Italy proposes major Highway Code reforms

Codice della Strada driving license reform traffic safety speeding fines transportation policy

Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) has initiated a consultation process for a major overhaul of the Highway Code (Codice della Strada). The proposal, involving over 100 industry operators, aims to balance road safety with fairer regulations for motorists.

Key proposals include lowering the driving license (Category B) age to 17, with supervised driving permitted from 16. For the logistics sector, the reform suggests simplifying access for truck drivers by allowing some to operate without a Driver Qualification Card (CQC) provided they are enrolled in initial qualification courses. Other discussed changes include allowing right-side overtaking on motorways under specific conditions and requiring helmets and registration for e-bikes (propulsion cycles).

Regarding enforcement, the reform proposes a progressive fine system where penalties increase based on the severity of the speed violation. Additionally, the time limit for notifying remote violations (such as speed cameras) would be reduced from 90 to 30 days, and automatic inflation-based fine increases would be halted. Stricter measures are also proposed for uninsured vehicles, including immediate seizure upon the first roadside check.

In parallel, new average speed monitoring systems, such as Vergilius Plus, are being deployed across various Italian road stretches to track vehicle travel time over specific segments rather than single points. This technology, used by Anas and the State Police, includes automatic license plate reading and vehicle categorization to discourage speeding behaviors.

Entities

Anas · B licence · C licence · Electric scooters · European Union · E‑scooter users · Italian Government · Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport · Italian Road Code · Italy · Licence B · Licence C

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] Speeding fines would become progressive, with proposed increases of 10 euros per km/h over 130 km/h on highways. www.litaliano.it · www.lastampa.it
[● 5 SOURCES] The reform proposes allowing right-side overtaking on three-lane highways under specific traffic conditions. www.adnkronos.com · www.laleggepertutti.it · www.calabrianews.it · www.litaliano.it · www.lastampa.it
[● 7 SOURCES] The MIT has initiated a public consultation with over 100 operators and associations regarding the new Highway Code. www.adnkronos.com · www.laleggepertutti.it · www.calabrianews.it · www.dailybest.it · www.litaliano.it · +2 more
[● 5 SOURCES] Immediate vehicle seizure would be introduced for drivers found without insurance upon first roadside check. www.adnkronos.com · www.laleggepertutti.it · www.calabrianews.it · www.litaliano.it · www.lastampa.it
[● 6 SOURCES] The reform introduces a mandatory helmet and identification mark for electric propulsion cycles (e-bikes). www.adnkronos.com · www.laleggepertutti.it · www.calabrianews.it · www.dailybest.it · www.newsauto.it · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The proposal includes allowing the acquisition of Category B and C licenses at age 17. www.adnkronos.com · www.laleggepertutti.it · www.newsauto.it · www.lastampa.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] The reform aims to reduce the notification period for remote traffic violations from 90 to 30 days. www.laleggepertutti.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] Physical driver's licenses and registration documents would be replaced by digital versions accessible via databases.