If you’re a non-EU expat moving to Italy, there’s some good news on the horizon! Even though you’ll need to swap out your foreign license for an Italian one within a year—no matter how many years you’ve been driving—there’s a silver lining: the Italian government has just relaxed its rules on what cars you can drive as a new license holder. So, whether you’re an 18-year-old Italian fresh out of driver’s ed or an expat with decades of road experience, you now have access to more powerful, versatile cars. It’s time to rejoice!
Goodbye to Stricter Limits: A Power Boost for New Drivers
In the past, new drivers in Italy were forced to stick to vehicles with a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 55 kW per ton and a maximum engine power of 70 kW. This meant you were essentially limited to small, underpowered cars—hardly ideal if you were used to something with a bit more kick. But with recent reforms to the Italian Road Code in 2024, things are changing for the better.
Now, new drivers can hop behind the wheel of cars with a power-to-weight ratio of up to 75 kW per ton and a maximum engine power of 105 kW.
That’s a substantial increase, giving you the freedom to choose from a wider range of vehicles, including those that are not only more powerful but also packed with modern safety features and a bit more style.
More Choices and Better Cars
So what does this really mean for you, an expat navigating the Italian roads? Simply put, you now have far more options when it comes to picking out your new set of wheels. No longer are you confined to tiny city cars that can feel like glorified golf carts. Instead, you can opt for compact SUVs, stylish sedans, or even some sporty models that offer both power and safety. With this extra bit of freedom, you can now feel more comfortable and confident on Italy’s highways and winding country roads.
Don’t Forget the Rules
Before you start celebrating too hard, it’s worth remembering that even though the restrictions on car power have been loosened, you’re still considered a “new driver” under Italian law for the first three years. This means you’ll need to be mindful of the country’s stricter speed limits and zero-tolerance alcohol policies for new drivers. For the first three years, you’ll be restricted to a maximum speed of 100 km/h on the highway and 90 km/h on secondary roads. And forget about that glass of wine with dinner—new drivers must maintain a blood alcohol level of 0.0 when behind the wheel.
A Modern Approach to Driving
The shift in regulations reflects a more modern approach to driving. The Italian government has recognized that today’s cars, even those with a bit more power, are often equipped with advanced safety features and technology that make them safer than ever before. Whether it’s better braking systems, improved handling, or smarter driver assistance features, the updated rules acknowledge that the right car can offer both performance and protection.
The Legal Update
The changes to 2024 Highway Rule reform to the country’s driving laws. The increase in the allowable power-to-weight ratio and maximum engine power gives new drivers (and that includes expats like you!) a bit more breathing room when choosing a car, all while maintaining a focus on road safety.
Over to you
So, while you may still be adjusting to life in Italy and dealing with the reality of trading in your license, there’s plenty of reason to celebrate. The new rules mean that you can hit the road in a car that feels more like you—one that offers a good balance of power, safety, and, yes, a little bit of fun. So rejoice, expats and new drivers alike! The open road in Italy just got a little bit more exciting.
