Key traffic regulations and helpful advice for car and motorbike drivers
Italy introduced a new Highway Code on November 23, 2021. Not only were the rules updated, but the penalties were also increased, and new ones were introduced. In November 2024, as part of a comprehensive reform of the Highway Code, further stricter sanctions were adopted to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
- Speeding:
Exceeding the speed limit by 10 kmph or more incurs fines between € 173.00 and 694.00. Exceeding the limit by 40 kmph or more results in the additional suspension of your driving licence for several months. Two speeding offences within a year in built-up areas can result in a fine of up to € 880.00 and a driving licence suspension of 15 to 30 days.
- Mobile phone use while driving:
The use of mobile phones and other mobile devices such as tablets or laptops is prohibited while driving. This applies not only while the vehicle is in motion but also, for example, at a red light. Anyone caught using a mobile phone while driving risks fines of up to € 1,000.00, and up to 1,400.00 for repeat offenders. In addition, you could face a driving licence suspension of up to three months and the loss of eight to ten points. If a mobile phone is being used when an accident occurs, the duration of the driving licence suspension is doubled.
- Electric cars at charging stations:
Electric cars are only permitted to park at charging stations for the duration of the charging process.
- E-scooters:
E-scooters have a maximum speed limit of 20 kmph, and 6 kmph in pedestrian zones. Riding and parking on pavements is prohibited. Helmets are compulsory and must comply with the UNI EN 1078 or UNI EN 1080 standard. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory, and e-scooters must be equipped with a number plate, indicators, and brake lights. Riding outside built-up areas is not permitted.
- Dipped headlights:
Outside built-up areas, dipped headlights are mandatory day and night. There is no such requirement within built-up areas.
- Brennero Motorway:
On the Brennero Motorway A22 (Brennero-Bolzano South), a speed limit of 110 kmph applies - not 130 kmph as is usual on other Italian motorways.
- Winter tyres:
In South Tyrol, winter tyres (or all-season tyres with M+S marking) are compulsory from 15 November to 15 April, regardless of weather conditions. Snow chains must also be carried when driving in wintery conditions and snowfall.
- High-visibility vest and warning triangle:
Carrying a high-visibility vest is compulsory. It must be presented during checks and worn in case of an emergency. A warning triangle and first-aid kit (ideally readily accessible in the glove compartment or under the passenger seat) are also compulsory, and a fire extinguisher is recommended.
- Blood alcohol limit:
The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille. Other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, can also be stopped and fined by the police if they appear intoxicated. The penalties for drink-driving were significantly increased with the reform of the Highway Code.
- Child seats with alarms:
In Italy, there is a legal requirement for child seats to have alarms. Parents of children up to four years old must use a child seat with an alarm system to prevent young children from being left behind in the car. This requirement applies to vehicles registered in Italy. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to € 323.00, a deduction of five driving licence points, or a driving licence suspension of up to two months (in case of repeated offences within two years).
- Wildlife accidents - reporting requirement:
Since 2019, wildlife accidents must be reported even if the animal is only struck (for example, to the Renon Forestry Office, phone: +39 0471 356229, Silandro, phone: +39 0473 736130, or Brunico, phone: +39 0474 582230). This allows a search to be initiated. Previously, the reporting requirement only applied if the animal was killed in the accident.
- Animal welfare - abandoning animals:
Anyone who abandons an animal on the road faces a driving licence suspension of six to twelve months. If the abandoned animal causes an accident involving injuries, prison sentences of up to seven years may be imposed.
- New drivers:
In the first three years after obtaining their driving licence, new drivers may only drive vehicles with a maximum power output of 75 kW/t.
- Further prohibitions:
Fines are imposed for offences such as failing to wear a seatbelt, unauthorised parking in disabled parking spaces (fines were doubled in 2021), failure to pay tolls, or failure to stop at pedestrian crossings.
- Driving under the influence of drugs:
Driving under the influence of drugs, including cannabis, results in a three-year driving licence suspension and criminal charges.
Further useful information:
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Smoking:
Smoking has been strictly prohibited in all public and publicly accessible buildings, as well as restaurants and offices, since 2005. Fines can be up to € 2,000.00. Smoking is still permitted in the few establishments with separate smoking rooms that meet strict requirements, as well as outdoors, although some towns and cities have introduced specific smoking bans. -
Counterfeit goods:
The purchase of counterfeit branded goods is subject to heavy fines.
