Failure on the tire? Why German drivers in Italy suddenly have to pay a fine

Winter tires in summer: it can be expensive in Italy

The summer vacation is just around the corner, the car is packed - but watch out: Anyone driving in Italy between May 16 and October 15 with the wrong tires risks hefty fines. And we're not talking about the typical "worn tread", but a detail that many people simply overlook: the speed index of your tires.

Permitted in Germany, banned in Italy - this mainly affects winter and all-season tires that do not have the required "speed index" in summer. Sounds technical? But it is crucial - and is checked in Italy.

What is behind the ban?

Italy makes a strict distinction between permissible and non-permissible tire material in summer. It is not the type of tire (i.e. winter or summer) that is decisive, but whether the speed index of the tire corresponds at least to the index entered in the vehicle registration document.

Example:
A tire with speed index H (up to 210 km/h) is entered in the vehicle registration document. If you now drive in summer with winter tires that are only marked T (up to 190 km/h), you are committing an offence - even if the car technically never drives faster.

This applies to all vehicles - including those registered in Germany. Only motorcycles are exempt from the regulation.

And where can I find the speed index?

Very simple: The speed index is the last letter in the tire size - for example "205/55 R16 H". Compare this letter with the registration certificate part I (formerly vehicle registration document), fields 15.1 to 15.3. Important: Only the same or higher index values are permitted in summer.

If you are unsure, you should check with your garage or tire dealer before setting off. A wrong tire not only costs nerves in Italy, but also at least 431 euros - and in the worst case, the car may even be confiscated or forced to be retested.

More order, more control - and more costs

Italy sees itself as a vacation paradise - but also as a country of rules. And that doesn't just apply to tires. An overview of other expensive surprises:

• Cell phone driving: up to 1,000 euros
• 10 km/h too fast in urban areas: up to 880 euros
• Garbage thrown out of the car: up to 200 euros
• Driving without a seatbelt: up to 80 euros
• Illegal parking in cities: quickly over 100 euros

These penalties are intended to create order - and they do. Clean cities, disciplined traffic - but at a high price for the ignorant.

Well-intentioned, but merciless

The Italian regulations are understandable - safety first. But the treatment of foreign travelers is not very accommodating. If you drive in accordance with the law in Germany, you can suddenly find yourself a traffic offender in Italy - because of a detail that even professionals sometimes overlook.

Good will doesn't count in Italy - only the right letter on the tire. If you're clever, you check beforehand - or pay afterwards.