Italy proposes major Highway Code reform and digital license checks

The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) is advancing a comprehensive reform of the Highway Code (Codice della Strada), with a goal to finalize the text by October 14, 2026. A public consultation period is currently open and will run until September 13, allowing citizens and associations to provide feedback before the proposal reaches Parliament.

Key proposed changes include allowing 17-year-olds to obtain a Category B driver's license in alignment with European directives, with the possibility of supervised driving starting at age 16. The reform also considers a progressive penalty system for speeding, where fines increase more sharply based on the degree of the violation. Other considerations include allowing parallel lanes on three-lane roads and adjusting parking sanctions for motorcyclists.

A significant digital shift is also under review: drivers may no longer be required to carry physical driver's licenses or vehicle registration documents during inspections, as authorities could access this information directly through digital databases. The reform aims to restructure the code into eight major sections to make the regulations more readable and manageable for both citizens and enforcement agencies.