Italy proposes major traffic reforms and new speeding fines

The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s road traffic regulations. A central component of the reform involves a new fine structure for speeding: on motorways, drivers could face a charge of 10 euros for every kilometer per hour exceeded the speed limit. In urban areas, fines would range from 5 to 10 euros per kilometer depending on the severity. The proposal also seeks to link driving bans and penalty points more strictly to the degree of speeding, with potential bans for exceeding limits by more than 20 km/h on motorways.

To address a persistent shortage of professional drivers, the reform suggests lowering the age for obtaining a C1 category license to 17. Additionally, some C-category drivers might be permitted to begin working after enrolling in mandatory professional training, provided they complete it within 12 months. This measure aims to accelerate the entry of new drivers into the workforce, including those from outside the European Union.

Separately, Italy is expanding its “free flow” tolling system to reduce congestion at toll stations. This system, which uses cameras to automatically register license plates, has already been activated on approximately 200 kilometers of motorways in Northern Italy, including sections of the A33, A36, A59, and A60. Payments for these sections are handled via apps or websites after travel.