Northern Italy to implement diesel driving bans in October 2026

Four northern Italian regions—Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto—will implement driving bans for older diesel vehicles starting October 1, 2026. The measures aim to combat air pollution and affect all cities with populations exceeding 100,000 within these regions.

Major urban centers and tourist destinations, including Milan, Turin, Venice, and Verona, are among the areas impacted. While specific regulations vary by region, some may apply bans seasonally or temporarily, whereas Veneto plans to ban Euro 5 diesel vehicles permanently.

The delay of these restrictions from their original 2025 start date has created tension between the Italian government and the European Commission regarding air quality compliance.