Italian Driving Licence Points System Explained (2026)

Italy operates a penalty points system (patente a punti) — you start with a set number of points and lose them for traffic violations. Understanding it is essential for all drivers in Italy.

Starting Points

Driver type	Starting points
New driver (licence issued for first time)	20 points
Driver who had previous licence revoked and restarted	18 points

Note: In the first 3 years of holding a licence, you start with 20 points but recover points at a slower rate (see below).

Major Point Deductions

Offence	Points lost
Running a red light	6
Driving without a seatbelt	5
Using a mobile phone while driving	5–10
Speeding 10–40 km/h over limit	3–6
Speeding 40–60 km/h over limit	10
Speeding 60+ km/h over limit	10 + licence suspension
Driving under influence (BAC 0.5–0.8)	10
Driving under influence (BAC > 0.8)	licence revoked
Failing to give way at pedestrian crossing	8
Overtaking in prohibited zone	6
Following too close on motorway	5

How to Recover Points

Points are recovered automatically over time:

• +2 points for every 2-year period without any infraction (up to 20)
• Voluntary refresher course at an autoscuola: +6 points (maximum once every 5 years)

Drivers in their first 3 years cannot use the refresher course to recover points — they must wait out the 2-year clean-driving period.

When You Reach Zero Points

If your balance reaches 0 points:

1. Your licence is suspended immediately
2. You must re-sit the theory exam within 30 days
3. If you pass the theory, you re-sit the practical exam within 180 days
4. If you fail or do not sit within the deadlines, your licence is revoked and you must start the full process again

Checking Your Points Balance

You can check your current points balance at:

• MIT portal (Ministero delle Infrastrutture): requires digital identity (SPID)
• ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia) offices
• Any Motorizzazione Civile office

Points are deducted when the fine is paid (or the payment period expires uncontested), not when the violation occurs.

New Drivers and the Probationary Period

For the first 3 years, Italy effectively operates a probationary licence:

• Zero alcohol tolerance (BAC must be 0.0 g/L)
• Reduced night speed limits
• Slower point recovery
• A single serious violation can trigger licence suspension much faster

Know the Rules Before You Drive

The Driving Freedom app covers all fine thresholds, sign meanings, and rules that appear in both the theory exam and real-world driving.

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