Italy approves preliminary Highway Code reform

The Italian Council of Ministers has preliminarily approved a reform of the Highway Code (Codice della Strada), introducing several significant changes for motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. The new regulations aim to balance safety with practical necessity.

Key updates include the creation of a ‘virtual lane’ for motorcycles in congested traffic, allowing them to pass between stopped vehicles, and permitting motorcyclists to use emergency lanes on highways when traffic is heavily stalled. For motorists, the reform introduces a specific exception to the ban on reversing at highway toll booths: drivers will be permitted to reverse only if a technical malfunction or barrier failure prevents them from proceeding.

Regarding penalties, the reform proposes a general reduction in many common fines to rationalize costs, while simultaneously increasing measures against driving without insurance. New rules also target pedestrian safety, requiring pedestrians to stop and verify that drivers have seen them before crossing. The reform also simplifies digital verification of driving documents and streamlines the use of the European Unified Disability Badge (CUDE). The new code is expected to enter into force by early 2028, following parliamentary review.