Driving in Italy | Mandatory Vehicle Equipment 2025

Planning a ski trip in Dolomites? Traveling to Milano, or heading towards Rome in your campervan? It's good to check wether you are ready for a road police control. This article will bring you answers to the most common questions on what's mandatory, what's recommended and what's only additional baggage regarding vehicle equipment.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment | Italy 2025

Winter tires icon

Snow chains or winter tires

(15 Nov–15 Apr)

Warning triangle icon

Warning triangle

(type-approved)

Reflective vest icon

Reflective vest

(yellow, red, or orange with CE mark)

Motorcycles

Helmet required (EU-approved). No other equipment required by law. Recommended: gloves, jacket, boots, trousers.

High-vis Vest

Must be CE-marked and meet EN 471 or EN 20471 standard. Vest or braces format accepted.

Note

Technically, not carrying a vest is not fined, but not being able to wear one in an emergency is.

Child Transport

  • Children under 150 cm must use a car seat with EU approval (ECE R44/04 or R129)
  • Front seat use allowed only with correct installation and disabled airbag (if rear-facing)
  • Since 2020: mandatory child presence detection system for children under 4 years

Recommended Equipment | Italy

  • First-aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Spare bulbs
  • Spare wheel or tyre repair kit
  • Flashlight
  • Basic tool kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Seatbelt cutter, ice scraper, emergency hammer

Note

Spare bulbs not mandatory, but highly recommended — especially for non-LED systems.

Fines

Missing equipment: up to €344. Pay within 5 days for discount. Late payment increases the amount significantly.

Mandatory Documents | Italy

  • Passport or ID
  • Driving licence
  • Registration certificate
  • Proof of third-party insurance (OC)
  • CAI accident report form (recommended)
  • Rental authorisation if applicable

Tip

Use the CAI (Constatazione Amichevole di Incidente) form to simplify insurance claims after a crash.

Key Traffic Rules | Italy

  • Motorway speed: max 130 km/h
  • Dipped headlights required outside urban areas and in tunnels, even during the day
  • Hands-free only for phone use
  • Alcohol limit: 0.5‰
  • Winter tyres or snow chains mandatory 15 Nov–15 Apr
  • Radar detectors and jammers are prohibited
  • GPS with fixed camera alerts is allowed
  • Flashing headlights to warn others is punishable (rarely enforced)

ZTL Zones

Limited traffic zones (ZTL) exist in many cities. Entering without a permit = automatic fine.

Italy by car | Summary

Italy requires a triangle, vest, and seasonal winter gear (chains or tyres). Bring EU-compliant child seats, all documents, and beware of high fines. No vignette is needed in Italy, but you’ll need one for Austria or Slovenia en route.

Have a safe journey!