South Tyrol bans motor sport events and outings

The mood has shifted significantly: whilst up until 20 years ago car and motorbike riders were most welcome guests who spent their money in local restaurants and pubs, they are now viewed by politicians as disruptive hooligans whose enjoyment of motorised travel must be permanently curtailed.

The closure of the Grödner Joch from 1 September 2026 is only the beginning: At its meeting on 19 June 2026, the South Tyrolean Provincial Government adopted a regulation governing organised motor sport events on certain state and provincial roads falling within the province’s jurisdiction. The measure affects roads in protected areas as well as areas above 1,600 metres above sea level. Organised motor sport events will no longer be permitted there in future.

With this decision, the Provincial Government is implementing a concrete measure set out in the South Tyrol Sustainability Strategy 2030 and the South Tyrol Climate Plan 2040. Both strategic documents aim to better protect sensitive natural and mountain areas, reduce environmental impact and safeguard the quality of life of the population. Organised motor sport events would run counter to these objectives, as they cause additional pollution in the form of noise, emissions and traffic.

The provincial government’s statement emphasises that private transport will not be restricted. As if they wouldn’t do that anyway, if they had the authority to do so. “We are aware that this regulation alone does not solve the challenges on the mountain passes. The high volume of traffic and the widespread reckless driving there require additional, targeted measures, which we are already working on,” announced Provincial Governor Arno Kompatscher (South Tyrolean People’s Party). With this decision, the provincial government is sending a clear message: motorbike and car enthusiasts are no longer welcome in South Tyrol.

The regulation covers not only competitive motor sport events but all organised motor sport events of an entertainment nature, regardless of the type of vehicle used – be it a car, motorbike or tractor – and regardless of the propulsion system.

The focus is on sections of road leading to the Dolomite passes, nature parks, the National Park and the landscape conservation areas, including the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. The regulation also applies generally to areas above 1,600 metres above sea level.

Nach Tempo 60 nur für Motorräder folgt schon die nächste Schikane

Foto: Rolf Lüthi

As ever, such bans are deliberately worded vaguely by politicians and their officials. In this case, for instance, the first thing to be banned is timed hill climbs. The ban is irrelevant in this instance, as such events have not taken place in South Tyrol for a long time. The ban currently prevents organised tours involving cars, motorbikes and agricultural vehicles. ‘Organised’ currently means that there is a commercial element involved, with participants paying an organiser to take part.

At present, outings organised by clubs, associations or simply a few friends are regarded as private travel. The vague wording of the ban could also allow for a stricter interpretation in future.