Italy Plans Toll Refund for Traffic Jams
Money Back for Traffic Jams on Italy's Motorways
Anyone travelling in Italy knows the situation: heavy traffic, long roadworks and sometimes significant delays on the motorways. Especially during peak travel season, journeys can quickly become a test of patience. For drivers, however, this could change in the future, as Italy is planning a new regulation that would provide a toll refund under certain conditions.
New Toll Regulation in Italy Adopted
The planned new measure is backed by the Italian transport regulatory authority Autorità di Regolazione dei Trasporti (ART). A resolution from 2025 established that drivers will be entitled to a partial refund of motorway tolls if they are significantly delayed by traffic jams or roadworks. The aim of the measure is to more closely link the toll to the actual journey made and to create greater fairness for road users.
The introduction will take place in two stages. From 1 June 2026, the regulation will initially apply to motorway sections managed by a single operator. From 1 December 2026, the system is then to be extended to routes operated by multiple concessionaires.
When Will Drivers Receive a Toll Refund?
Whether and to what extent a refund is made depends on the length of the route and the actual delay. Even minor time deviations can be relevant. On shorter routes, a delay of around ten minutes may already be sufficient, while longer sections require greater time losses.
The refund is considerably more substantial in the case of major traffic disruptions. If longer standstills occur, for example due to accidents, part or even the entire toll for the affected route section can be refunded. The longer the delay lasts, the higher the refund amount.
Restrictions Under the New Toll Regulation
Despite the planned improvements, certain restrictions apply. Not every delay automatically leads to a refund. For example, short-term roadworks set up after storms or accidents are excluded from the regulation. Mobile roadworks are also not to be taken into account initially until the end of 2027.
Furthermore, it is currently not yet conclusively clarified whether and to what extent foreign drivers can also benefit from the new regulation. Especially for travellers from Germany who regularly drive to Italy by car, this point remains particularly relevant.
How the Toll System Works in Italy
Regardless of the planned new measure, Italy's existing toll system continues to apply. Unlike countries such as Austria or Switzerland, there is no vignette requirement. Instead, a distance-based toll is charged on most motorways, which is based on the distance travelled and the vehicle class.
In practice, this means that drivers take a ticket when joining the motorway and pay the fee when leaving the route. The amount of the toll depends, among other things, on the vehicle class. In addition to the classic closed toll system, some routes also have flat-rate charges or modern free-flow systems, where the number plate is automatically recorded and no stopping is required.
Additional costs can also arise in Italy, for example for certain tunnels, mountain passes or access to city centres with traffic-restricted zones. Good route planning therefore helps to avoid unexpected charges. Further information on the toll in Italy can be found in our guide.
More Fairness for Drivers on Italy's Motorways
With the planned introduction of the toll refund, Italy is responding to increasing traffic burdens and the growing demand for fair conditions on the roads. Even if not all details have been finalised yet, the new regulation shows that drivers can expect greater transparency and possibly also financial relief in the event of longer delays.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!
With us you regularly receive the most important news on toll and traffic regulations in Europe. If you are planning a trip to Italy, it is best to find out about the applicable toll regulations with us in advance.
