Italian Supreme Court rules speed‑camera fines can remain valid without formal homologation

The Italian Supreme Court (Corte di Cassazione) issued two recent ordinances—one on 14 May 2026 and another on 27 March 2026—clarifying the legal status of traffic fines issued by speed‑camera devices that have been approved but not formally homologated. The Court upheld earlier decisions that a lack of homologation alone does not automatically invalidate a fine; instead, the device’s actual reliability, demonstrated by regular verification, calibration and compliance with technical standards, is decisive.

The rulings modify earlier jurisprudence that had drawn a strict line between “approval” and “homologation,” where only fully homologated equipment could support a valid sanction. Under the new interpretation, a fine may be upheld if the speed‑camera, despite missing formal homologation, has been duly inspected and meets the functional requirements set by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The decisions affect motorists contesting tickets and clarify the responsibilities of local authorities in registering and maintaining the devices.

Legal experts note that while the Court has not abolished the requirement for technical conformity, it has narrowed the practical impact of the homologation label, shifting focus to the actual performance and maintenance of each device.