Traffic tickets from Italy: What you need to know about the fine notice

There are also legal differences compared to other EU countries. The following overview shows what needs to be considered when receiving a notice from Italy.

Especially in popular regions like South Tyrol, many German drivers receive traffic tickets for violations such as restricted traffic zones (ZTL), illegal parking, or speeding. Italy is now fully integrated into the EU-wide system for exchanging vehicle owner data. Therefore, fines are once again arriving regularly in German mailboxes.

Traffic violations in Italy can be expensive. The fines are addressed to the owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving. Those who pay within five days usually receive a discount. If payment is not made, the amount doubles after 60 days.

Service must occur within 360 days of the violation. After that, prosecution is time-barred. The statute of limitations for enforcement is five years. In the case of repeat offenders or serious violations, the vehicle can also be impounded in Italy until the claim is settled.

Most notices are sent in Italian. However, enforcement in Germany is only possible if the content is also understandable. If no German version is available, an objection to enforcement may be successful. Unlike in Germany, the principle of owner liability applies in Italy. Rental car users should also be aware of this.

Payment can be made by bank transfer or, in many cases, online. The bank details are usually included in the notice. An appeal is possible, but must be filed in Italian and within the specified deadline. Legal advice is recommended if you have any legal questions.

A driving ban issued in Italy only applies there. No points are awarded in Flensburg for violations in Italy. Private debt collection agencies are not permitted to collect public fines – the situation is different for private claims, for example, from toll operators.

Fines of €70 and above can be enforced in Germany. The Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) is responsible for enforcement. It examines whether the Italian notices are formally correct. This includes compliance with deadlines, a comprehensible justification, and comprehensibility for the person affected.

If a fine is enforced in Germany, this may lead to seizure of assets. If you are unsure or find the wording in the notice unclear, you should seek legal advice early on.