Changes to speeding penalties, which will become progressive, the ability to overtake on the right if there are three lanes, licenses for driving vans even for 17-year-olds to compensate for the current driver shortage, license plates for more powerful e-bikes used as mopeds by delivery drivers, and a halt to biennial inflation-based fine adjustments: these are some of the upcoming changes to the Highway Code, developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, which are subject to public consultation until September 13th.
Here are the main hypothesized novelties.
Speed fines
Speed limit penalties are being revised based on progressive criteria, punishing violations of higher limits more severely, given their greater danger. On highways, one option calls for an additional €10 for each kilometer exceeded: with a 130 km/h limit, those going 140 km/h will pay €100, while those going 170 km/h (exceeding the limit by 40 km/h) will be fined €400. On roads with a 50 or 30 km/h limit, fines would be €5 for each kilometer exceeded.
Overtaking on the right
The introduction of a rule for overtaking on the right on motorways is under consideration: the intention is to implement parallel lane traffic on three-lane motorways and expressways, which would allow overtaking on the right.
Drivers at 17 years old
European directives have lowered the age for obtaining a category B driving license to 17. Italy has until the end of 2027 to implement them. Therefore, amendments to the Highway Code proposed by the Ministry of Transport allow drivers to drive accompanied at age 16 for A1 and B1 driving licenses. They also allow heavy vehicles, without trailers, requiring a C1 or C driving license to be driven at age 17 with a category B driving license and a CQC (Driver Qualification Card). This latter provision is intended to address the driver shortage.
License plate for e-bikes
There are more motorcycles than e-bikes. For two-wheelers with an electric motor exceeding 1,000 W, often used by delivery riders, the requirement for a license plate and helmet is considered, in addition to specific regulations.
Motorcycles, news on the highway
The proposal includes a general obligation to wear adequate hand and back protection on the highway. In the event of an accident, fines would be halved. There's also a traffic-avoidance rule: to avoid getting stuck in difficult situations, even if it's just bad weather, motorcycles can use the emergency lane and cars must allow them to pass. Obviously, all of this must be done without obstructing emergency vehicles.
Fines and inflation: automatic increases are no longer allowed.
The proposal calls for a halt to the automatic biennial fine increases to catch up with inflation. The only option is to increase fines if prices rise by more than 5%.
Reports within 30 days, 70% of revenue for safety
70% of the proceeds from traffic fines will be allocated to improving road safety; 100% of the fines for speeding will be allocated to strengthening enforcement and improving road safety. The notification period will be reduced from 90 to 30 days. The fine for those who pay less than the amount due will also change: if the error is minor, the fine will not be doubled, but rather increased. Appeals will also be changed, giving drivers more power: appeals to the Prefect will also allow for the suspension of fines. A system for requesting self-regulatory measures will also be introduced, to cancel incorrect fines without precluding appeal.
Reduced fines for two-wheelers
Fines for two-wheelers have been rescheduled, with new minimums and maximums (21 and 82 euros) but also with the reduction in parking restrictions for bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles, given their limited space.
Disabled
Permits issued by municipalities must adhere to the European CUDE platform. The new permit should be printed by the Poligrafico (IPZS).
Crackdown on uninsured vehicles
A series of measures are planned to increase penalties for uninsured vehicles. The driving ban procedure will be simplified, an ad hoc task force will be created, fines will be doubled, and license points will be increased.
Violations of foreign cars, even leased ones
A new provision is introduced to allow the recovery—including through forced collection and vehicle seizure—of fines unpaid by foreigners within five years of the violation. For leasing companies, if the offender fails to pay, the fine is passed to the rental company.
Allegorical floats
Special rules are in place for floats, which will be allowed to travel at low speed on closed roads (10 km) with the permission of the relevant municipality, or to reach the event (not exceeding 30 km/h). In this case, permission from the road owner and a "technical escort" are required.