Italy Plans Toll Refund for Traffic Jams: New Regulation from June 2026
Money back for traffic jams on Italy's motorways
Anyone travelling in Italy knows the situation: heavy traffic, long roadworks and sometimes considerable delays on the motorways. Especially during the peak travel season, the journey can quickly become a test of patience. For drivers, however, this could change in future, as Italy is planning a new regulation that would, under certain conditions, provide a toll refund.
New toll regulation adopted in Italy
Behind the planned change is the Italian transport regulatory authority, Autorità di Regolazione dei Trasporti (ART). A decision from 2025 established that drivers will in future be entitled to a partial refund of the motorway toll if they are significantly delayed by traffic jams or roadworks. The aim of the measure is to link the toll more closely to actual driving performance 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 only one operator. From 1 December 2026, the system is then to be extended to routes operated by several concessionaires.
When do drivers receive a toll refund?
Whether and to what extent a refund is granted depends on the length of the route and the actual delay. Even small 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 there are longer standstills, for example due to accidents, part or even the entire toll for the affected section of the route can be refunded. The longer the delay lasts, the higher the refund amount.
Restrictions on the new toll regulation
Despite the planned improvements, certain restrictions apply. Not every delay automatically leads to a refund. For example, short-term roadworks, such as those set up after storms or accidents, are excluded from the regulation. Mobile roadworks are also initially not to be taken into account until the end of 2027.
In addition, it has not yet been finally clarified whether and to what extent foreign drivers can also benefit from the new regulation. This point remains particularly relevant for travellers from Germany who regularly drive to Italy.
How the toll system works in Italy
Regardless of the planned change, the existing toll system continues to apply in Italy. Unlike in countries such as Austria or Switzerland, there is no vignette requirement. Instead, most motorways charge a distance-based toll, which depends on the distance travelled and the vehicle class.
In practice, this means that drivers take a ticket when entering 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 fees or modern free-flow systems, in which the number plate is automatically recorded and no stopping is required.
In Italy, additional costs may also arise, for example for certain tunnels, mountain pass roads or access to city centres with traffic-restricted zones. Good route preparation therefore helps to avoid unexpected fees. 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 congestion and the growing demand for fair conditions on the roads. Even though not all details have been finalised yet, the new regulation shows that drivers can in future 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's best to find out in advance about the applicable toll regulations with us.
