Italy Plans Fines for Drivers Who Hold Up Traffic in the Left Lane
An Italian bill would fine drivers 40 to 160 euros for driving below 100 km/h in the far-left lane of motorways. It is still under review in parliament, so the fine does not apply yet.
Italy is advancing new traffic rules that would penalise drivers who travel slower than 100 km/h in the far-left lane of a motorway. The Council of Ministers, Italy's government cabinet, initially approved the bill on 13 October 2026. It is now being examined by parliament and may still be amended.
What the proposal says
The requirement would apply only to motorways with at least three lanes in each direction. The proposed penalty for a violation is a fine of 40 to 160 euros.
Exceptions are planned for cases where slower driving is necessary because of congestion, fog, rain or other extraordinary conditions.
Why it is proposed
The authors of the initiative say the aim is to improve traffic flow. They want to reduce situations in which slower vehicles force other drivers to brake sharply or make risky manoeuvres. According to them, this could also lower the risk of collisions.
What applies now
Until the bill is finally adopted, the new fine cannot be enforced. Drivers must nevertheless follow the existing rule: keep to the right lane where possible and use the left lane mainly for overtaking.
