Italy Driving License and Insurance Check Rules May Change in 2028

Italian drivers could soon leave their physical driver’s licenses, vehicle registration documents, and insurance certificates at home during routine police traffic stops starting January 1, 2028, under a draft reform approved by the Council of Ministers on October 13.

Database Checks Replace Paperwork

The proposed legislation aims to digitize roadside verifications by allowing law enforcement officers to check database records instead of demanding paper or digital copies from motorists. Current rules require drivers to present these documents immediately upon request. This change is part of the proposed Highway Code reform package designed to simplify verifications conducted by law enforcement forces.

Under the projected framework, patrols would query public digital registries. These include the Anagrafe nazionale degli abilitati alla guida for driver licenses and the Archivio nazionale dei veicoli for vehicle registrations, managed by the Motorizzazione civile, as well as dedicated databases monitoring mandatory third-party motor liability insurance policies.

Efficiency Gains and Legal Realities

The reform does not eliminate the underlying legal requirements. Drivers will still need valid licenses, registered vehicles, and active insurance coverage. Only the verification method changes.

Database Outages Require Physical Paperwork

Technical limitations could still force drivers to rely on physical paperwork. If public databases experience outages or remain inaccessible during roadside checks or accident investigations, the legal obligation to physically present documentation automatically applies again.

Exceptions for Rentals and Foreign Plates

Certain situations remain outside the scope of the database check. Drivers operating rental vehicles must continue carrying their physical rental contracts because terms and conditions are not stored in central public registries. Similarly, learners practicing for a B-category license must carry personal identification and physical proof of authorization if digital records are incomplete, while accompanying instructors must present their own valid credentials.

Automobile owners driving foreign-registered vehicles in Italy face stricter verification hurdles. Residents operating cars with foreign plates for more than 30 days in a calendar year must register with the REVE registry of foreign vehicles. They must also be prepared to show proof of legal availability, such as leasing or loan agreements, alongside foreign registration papers if domestic databases lack direct access.

Draft Text Awaits Final Parliamentary Approval

The draft text also proposes terminating the presumption of insurance coverage for REVE-registered vehicles under the Madrid convention, requiring owners to secure policies through authorized domestic insurers.

The new rules remain a draft awaiting final parliamentary approval before taking effect. It will therefore be necessary to comply with Italian regulations by taking out a policy with a company authorized to operate in the country. Final approval of the new Highway Code must be awaited to know which rules will actually enter into force starting January 1, 2028.