Road traffic regulations in Italy

Essentials of the Italian road traffic regulations
Status: March 2025

In Italy, fines can be significantly higher than in Germany. To help you better familiarize yourself with Italian traffic regulations, you'll find the most important information about the Italian Highway Code (StVO) below. By following the rules, you'll not only save money but also enjoy a relaxing vacation.

Important information in advance:

• Traffic violations abroad are no small matter – especially in Italy, where fines can be quite hefty. Fines as low as €70,00 are enforceable in Germany. While minor violations such as illegal parking are usually not included, they can be quite expensive in Italy. Since 2013, an EU directive (2011/82/EU) has also allowed authorities to exchange vehicle owner data across national borders.
• Foreign traffic offenders receive their fine within 360 days, unless the violation was immediately prosecuted on the spot. This period is a kind of statute of limitations. Furthermore, Italy adjusts fines for inflation every two years. The Italian Highway Code (Legislative Decree of April 30, 1992, No. 285) is regularly revised. Since the 2023 reform, numerous regulations have been tightened, particularly for repeat offenses.
• The Italian points system also applies to EU citizens. It starts with 20 points, from which 1 to 10 are deducted depending on the severity of the violation. Those who don't lose any more points for two years receive the full number of points again. If the total is reduced to zero, they face driving bans in Italy – but not in Germany.

1. Over speeding

Italy punishes speeding violations consistently, especially for repeated offenses. Since 2023, drivers can also be suspended for multiple violations within two years.

Fines:

• Exceeding the speed limit up to 20 km/h: from 175,00 €

• Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h: from €545,00 (up to €2.200,00 possible for repeated offenses)

If specially marked, you can drive 150 km / h on three-lane motorways. In rain or snow, you have to drive 20 km / h slower! (110 instead of 130 and 90 instead of 110)

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

2. U-turns on motorways / expressways, driving over the median

This is not something to be taken lightly in Italy. The fines are hefty: € 2.004,00 up to € 8.017,00, plus 2 - 6 months driving ban,
in extreme cases, confiscation of the car for 3 months and 10 points

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

3. Reversing on hard shoulder, at toll booths, unauthorized driving on hard shoulder

€ 422,00 up to € 1.695,00 and 10 points This also applies to driving through toll stations without paying.

If you have wrongly classified yourself at a toll station, do not turn around, but press the call button, and you will be helped!

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

4. Passing a red light

ab € 175,00 and 6 points

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

5. Driving without the low beam

Mopeds and motorcycles must always drive with dipped headlights.
Cars and trucks must drive with dipped headlights outside built-up areas during the day.

€ 41,00 up to € 169,00

The use of the low beam is mandatory for all vehicles on motorways and outside built-up areas during the day.
The rear fog light may only be used when visibility is less than 50 m, as in Germany.

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

6. Parking in black / yellow parking areas or when parking is prohibited

€ 24,00 up to € 98,00 for two-wheeled motorcycles; away 40, 00 € for all other vehicles

Meaning of the different colored curbs:

• White: You can park here for free
• Blue: Paid parking
• Black yellow: Parking is prohibited here
• Yellow: Parking space is reserved for buses, taxis, etc.
• Green: In some cities there are designated green parking areas: There are temporary parking bans here.

Parking facilities for the severely disabled:

Foreign disabled persons are entitled to the same parking privileges as Italian citizens if they possess a disability card bearing the internationally recognized wheelchair symbol. Essentially, parking is permitted only in designated, specially marked parking bays, just as in Germany. Fines for illegal parking can be as follows: Motorcycles: 40.00 € - 164.00 €; Cars: 85.00 € - 338.00 €. 

Parked vehicles must not have the motorized air conditioning running, penalty for infringement € 218.00 - € 435.00 

References: Articles 157 and 158 Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

7. Violation of the seat belt requirement

Driver and passengers must be buckled up in Italy.

Threaten with violations 85,00 €

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

8. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and intoxicants

The blood alcohol limit in Italy is 0,5 per mille. For novice drivers (less than three years of driving experience) and professional drivers, the limit is 3 per mille. Since 0,0, an immediate rapid drug test has been mandatory in cases of suspicious behavior.

• 0,5–0,8 per mille: from € 530,00

• Over 1,5 per mille: up to €6.000,00, driving licence suspension (up to 2 years), possible imprisonment, vehicle confiscation

• Repeat offenders: double fines, longer driving license suspension

• In case of an accident: double the penalty

Drugs: €1.500,00–€6.000,00, driver's license suspension, possible imprisonment. Vehicle may be confiscated.

References: Articles 186 and 187 Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

9. Cell Phones

Since the 2023 reform, mobile phone violations have been punished much more severely. Even the first violation can result in a 15-day driver's license suspension, especially if other road users are endangered.

Fine: €165,00 – in case of endangerment or repetition up to €660,00 Driving licence suspension up to 3 months if repeated within 2 years

Only hands-free or a single earpiece allowed.

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

10. Behavior in the roundabout

Vehicles already in the roundabout (rotatoria) generally have priority. This is indicated by the "yield" sign before entering the roundabout. When exiting the roundabout (not entering!), the turn signal must be used, as in Germany.

Unless otherwise expressly regulated by traffic signs, in the roundabout, it applies that the vehicles entering the roundabout have right of way over the vehicles already in the roundabout (right-before-left rule).

However, these principles are not always observed in practice, so that increased caution is required at and around the roundabout in Italy.

11. Loading regulations / information on loading the vehicle

The following information is aimed primarily at athletes with bulky equipment, but also at vacationers who like to take a little more with them and are faced with the problem of where to put everything in or on the car:

As in Germany, in Italy the load protruding beyond the rear of the vehicle must be marked with a warning sign. With the warning sign is each to provide vehicle cargo that extends to the rear, even if it protrudes by less than a meter. She is z. B. to be attached if only a rear rack (with or without load) is attached, even when folded.
According to the implementing regulations, a square metal (aluminum) plate covered with reflective material must be attached to the end of the protruding part of the load so that it is always perpendicular to the direction of travel. The board must measure at least 50 × 50 cm and be hatched in red and white.
In addition, it should have a type approval. Old, already approved warning signs made of plastic may continue to be used under the condition that they are type-approved. The panels should normally be made of metal; However, exceptions with other suitable materials can be allowed.

It is not permitted to attach cargo that protrudes to the front.

In case of doubt, we recommend that you have a type-approved metal plate with you. The prices for online delivery are between 20 and 30 euros. When ordering, remember that the warning plate should already have eyelets for attachment.
A violation is currently being carried out with € 85,00 up to € 338,00 punished.

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

12. Overtaking

Overtaking is prohibited in front of and on level crossings. Trams may not be overtaken on the right when passengers get on or off. Overtaking at intersections and pedestrian crossings is prohibited. Caution is also advised with solid center lines: holidaymakers are often asked to check out if they pull out to overtake shortly before the dashed lines and cross the (still) solid line. Overtaking on hilltops and unclear roads is prohibited.

A violation is currently depending on the severity with at least € 81,00 up to a maximum 1.282 € punished and in extreme cases can result in up to 10 points and a driver's license being withdrawn.

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

13. Right of way on mountain roads

In Italy you have to give way to all public buses on mountain passes and mountain roads, unless you can drive past each other. This applies regardless of whether you are driving uphill or downhill.

References: Article Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

14. Safety vests and warning triangle

Wearing a safety vest is mandatory for all drivers when they leave the vehicle outside of built-up areas and are on the road. This applies in principle and serves as additional protection, especially in emergency situations and in bad weather conditions. cyclist By the way, you have to wear a reflective safety vest in tunnels and after dusk, if not: 25.00 € - 100.00 € Punishment. 

A warning triangle must also be carried. The person who sets up the warning triangle in the event of a breakdown must also wear a safety vest, as must all persons in the breakdown vehicle as soon as they leave the vehicle.

For security reasons and to avoid fines (41,00 up to 169,00 When traveling to Italy, the safety vest should always be at hand for all occupants (price: approx. 3 euros each on Ebay).

References: Articles 68, 162, 182 Decreto Legislativo 30 April 1992, n.285 / Nuovo codice della strada

Parking and Environmental Zones (ZTL)

The so-called «Zone a Traffico Limitato» (ZTL) in historic city centers such as Rome, Florence and Milan have been expanded and equipped with modern camera surveillance. Violations are automatically tracked using license plate recognition. Electric and hybrid vehicles also require a permit, depending on the city. Tourists are advised to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of their destination city in advance. Fines for unauthorized entry into a ZTL range from €83,00 to €335,00.

Bicycles and e-scooters

Since the reform, the following applies to e-scooters:

• Helmets are compulsory for all drivers, including adults

• Indicators and brake lights are mandatory

• Maximum speed: 20 km/h

• Sidewalks must not be used

• E-scooters may only be used on cycle paths or on the right-hand side of the road

• License plate requirement in larger cities, fines for violations of up to €800,00

Cyclists are required to wear reflective clothing or safety vests at night or when passing through tunnels.

Safety vests compulsory

New regulations require motorcyclists and their passengers to wear high-visibility vests when dismounting on roads outside built-up areas. In the event of a breakdown, they are mandatory for all vehicle occupants. Cyclists must also wear high-visibility vests in the dark or when visibility is poor – especially on country roads.

Digital traffic monitoring

The number of stationary and mobile speed cameras has increased significantly. In addition, more and more cities are relying on intelligent traffic control systems that recognize license plates and automatically record violations such as running red lights, speed limits, or entering restricted zones. Repeat violations are centrally recorded and can affect the severity of the fine.

Anyone traveling by car in Italy should therefore inform themselves about the local regulations of the respective region or city before traveling - especially in tourist areas, where violations of the rules are often checked and punished.

Further information, also about other EU countries, can be found here: www.bussgeldkataloge.eu/

FAQs

Last updated: 27.03.2025