situation of actual difficulty and poor safety in the event of snowfall or sudden drops in temperature is to adopt approved winter tires. Among the latter, All Seasons, also known as four seasons, are increasingly gaining ground. In all cases these types of tires must bear the M + S marking (i.e. MS, M / S, MS and M&S) and any additional Alpine / Three Peaks Mountain Snowflake pictogram (the profile of a mountain with a snowflake inside) and, above all, they must be of measures conforming to those indicated in the booklet. The Ministry of Transport only recommends the adoption of winter tires on all four wheels, but it is good to consider that the homogeneity of the tires positively affects the behavior of the car in every driving situation.