Italy plans toll refund for traffic jams: New regulation from June 2026
Refund for Traffic Jams on Italy's Motorways
Anyone traveling in Italy knows the situation: heavy traffic, long construction sites, and sometimes significant delays on the motorways. Especially during the peak travel season, the journey can quickly become a test of patience. However, this could soon change for drivers, as Italy is planning a new regulation that would provide a toll refund under certain conditions.
New Toll Regulation Approved in Italy
Behind the planned innovation is the Italian transport regulatory authority, Autorità di Regolazione dei Trasporti (ART). A resolution 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 steps. From June 1, 2026, the regulation will initially apply to motorway sections managed by a single operator. From December 1, 2026, the system will then 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 smaller time deviations can be relevant. On shorter routes, a delay of around ten minutes may already be enough, while longer sections require greater time losses.
The refund is significantly higher in cases of massive 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 construction sites, such as those set up after storms or accidents, are excluded from the regulation. Mobile construction sites are also initially not to be considered until the end of 2027.
In addition, it is currently not yet fully clarified whether and to what extent foreign drivers can also benefit from the new regulation. This point remains particularly relevant for travelers from Germany who regularly drive to Italy.
How the Toll System Works in Italy
Regardless of the planned innovation, the existing toll system continues to apply in Italy. Unlike countries such as Austria or Switzerland, there is no vignette requirement. Instead, most motorways charge a distance-based toll, which depends on the distance traveled 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 license plate is automatically recorded and no stopping is required.
Additional costs may also arise in Italy, for example for certain tunnels, mountain pass roads, or access to city centers with restricted traffic 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 loads and the growing demand for fair conditions on the roads. Although not all details have been finalized 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 about toll and traffic regulations in Europe. If you are planning a trip to Italy, it's best to inform yourself in advance about the applicable toll regulations.
