New Italian Traffic Code in 2026: Major Changes Announced

Government approves a revision of the Codice della Strada with lighter sanctions, zero tolerance for dangerous driving, new rules for electric vehicles, and a higher age limit for heavy-vehicle drivers, according to ANSA.

Summary of the approved changes

The Consiglio dei Ministri approved the revision of the Codice della Strada proposed by Minister Matteo Salvini, after consulting more than one hundred operators and associations, with the stated aim of applying sanctions lighter while maintaining zero tolerance for dangerous driving behaviors, according to ANSA. The reform includes technical and punitive measures, in addition to administrative changes regarding the circulation of vehicles without insurance and specific rules for delivery electric vehicles.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the proposal seeks a “razzionalizzazione delle sanzioni” — that is, a reallocation and rationalization of the fines values, with targeted cuts in amounts and suspension of the automatic biennial adjustment of fines for inflation. The measure also provides for a “rounding down” at certain fine thresholds.

Changes to fines and amounts

The revision reduces minimum values across several penalty bands. Highlights include:

• Fines previously at 26 and 42 euros are reduced to 25 and 40 euros.
• Penalties of 83 and 87 euros were unified and reduced to 80 euros.

The ministry described the initiative as part of the razzionalizzazione delle sanzioni, with impact on minor administrative infractions. ANSA reports that the automatic inflation-based update mechanism for fines was also suspended, potentially keeping nominal values lower in the coming years.

Safety measures and vehicle rules

The new wording emphasizes zero tolerance for dangerous driving, with legal provisions aimed at strengthening the prevention of behaviors that endanger road safety. Key provisions include:

• Prohibition of permanent circulation (divieto di marcia a tempo indeterminato) for vehicles circulating without the mandatory assicurazione di responsabilità civile (civil liability insurance).
• Specific rules for the so-called “super-bici elettriche” used by couriers (riders): mandatory helmet and plate (targa) for these vehicles. The legal distinction makes clear that these super-bikes are not equivalent to pedal-assist bicycles whose continuous maximum power is 0.25 kW.
• Tightening checks on tampered vehicles — especially references to so-called “minicar truccate” — to curb modifications that increase performance and risk.

These measures reflect a focus on light vehicles and delivery operators, groups especially affected by new identification and protection obligations.

Other mentioned updates

The approved text also includes other changes listed under the proposal’s subtitle and cited by ANSA:

• Raising the age limit to drive trucks and buses to 70 years, with implications for professional drivers.
• Introduction of customized plates for minicar and greater control over tampered minicar units.
• Changes related to the carta di guida a 17 anni (permit to drive at 17 in certain conditions) and penalties for pedestrians who cross while using a smartphone in the crosswalk — items mentioned among the planned measures.

ANSA was the primary source for the summarized information in this article.

Relevance for Brazilians and Italian descendants

Changes to the Codice della Strada directly affect Brazilians who travel, live, or work in Italy, as well as descendants with ties to the country. Points of attention:

• Those intending to work as couriers (riders) should note new helmet and plate requirements for super-electric bikes, which may raise operating costs and require prior regularization.
• The prohibition on circulation for uninsured vehicles makes it mandatory to verify insurance coverage before using or purchasing vehicles in Italy.
• The raised age limit for bus and truck drivers may affect Brazilians working in the transport sector or planning a professional career in Italy.
• People bringing or using minicar should check rules on customization and plates to avoid sanctions.

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Context and next steps

Approval by the Consiglio dei Ministri represents an important political step; final details and the full normative text will define implementation timelines, potential implementing regulations, and enforcement. Practical rollout will depend on subsequent decrees and administrative acts, as well as the work of local authorities and traffic enforcement.

Conclusion: the 2026 revision of the Codice della Strada combines targeted fines reductions with stricter enforcement of dangerous behaviors and new obligations for delivery electric vehicles, with direct impact on drivers, couriers, and light-vehicle operators in Italy.

Source: ANSA