Everything that changes for drivers in Italy in 2026

Higher motorway tolls

The cost of driving on Italy’s toll roads rose by an average 1.5 percent from the start of January, following a decision from the Supreme Court and transport regulator ART to let providers raise prices in line with inflation.

Not all roads are affected: the A24 and A25 connecting Rome to Abruzzo’s Adriatic coast, the A10 and A12 managed by Concessioni del Tirreno, the A5 and A21 connecting Ivrea, Turin and Piacenza, and roads managed by the Autostrade Alto Adriatico are not set to see any increases.

Refunds for delays on toll roads

Motorists delayed by planned roadworks on Italy’s toll roads will be able to claim refunds from June 2026, under new rules published by ART.

Refunds are to be calculated based on a complex set of factors, including how long drivers are delayed and the stretch of road affected.

The process for claiming refunds will be completely digital, accessed through a new app, online, or by phone.

Changing fuel prices

Italian excise duties on diesel increased by 4.05 euro cents per litre from the start of the year, affecting an estimated 16.6 million drivers.

The hike means an increase of €2.50 to fill a 50-litre tank, costing the average driver of a diesel-powered vehicle an extra €60 per year.

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Excise taxes on petrol, meanwhile, decreased by the same amount on January 1st – though consumer watchdogs have warned that tax reductions don’t necessarily translate to lower prices at petrol pumps, as providers often pocket the difference.

Higher car insurance costs

Tax rates on car insurance insurance policies covering driver injury and roadside assistance rose from 2.5 percent to 12.5 percent at the start of the year.

The hike is forecast to bring in an additional €115 million per year to state coffers.

Stricter rules for electric scooters

Owners of e-scooters or monopattini elettrici will soon need to fit their vehicle with a licence plate, get third-party insurance and wear a helmet if they want to stay on the right side of Italy’s road laws in 2026.

Once the transport ministry launches its online registration platform (expected in early 2026), users will have 60 days to comply with the requirements, or risk incurring fines of between €100 and €400.

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New 30km/h zones

After Bologna, Florence, Milan, Turin, and Parma, more Italian cities are set to introduce speed limits of 30km/h in 2026.

Rome city authorities will impose a 30km/h speed limit in the city centre starting on January 15th, while northern Italy’s Crema introduced the limit in 15 urban areas at the end of last year.

New rules for getting a driving licence

Following an adjustment to Italy’s Highway Code at the end of last year, the cost of a Patente B (the standard driving licence for cars and motorbikes up to 125cc) has increased by €20, while examiners’ fees have gone up by an average of €10-€15 in 2026.

Learners are now required to do at least eight hours of supervised driving with a certified instructor, including on motorways and at night, up from a previous six hours.