Italy · Road laws
Italy road traffic laws and penalties
Current Italian speed and phone sanctions, alcohol thresholds, ZTL access and practical rules visitors often miss.
- Country
- Italy
- Topic
- Road laws
- Last reviewed
- 24 August 2026
- Official source
- Open source ↗
Key rules
• Traffic keeps to the right. Observe posted limits and variable motorway signs; weather, road class and vehicle type can reduce the permitted speed.
• Seat belts and approved motorcycle helmets are compulsory. Children must use an appropriate approved restraint.
• Dipped headlights are required outside built-up areas and on motorways, including during the day. Motorcycles and mopeds must use lights at all times.
Speed penalties
For ordinary speeding, up to 10 km/h over the limit carries a fine of €42–€173. More than 10 but no more than 40 km/h over carries €173–€694. More than 40 but no more than 60 km/h over carries €543–€2,170 plus a one-to-three-month suspension. More than 60 km/h over carries €845–€3,382 plus a six-to-twelve-month suspension. Night-time, repeat and other aggravating circumstances can increase the sanction.
Phone and alcohol
Using a hand-held phone or similar device while driving can cost €250–€1,000 and bring a licence suspension of 15 days to two months. A repeat offence within two years can cost €350–€1,400, remove 10 points and suspend the licence for one to three months.
The general blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L. A zero limit applies to drivers under 21, newly licensed drivers during their first three years, and professional drivers. Between 0.5 and 0.8 g/L, the administrative fine is €573–€2,170 with a three-to-six-month suspension. Above 0.8 g/L enters criminal-offence bands with possible arrest, higher fines and longer suspension.
ZTL zones and rules visitors often miss
Historic centres commonly contain a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL). Cameras read number plates at the boundary, and access hours differ by city and sometimes by day. A hotel inside a ZTL does not automatically make entry lawful: ask the hotel whether it will register the number plate and retain confirmation. Each unauthorised passage can be treated separately.
There is no national rule that automatically bans driving in sandals, flip-flops or barefoot. However, the driver must retain full control, so unsuitable footwear can still matter when police assess an incident. Treat the popular “flip-flop fine” claim as a myth, not as permission to ride or drive unsafely.
Foreign-plated vehicles are not exempt from camera enforcement, ZTL charges or toll recovery. Rental companies can also add an administration charge when identifying the hirer.
Source and scope
Reviewed on 24 August 2026 against the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's Highway Code and Automobile Club d'Italia's current Code articles and guidance. Amounts are statutory ranges and may be indexed or increased. The officer, prefect or court determines the outcome for the facts of the case. Check the linked official source before travel.
• Traffic keeps to the right. Observe posted limits and variable motorway signs; weather, road class and vehicle type can reduce the permitted speed.
• Seat belts and approved motorcycle helmets are compulsory. Children must use an appropriate approved restraint.
• Dipped headlights are required outside built-up areas and on motorways, including during the day. Motorcycles and mopeds must use lights at all times.
Speed penalties
For ordinary speeding, up to 10 km/h over the limit carries a fine of €42–€173. More than 10 but no more than 40 km/h over carries €173–€694. More than 40 but no more than 60 km/h over carries €543–€2,170 plus a one-to-three-month suspension. More than 60 km/h over carries €845–€3,382 plus a six-to-twelve-month suspension. Night-time, repeat and other aggravating circumstances can increase the sanction.
Phone and alcohol
Using a hand-held phone or similar device while driving can cost €250–€1,000 and bring a licence suspension of 15 days to two months. A repeat offence within two years can cost €350–€1,400, remove 10 points and suspend the licence for one to three months.
The general blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L. A zero limit applies to drivers under 21, newly licensed drivers during their first three years, and professional drivers. Between 0.5 and 0.8 g/L, the administrative fine is €573–€2,170 with a three-to-six-month suspension. Above 0.8 g/L enters criminal-offence bands with possible arrest, higher fines and longer suspension.
ZTL zones and rules visitors often miss
Historic centres commonly contain a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL). Cameras read number plates at the boundary, and access hours differ by city and sometimes by day. A hotel inside a ZTL does not automatically make entry lawful: ask the hotel whether it will register the number plate and retain confirmation. Each unauthorised passage can be treated separately.
There is no national rule that automatically bans driving in sandals, flip-flops or barefoot. However, the driver must retain full control, so unsuitable footwear can still matter when police assess an incident. Treat the popular “flip-flop fine” claim as a myth, not as permission to ride or drive unsafely.
Foreign-plated vehicles are not exempt from camera enforcement, ZTL charges or toll recovery. Rental companies can also add an administration charge when identifying the hirer.
Source and scope
Reviewed on 24 August 2026 against the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's Highway Code and Automobile Club d'Italia's current Code articles and guidance. Amounts are statutory ranges and may be indexed or increased. The officer, prefect or court determines the outcome for the facts of the case. Check the linked official source before travel.