A YouGov survey reveals significant gaps in Italian drivers’ knowledge of traffic regulations, including drink-driving penalties and restrictions for newly licensed motorists.
Italian Drivers Admit They Need a Refresher
More than seven in ten Italian drivers believe they need to refresh their knowledge of the Highway Code, according to a survey conducted by YouGov for car rental company Locauto Group.
The 2025 research, involving more than 1,000 adult respondents, found that 71% felt they needed to revisit traffic regulations. Although this represents an improvement from 74% in 2024, the findings highlight persistent gaps in road-safety knowledge.
The survey was conducted as part of Locauto’s On Tour road-safety initiative, which promotes awareness through educational activities and school visits.
One notable finding concerns newly licensed drivers. Around 35% of respondents were unsure about the restrictions governing this group, including engine capacity, speed limits and permitted blood alcohol levels.
Significant Gaps in Drink-Driving Regulations
The survey also identified limited awareness of stricter provisions introduced through Italy’s revised Highway Code.
More than half of respondents were unaware that a positive drug test can lead to licence suspension, even when the driver shows no visible signs of impairment.
Other findings included:
- 63% did not know that driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 1.5 g/l can result in arrest and a fine of up to €6,000.
- 71% were unaware of the alcohol interlock requirement applicable to certain convicted drink-driving offenders.
- 73% did not know that vehicle confiscation is possible under relevant provisions.
- 23% admitted they were unfamiliar with the new Highway Code rules.
These findings suggest that legislative changes do not automatically translate into public awareness, particularly when they concern penalties drivers rarely encounter.
Speeding Remains a Road-Safety Concern
The knowledge gap extends beyond recent legislative changes.
A separate 2024 survey commissioned by Italian road operator ANAS found that 51% of respondents did not consider speeding dangerous.
The research, conducted among 4,000 drivers, also found that only 34.7% considered respecting speed limits useful, while 16.4% believed experienced drivers could safely exceed them.
These results highlight the importance of addressing driving attitudes alongside knowledge of legal requirements.
Italy’s Road-Safety Statistics
Italy recorded 2,868 road fatalities in 2025, a 5.3% decrease compared with 2024. However, injury crashes increased by 2.2%, reaching 177,207, while 237,822 people were injured.
The country’s road fatality rate stood at approximately 49 deaths per million inhabitants, compared with the EU average of 43.
According to ISTAT, driver distraction, failure to yield, excessive speed and improper manoeuvres are among the most frequently reported contributing factors in road crashes.
Although the survey does not establish a direct link between knowledge gaps and crash rates, the figures underline the continuing importance of driver behaviour, enforcement and education.
What Changed Under Italy’s Revised Highway Code?
Italy’s Law No. 177/2024 entered into force on 14 December 2024, introducing changes to several provisions of the Highway Code.
The reform introduced stricter sanctions for certain offences involving mobile phone use, drink-driving and drug-driving. It also established alcohol interlock requirements for drivers convicted of specified drink-driving offences.
Additional measures strengthened restrictions for newly licensed motorists and introduced new requirements for electric scooter users.
These changes make awareness of the Highway Code particularly relevant for drivers who obtained their licences before the latest amendments.
Why Ongoing Driver Education Matters
The survey raises an important question for road-safety policy: how can drivers remain familiar with regulations that change throughout their driving careers?
Initial driving tests establish a foundation, but they cannot guarantee that motorists will retain accurate knowledge or understand subsequent legislative amendments.
Refresher campaigns, accessible explanations of new rules and targeted education on high-risk behaviours could help bridge this gap.
Ultimately, improving road safety requires more than introducing stricter penalties. Drivers also need clear information about their responsibilities, the risks associated with common behaviours and the consequences of violating traffic regulations.
