For many road traffic violations, it is possible to pay the fine in a reduced amount. This means that instead of waiting for further administrative procedures, the offender may settle the matter by paying, within sixty days from the immediate notice or formal notification, a sum equal to the minimum amount provided by the violated rule. Any additional sanctions still apply, such as suspension of the driving licence or other legal consequences.
If the payment is made very quickly, within five days from the notice or notification, the amount is reduced by 30 percent. This is an important benefit, but it does not apply in every case. For example, it does not apply when the violation also carries the accessory sanction of vehicle confiscation or suspension of the driving licence.
Payment may be made in different ways. In general, it can be paid at the office of the authority to which the officer belongs, by postal account, or, if the administration allows it, by bank transfer or electronic payment methods. The report must always clearly indicate how the payment can be made.
If the officer has suitable equipment, the driver may pay immediately on the spot using electronic payment tools. In that case, the officer gives a receipt and records the payment on the copy of the report delivered to the offender. In practice, immediate payment allows the financial part of the violation to be settled right away.
For certain violations committed in professional transport activities by drivers holding categories C, C+E, D or D+E licences, the reduced payment must be made immediately to the officer. If the officer has the proper equipment, payment may also be made electronically. If the driver does not make the immediate payment, they must provide a deposit equal to at least the minimum fine established for the violation.
If that deposit is not paid, the vehicle may be placed under administrative detention until the obligation is fulfilled, and in any case for no longer than sixty days. The vehicle is placed in custody, and the related costs are charged to the person responsible for the violation. This rule ensures that the payment obligation is respected.
Reduced payment is not always allowed. It is excluded, for example, when the driver fails to stop when ordered by the authorities or refuses to show the driving licence, vehicle documents, or any other required documents. In such cases, the report is sent to the Prefect, who will continue the procedure according to law.
There are also specific violations for which reduced payment is directly excluded by law. In those situations, neither the minimum payment nor the 30 percent reduction can be used, and the report must be sent to the Prefect within ten days. For theory exam preparation, it is important to remember that reduced payment is the general rule, but it does not apply when the law expressly excludes it or when the violation is particularly serious.
One important practical point is that for payments made by methods other than cash or postal account, the payment is still considered valid if the money reaches the administration within two days after the deadline, provided the payment was made on time. This rule takes into account the technical processing time of bank and electronic payments.
🔗 Read the official text of Art. 202 on the ACI portal (Italian)
❓ Frequently asked questions
🚦 Practice with Italian driving quizzes
Studied the theory? Test yourself with 7,000+ official Italian Ministry questions.
📝 Start now with SuperQuizPatente