📰 Guides & articles · Updated 30 August 2026

The new Italian Highway Code: what actually changed ⚖️

📌 In short: Law 177/2024, in force since 14 December 2024, rewrote major parts of the Code: new-driver status extended to 3 years (with power limits revised to 75 kW/t and 105 kW), much harsher penalties for phone use while driving (up to licence suspension), a mandatory alcolock for repeat offenders above 0.8 g/l, zero tolerance on drugs (a positive test suffices, no proof of impairment needed) and a package of new rules for e-scooters. The exam database has already absorbed these topics.

Updated 30 August 2026 · Sources: Italian Highway Code (L. 177/2024), Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, official portals cited in the text. Leggi in italiano 🇮🇹

The main changes at a glance (table)

AreaWhat changed
New drivers3-year status; power max 75 kW/t and 105 kW; 0.0 g/l alcohol
Phone at the wheelHigher fines and licence suspension; repeat offences up to €1,400 and a 1–3 month stop
AlcoholUpdated sanction bands; alcolock for repeat offenders above 0.8 g/l
DrugsZero tolerance: a positive test alone brings sanctions and licence withdrawal
E-scootersHelmet for all, insurance and ID sticker, no riding on pavements
Urban limitsMore 30 km/h zones in cities; stricter enforcement rules

Why it matters even if you've already studied

The ministerial question database follows current law: studying on pre-2025 manuals or un-updated apps means answering «by the old law» — which is just another wrong answer. The most affected chapters: sanctions, new drivers, phone use, alcohol and drugs, micromobility. On SuperQuizPatente the quizzes and theory follow the law in force, with updated explanations — in English and Italian.

The most misunderstood rules of the new Code

«Phone use at a red light is fine» — false: the ban applies while driving, including when stopped in traffic.

«One glass of wine as a new driver is okay» — false: 0.0 g/l means any positive value is sanctioned.

«The new rules only apply to new licences» — partly: the 3-year power limits apply to licences from 14/12/2024, but the sanctions (phone, alcohol, drugs) apply to everyone, immediately — visitors and expats included.

📖 Useful definitions
  • Alcolock — a device that blocks the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on the driver's breath.
  • Short suspension — a licence suspension applied to certain violations depending on the points balance.
  • 30 zone — an urban area with a 30 km/h limit, expanding in Italian cities.

❓ Frequently asked questions

When did the new Italian Highway Code come into force?
On 14 December 2024 (law 177/2024).
Are the changes in the exam questions?
Yes: the database follows current law — use updated material.
What do phone users risk now?
Higher fines and licence suspension; repeats up to €1,400 and 1–3 months.
What does zero tolerance on drugs mean?
A positive test suffices: no impairment proof needed.

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