Italy Plans New Schedule of Traffic Fines
Higher fines for dangerous behavior, a new fine for pedestrians using cell phones, and shorter deadlines for speed camera and restricted-traffic zone notices
Rome – Italy’s Ministry of Transport is working on a fundamentally revised schedule of fines for the Codice della Strada. The draft, sent to more than 100 industry associations on September 3, calls for violations to be penalized in the future not with fixed amounts, but with sanctions tailored to each individual case. Associations and stakeholders have until September 13 to submit comments; a final text is expected in mid-October.
According to plans from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, led by Minister Matteo Salvini, fines will in the future be subject to a reduction of up to 50 % or an increase of up to 100 %, depending on the severity of the violation and the individual’s prior conduct. Anyone caught driving without a license would therefore face a doubling of the base fine. A surcharge of 50 % would apply if a driver’s license has been revoked, 20 % for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and 30 % if the driver has already exhausted their point total. On the other hand, motorcyclists who wear additional protective gear could benefit from a reduction of up to 50 %. Overall, according to initial calculations, the 795 offenses covered in the draft are expected to decrease slightly on average, while the burden will shift noticeably toward risky and repeated misconduct.
The behavior of pedestrians themselves is also now being targeted. Anyone who crosses the street while using a cell phone, tablet, or laptop could face a fine of 75 € in the future, provided that the distraction impairs the attention required for safe crossing. The regulation is intended to apply regardless of whether the street is crossed at a crosswalk or elsewhere. Hands-free devices and headphones will remain permitted as long as both ears remain sufficiently able to hear. In addition, pedestrians will be required to ensure that an approaching vehicle has noticed them and is slowing down. Sudden changes in direction while crossing could also be subject to the same fine in the future.
The Planned Traffic Fine Reform in Numbers
As of: Draft by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation dated September 3, 2026. Details are subject to change during the legislative process.
For drivers from abroad, one change in particular is likely to be noticeable: The deadline for delivering traffic violation notices from automated enforcement systems—such as speed cameras, traffic light cameras, and access controls in low-emission zones—is set to be reduced from the current 90 days to 30 days. Warnings issued directly by police officers are exempt from this reduction and will remain at 90 days. The existing 30% discount for payment within 5 days of delivery will remain unchanged.
The current initiative builds on a revision of the Codice della Strada that had already taken effect in December 2024 under Salvini’s leadership and, among other things, imposed stricter penalties for cell phone use while driving and drunk driving. Whether and in what form the new schedule of fines will actually become law will be decided only after the ongoing consultation process is completed and the government has reached a consensus.
