Italy rules out highway and distance bans for drivers over 85 in revised code

Ministry clarification on driver age limits

Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport released an official communication on 23 August 2026 to refute reports concerning proposed driving curbs on senior citizens. News reports had indicated that the drafting phase of the new Italian Highway Code included strict driving prohibitions specifically targeting motorists aged 85 and older. The reported proposals included a full ban on highway travel, an operational cap restricting motorists to a 100-kilometre radius from their home, and special restrictions relating to alcohol consumption. The ministry formally clarified that no such restrictions will feature in the final statutory framework. Officials noted that older citizens will retain the right to drive on motorways and navigate beyond local boundaries without distance caps.

Structural revisions across draft titles

According to the transport ministry, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini intervened to ensure that older drivers would not face systemic restrictions or penalisation under the revised circulation rules. The ministry stated that restrictive proposals targeting citizens older than 85 were removed from the draft rules of conduct located in Title II. Similar references had also been integrated into the administrative table of Title V, which was compiled with contributions from technical experts across other government departments. The final legal draft will fully expunge all references to age caps from both Title II and the Title V table.

At the express request of Minister Salvini, the provisions on the matter were removed some time ago from the rules of conduct of Title II to avoid penalising this age group. Consequently, in the final text, the reference will also be expunged from the Table of Title V, on which technicians from other administrations also worked. At the same time, more accurate medical visits are planned for the safety of those over eighty-five themselves and of all road users.

In place of travel bans, the transport ministry confirmed that the updated code will require more rigorous and accurate medical check-ups for drivers aged 85 and above. The government stated that these enhanced health examinations will focus directly on assessing fitness to drive. By mandating targeted medical checks rather than blanket prohibitions, authorities intend to protect the safety of elderly drivers and other road users.

Sanctions on phone use for drivers and pedestrians

Alongside provisions for senior motorists, the ministry confirmed tougher penalties concerning mobile phone distractions on Italian roadways. The updated Highway Code increases sanctions on motorists who handle smartphones while operating a motor vehicle. The legal restrictions on mobile device use will also expand to include pedestrians who are actively crossing streets.

Confirmed, on the other hand, are the toughenings for the use of smartphones while driving, extended also to pedestrians during crossing, while the use of speakerphones or earphones remains permitted provided it does not interfere with safety rules.

Under the updated regulatory terms, vehicle operators are still permitted to use hands-free technology, including speakerphone systems and earphones, as long as these devices do not interfere with safety regulations. The transport ministry affirmed that the finalized code seeks to curb device-related distractions while ensuring elderly motorists retain lawful mobility across Italy.