Italy 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti
Last Updated: 15 January 2026
Summary
Italy's new Codice della Strada reforms (Law 177/2024) are now in effect since December 14, 2024: stricter mobile phone penalties with automatic suspension, alcohol interlocks for convicted drink-drivers, mandatory helmets and insurance for all e-scooter riders, and 1.5-meter cyclist passing distance.
Key Changes
Stricter Mobile Phone Penalties
Effective 14 December 2024
€165-660 fine, 5 points
Standard fine and point deduction for phone use while driving
€250-1,000 fine, 1 week suspension
Higher fines plus automatic 1-week license suspension if you have 10+ points; repeat offense up to €1,400 and 3-month suspension
Official Source: Codice della Strada Art. 173
Instructor's Tip
“Italy now has some of Europe's strictest phone penalties. Even a first offense means automatic suspension if you have 10+ points. Repeat offenders face €1,400 fines and 3-month suspension. Just don't touch your phone.”
Alcohol Interlock for Drink-Drivers
Effective 14 December 2024
License suspension only
Convicted drink-drivers had license suspended then returned
Mandatory alcohol interlock
Convicted drink-drivers must install breathalyzer device that prevents engine start if alcohol detected
Official Source: Decreto Sicurezza Stradale
Instructor's Tip
“If convicted of drink-driving in Italy, you'll need an alcohol interlock device installed in your car. It won't start if you've been drinking. This applies for a set period after conviction.”
E-Scooter Helmets Mandatory for All Ages
Effective 14 December 2024
Helmet required under 18 only
Only riders under 18 required to wear helmets on e-scooters
Helmet mandatory for all riders
All e-scooter riders must wear helmets; insurance and registration sticker also required
Official Source: LEGGE 177/2024
Instructor's Tip
“Italy now requires ALL e-scooter riders to wear helmets, not just under-18s. You also need insurance, a registration sticker, and indicator lights. E-scooters are banned from cycle paths.”
Roadside Drug Testing
Effective 14 December 2024
Blood test at hospital
Drug testing required transport to hospital for blood sample
Saliva test roadside
Police can conduct immediate saliva drug tests; positive result means instant license withdrawal for up to 10 days
Official Source: Decreto Sicurezza Stradale
Instructor's Tip
“Police can now test for drugs roadside with a saliva swab. A positive result means your license is taken immediately for up to 10 days while they confirm with lab tests. Don't drive under the influence of anything.”
Changes by Category
⚠️Penalties & Fines(2)
Stricter Mobile Phone Penalties
Effective 14 December 2024
€165-660 fine, 5 points
Standard fine and point deduction for phone use while driving
€250-1,000 fine, 1 week suspension
Higher fines plus automatic 1-week license suspension if you have 10+ points; repeat offense up to €1,400 and 3-month suspension
Official Source: Codice della Strada Art. 173
One Fine Per Hour Per Road
Effective 14 December 2024
Multiple fines possible
Each speed camera could issue a separate fine
Maximum one fine per hour
Only one speed camera fine per stretch of road within a one-hour period; additional infractions not counted
Official Source: Codice della Strada Art. 142
🔧Vehicle Equipment(1)
E-Scooter Helmets Mandatory for All Ages
Effective 14 December 2024
Helmet required under 18 only
Only riders under 18 required to wear helmets on e-scooters
Helmet mandatory for all riders
All e-scooter riders must wear helmets; insurance and registration sticker also required
Official Source: LEGGE 177/2024
📋Licensing(1)
Extended Restrictions for New Drivers
Effective 14 December 2024
1 year power limit (70 kW)
New drivers limited to 70 kW vehicles for first year
3 years power limit (75 kW)
Power restriction extended to 3 years but limit raised slightly to 75 kW; mandatory motorway and night driving lessons
Official Source: Codice della Strada - Neopatentati
🛡️Safety Rules(3)
Alcohol Interlock for Drink-Drivers
Effective 14 December 2024
License suspension only
Convicted drink-drivers had license suspended then returned
Mandatory alcohol interlock
Convicted drink-drivers must install breathalyzer device that prevents engine start if alcohol detected
Official Source: Decreto Sicurezza Stradale
1.5 Meter Cyclist Overtaking Distance
Effective 14 December 2024
Safe distance (undefined)
Drivers required to pass cyclists at a safe distance without specific measurement
1.5 meters minimum
Mandatory minimum 1.5m (5 feet) when overtaking cyclists; fines from €167
Official Source: Codice della Strada Art. 148
Roadside Drug Testing
Effective 14 December 2024
Blood test at hospital
Drug testing required transport to hospital for blood sample
Saliva test roadside
Police can conduct immediate saliva drug tests; positive result means instant license withdrawal for up to 10 days
Official Source: Decreto Sicurezza Stradale
Instructor Tips
Re: Stricter Mobile Phone Penalties
Instructor's Tip
“Italy now has some of Europe's strictest phone penalties. Even a first offense means automatic suspension if you have 10+ points. Repeat offenders face €1,400 fines and 3-month suspension. Just don't touch your phone.”
Re: Alcohol Interlock for Drink-Drivers
Instructor's Tip
“If convicted of drink-driving in Italy, you'll need an alcohol interlock device installed in your car. It won't start if you've been drinking. This applies for a set period after conviction.”
Re: E-Scooter Helmets Mandatory for All Ages
Instructor's Tip
“Italy now requires ALL e-scooter riders to wear helmets, not just under-18s. You also need insurance, a registration sticker, and indicator lights. E-scooters are banned from cycle paths.”
Re: 1.5 Meter Cyclist Overtaking Distance
Instructor's Tip
“You must now give cyclists at least 1.5 meters when passing - that's about a car door's width. If the road is too narrow, wait until it's safe. Fines start at €167.”
Re: Roadside Drug Testing
Instructor's Tip
“Police can now test for drugs roadside with a saliva swab. A positive result means your license is taken immediately for up to 10 days while they confirm with lab tests. Don't drive under the influence of anything.”
Re: Extended Restrictions for New Drivers
Instructor's Tip
“New drivers face vehicle power limits for 3 years now, not just 1. But the limit is slightly higher (75 kW vs 70 kW). You'll also need mandatory lessons on motorways, rural roads, and night driving.”
Re: One Fine Per Hour Per Road
Instructor's Tip
“Some good news: you can only get one speed camera fine per road per hour now. But don't use this as an excuse to speed - the first fine is still expensive, and you still lose points.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new mobile phone penalties in Italy?
Do I need a helmet to ride an e-scooter in Italy?
What is the alcohol interlock requirement in Italy?
How close can I pass a cyclist in Italy?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-01-15
Primary Sources:
- Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti — Official regulatory body
- Codice della Strada Art. 173 — Stricter Mobile Phone Penalties
- Decreto Sicurezza Stradale — Alcohol Interlock for Drink-Drivers
- LEGGE 177/2024 — E-Scooter Helmets Mandatory for All Ages
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