Lost or damaged plate

In case of loss, theft, or destruction of even a single license plate, the vehicle owner must act immediately. Within 48 hours, it is mandatory to report the incident to the police authorities, who will issue an official receipt. This step is essential to prove that the loss was not due to illegal use.

If the plate is not recovered within 15 days after the report, the owner must request a new registration of the vehicle. This results in new plates being assigned and a new registration certificate being issued, following the standard registration procedures.

During the period between the report and the new registration, the vehicle may still be used, but only under specific conditions. The owner must place a temporary panel with a white background showing exactly the same information as the original plate. This panel must match the size, position, and characteristics of the official plate to ensure the vehicle can still be identified.

If a plate is damaged and no longer readable, it cannot continue to be used. In this case, the owner must request a new registration to obtain new, clearly readable plates. Plate readability is essential for proper vehicle identification.

Failure to comply with these obligations leads to administrative penalties. For example, not reporting the loss within the required time or driving without starting the re-registration process may result in fines. Driving with a plate that is not clearly readable is also punishable.

In summary, when issues with license plates occur, it is necessary to act quickly and follow the required procedures. This ensures legal circulation and allows authorities to always identify the vehicle correctly.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is lost or damaged plate?

Lost or damaged plate is regulated by Art. 102 of the Italian Road Code, within the chapter "III. Vehicles". You'll find the complete explanation above with all the essential details to pass the Italian driving theory exam.

In which chapter of the Italian Road Code is Art. 102?

Art. 102 of the Italian Road Code is in the chapter III. Vehicles. You can read the original article on the official ACI portal at this link.

Is this topic important for the Italian driving licence exam?

Yes, all articles of the Italian Road Code may be subject to questions in the theory exam. To practice with real quiz questions on this topic, access our platform with 7,000+ official questions.