The automotive world is evolving, and more and more enthusiasts want customized cars.
Whether it's purely for aesthetic reasons or to feel that total connection with your vehicle, fitting the wheels of your dreams is an absolutely thrilling prospect.
Alloy wheels also affect the performance of our car in terms of acceleration, braking, and driving precision. When choosing them, it is therefore very important to find the right balance between aesthetics and practicality.
But what if the sizes I want to fit don't match those listed in the manual?
Alloy wheels must be approved for your car. Today we explain the main points to consider when purchasing approved alloy wheels and the procedure for approving car wheels in 2026.
The Wheels Decree (Ministerial Decree 20/2013) is constantly evolving. Since 2015, it has introduced important new features focused on the safety and reliability of approved and tested alloy wheels.
In fact, it allows only NAD or UN/ECE 124 approved alloy wheels to be sold and installed. Let's take a look at the main differences to ensure compliance and to better understand how to choose the perfect alloy wheel for us and our car.
How does NAD approval work for rims?
NAD approval allows you to install tire sizes listed in the certificate of conformity supplied with the rims, with the specific model chosen and installed then added to the vehicle registration document.
It is valid throughout Italy, but remember to keep the certificate of conformity on board together with the installer's declaration of correct installation to avoid unnecessary fines.
ECE R124 is a type approval recognized by all European Union countries and includes the measurements already listed in the vehicle registration document. The advantage is that the vehicle registration document is already updated and no additional documents need to be kept on board. Furthermore, the type approval applies to all rims of the same size.
On the other hand, however, the choice of ECE-approved rims is obviously more limited than NADs and does not allow for customization, as it is restricted to the sizes specified by the manufacturer.
Both Italian and European regulations stipulate that the approval number must be visible on the rim, even when the tire is installed. Therefore, we will find a specific marking assigned by the manufacturer, stamped on the inside of the rim.
ECE wheels will bear a special “E” marking followed by the approval number, while only NAD wheels will feature a special anti-counterfeiting sticker.
The approval number will also appear on the certificate of conformity.
Since 2022, revisions to the Decree have simplified the procedure for updating the logbook for NAD rims: the manufacturer's authorization is no longer required among the documents for approval.
Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to go to a Motor Vehicle Department office, but it is possible to have the rims approved at authorized vehicle registration agencies.
Here are all the steps to request NAD wheel approval and begin the conversion:
PLEASE NOTE: The motorization must be located in the same province as the tire dealer where you will have the new alloy wheels fitted.
Despite simplifications, it is not easy to navigate the myriad procedures.
A useful summary of the documentation to bring to the inspection is a must:
- Certificate of Conformity (COC)
This certificate shows the specific rim measurements and is provided together with the alloy rims purchased.
- Scope of Use
This document lists all the vehicles for which the wheel rim is approved and the corresponding permitted tire sizes. It is also supplied with the wheel rims.
- Certificate of correct installation
Issued by the tire dealer at the time of installation
- 25 euro revenue stamps + 16 euro
Proof of payment (postal payment slips, PagoPa)
First and foremost, there are administrative penalties imposed on those who sell or manufacture non-approved components, which can even include confiscation of the wheel rim already installed.
We face fines ranging from €40 to €170 if the installer's declaration of correct installation and the certificate of conformity are not present in the vehicle.
The penalties become more severe in the event of failure to update the logbook: they can exceed €1,500, in addition to the withdrawal of the vehicle registration certificate.
There is a huge variety of rims, differing in size, design, and technical characteristics.
To ensure you make an informed purchase when buying alloy wheels online, our USEFUL TIPS section contains a wealth of articles to answer your questions and satisfy your curiosity.
For example:
How to choose alloy wheels
How to read an alloy wheel
ET wheels: what are they?
You can also find out how to fit non-standard rims with Matteo Valenza's video, which will explain everything about INCH-UP and INCH-DOWN.
If you have any questions, please contact our customer service on WhatsApp or send us an email.
At CambioRuote.it, you will find a wide range of modern alloy wheels that combine aesthetics, performance, and innovation. You can also count on our dedicated customer support team to help you choose and answer any questions you may have.
With CambioRuote.it, you are always guaranteed:
→ Original products
→ Approved assembly centers
→ Free, fast, and secure shipping throughout Italy
Visit our Online Store or contact us via WhatsApp or email.
The Type of the car is a code that the producer assigns to each vehicle in order to distinguish it from similar models.
You can find this code in the italian registration certificate in two places: At point D.2, Vehicle type, or at point E, vehicle identification number.
If you need help, contact us via WhatsApp at 345 0634873
