Italy reforms Highway Code with new parking and fine rules

Italy is implementing significant reforms to its Highway Code (Codice della Strada), introducing new rules for blue line parking and a revised fine structure.

Under the new regulations for paid parking, the previous informal 15-minute tolerance is replaced by a national percentage-based system. Drivers who exceed their paid time by up to 10% will face no penalty. Overages between 10% and 50% will result in a 50% reduction of the standard fine plus the required parking fee. Exceeding the paid time by more than 50% will trigger the full fine and the required fee. For those who fail to pay for parking entirely, penalties will include the administrative fine plus the full daily tariff of the zone.

The reform also proposes a more contextual approach to fines. A draft presented by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport suggests that penalties could vary by up to 100% based on the severity of the conduct, the driver's history, and the risk generated. While some fines are set to increase for high-risk behaviors, such as driving without insurance or violating priority rules, the overall impact on total sanctions is expected to decrease by approximately 7% due to reductions in other categories.