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Points system

Loose points with each offence



With the objective of making the roads safer, Italy launched a new Highway Code in 2003. It increased penalties for different infringements of the law by introducing a points-based penalty system. Point

An Italian driver’s license is assigned 20 points when issued. Each time the holder is caught breaking a traffic regulation; a certain number of points are subtracted from the driver’s license. If all 20 points are subtracted, a driving test must be repeated to renew the license. Subtracted points can be regained over time if you do not commit any further offences for determined periods of time.

Some serious infringements of the law can even lead to the revocation of your driver’s license. These include exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more, driving while intoxicated and driving in an emergency lane.However, even milder (for Italians anyway) infringements of traffic regulations can be the cause of a fine and penalty; these include racing, not stopping for pedestrians and passing through a red traffic-light.

Here is a summary of how many points will be subtracted for which infringements of traffic regulations.

10 points will be subtracted from your license if:

  • you drive while intoxicated and/or under the influence of illegal drugs

  • you make a “U-turn” while on the motorway/freeway/highway ( autostrada) or main roads ( strada)

  • you leave the scene of an accident where there is/are injured person(s)

  • you drive on the emergency lane of a motorway/freeway/highway ( autostrada) or main roads ( strada)

  • you drive on the passing lane while on superhighways or main extra-urban highways

  • you drive on the wrong side of the road on bends or roads with limited visibility

  • you exceed the speed limit by more than 40 km/h

  • you transport dangerous goods without appropriate permits

5 points will be taken from your driver’s license if:

  • you do not use railroad crossings correctly

  • you do not give right-of-way where appropriate

  • you overtake a motor vehicle in a reckless manner

4 points will be taken from your driver’s license if:

  • you do not keep a safety distance between you and the vehicle in front while driving

  • you drive with a load overweight by over 3 tons

  • you flee from an accident in which there is only property damage

  • you drive in reverse on a motorway/freeway/highway ( autostrada) or main roads (strade principali)

  • you inappropriately use your full-beam headlights

  • you make a “U-turn” on a curve or intersection

  • you exceed the speed limit by 10-40 km/h while driving a heavy goods vehicle

  • you do not abide by the traffic light or the traffic police

  • inflammable or dangerous substances fall from your vehicle

  • you transport dangerous goods

  • the number of passengers in the vehicle you are driving exceeds the number permitted for that type of vehicle

3 points will be taken from your driver’s license if:

  • you are not wearing your required eyeglasses

  • you use certain devices not allowed while driving such as cellular/mobile telephones without a hands-free kit

  • you drive with a load overweight by over 2 tons and under 3 tons

  • there is an improper placement of the load on your vehicle

  • you do not pay attention to the regulations on overtaking other vehicles

  • you do not observe the regulations for driving under difficult conditions such as snow, rain or fog

2 points will be taken from your driver’s license if:

  • you omit information and obstruct traffic during an accident involving only property damage

  • you block the traffic

  • the number of passengers you carry exceeds the appropriate amount for your vehicle

  • you are involved with omission and/or improper use of the helmet or seat belt

  • you incorrectly park on the superhighway or main extra urban highways

  • you do not abide by the regulations on changing direction

  • you exceed the speed limit by 10–40 km/h

  • you drive with a load overweight by over 1 ton and under 2 tons

1 point will be taken from your driver’s license if:

  • you drive with a load overweight by under 1 ton

  • you do not abide by street signs or traffic police

  • you violate other regulations for the transport of persons, animals and goods for four- or two-wheel vehicles

  • you overtake a car while driving across a railway crossing

  • there is a lack of or alteration of service documents


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