Car rental in Italy: fine after one year

Fines in Italy! One of the issues that most confuses travelers is “the ticket took too long to arrive” or “It arrived! What do I do? ”, “Should I pay it or not?”, “But I did not even know I had been fined”. Today we will answer your questions regarding fines in Italy. Shall we go to our post of the day? Car rental in Italy: fine after one year, what to do? Stay with us and make the most of boot country! Here at Italy’s Dream Tourismyou can make the trip of your dreams come true!! Also check out our Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your Vacations Section!

Our Introduction

It is said that driving in Italy is an adventure, not because of its impeccable roads, but because of its ZTLs, its “pranks,” especially in smaller cities, and its impeccable, accurate electronic radars, the famous Autovelox. All of this, and a little more, can result in fines, such as driving drunk, not giving preference to pedestrians, not using the seat belt, talking on a cellphone while driving, etc.

People, traffic laws in Italy are VERY strict and work VERY well! Really! Besides, they work for EVERYONE, not just for Italians or foreigners; it really is for everyone! Well, after all, what happens if you violate the Traffic Code with a rental car? Who is responsible for the fine, and who should pay it? Today we will tell you EVERYTHING about fines with rental car in Italy.

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1) Car rental in Italy: fine after one year – CAR RENTAL COMPANIES

Well, car rental companies are never liable for fines unless a company employee has proven to be the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offense. The fine is always the responsibility of whoever rented the vehicle and yes, that is stated in the rental contract. So, read the contract VERY carefully and if you have any questions, do not be afraid to ask! Read also: How much time do I have to pay a fine in Italy?

If the driver of a rented car commits a traffic violation and receives a fine, or is fined in any situation (such as drunk driving, for example), the fine will initially be notified to the vehicle owner, that is, who will receive it. The car rental company, in turn, subsequently and in agreement with the competent public security bodies (everything is informed and documented), will, yes, send the fine to the driver of the vehicle, that is, to you, who rented the car.

Rental without vehicle ownership

In the case of rental without ownership of the vehicle, that is, in the case of car rental, the lessor is the only and direct responsible for the payment of this fine. HOWEVER, the amount of the fine and other expenses to pay the debt will be transferred to the lessee, that is, the customer, especially because they are sanctions relative only and exclusively to those who were driving at the time of the infraction, so the driver is the only one responsible for them.

Good to know…

It is good to know that all types of infractions are included in this scheme: from speeding to driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as entering restricted traffic areas or not paying for parking. The car rental company will ALWAYS pass this on to the driver!

The rental company has up to 60 days to inform the vehicle of the vehicle of the name of the driver responsible for the violation. The car rental company will also communicate the complete data of the person who rented the car to the authorities, that is, it will give their home address, country of origin, telephone number, and passport number, among other things. It is also good to know that the management of fines is a mandatory service for rental companies and that the whole process involves professionalism and time. Also remember that you will be charged the costs of managing the direct debit on the credit card registered by the customer, which does not mean that you will not receive the physical fine at your residence.

Good to know…

There may be delays in the arrival of the fine due to problems at the post office (here or there), or for other reasons, It is important that you know that the notification is valid and that this does not exempt you from having to pay the traffic ticket!

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2) Car rental in Italy: fine after one year – THE FINES

How long will it take until you actually receive the fine? Well, the notifying body has up to 90 days to forward the fine to the rental company, which, in turn, has another 60 days to communicate the driver’s data. After receiving this information, the authorities have 90 days to adjust the documentation (redo the fine with the driver’s name) and, after that, they have up to 360 days to send the fine to the driver in its country of origin. When the driver receives the fine, it has up to 60 days to pay the debt.

THE FINE COMES! And always on time!

As we have seen, the times are very long, but one thing is certain: the fine arrives, and arrives on time! The fine is recorded in the minutes and is recorded in a system to which all vehicle operators have access, that is, if you have already been fined with a rental car in Italy, all operators will know. This is no obstacle for them to rent you a vehicle, but if you have not paid the fine, then things can get a little complicated.

Refusing payment

The refusal to pay the fine and the failure to comply with the duties required by the Italian Traffic Code within the established deadlines may cause an administrative sanction, applied by the Italian Federal Revenue Service, according to the interest and delays provided for by law. What does that mean? That you may have to pay the fine on your next trip, as it will be registered in the Italian Revenue Service system (at the time of immigration) or you may not be able to rent a car, as the rental companies will see that you have not paid the debt. It is a rarer situation, but it may happen! Better not take any chances!

Can there be an error in the billing?

Hardly! The Italian radar system is very modern and accurate; it can happen that you take two fines in the same place on the same day with a difference of minutes. Why? If you go wrong or the GPS tells you to make a U-turn and you pass in the same place, the radar will read the license plate TWICE and that will result in TWO fines.

Below we can see the values of Italian fines – the values may change without notice. (Source: Ministero delle infrastrutture e dei trasporti – Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.)

:: Driving without IDP / license: (Art. 116)

From 2,257 to 9,032 euros and detention for up to 1 year, if you are a repeat offender; suspension of the IDP for three months, if it is the first notification.

:: Driving above the permitted speed limit: (for drivers with less than 3 years of driving / IDP): (Art. 117)

From 160 to 641 euros in fine and license suspension from 2 to 8 months.

:: Driving with expired license / IDP: (Art. 126)

From 168 to 674 euros, withdrawal of license / IDP.

:: Failure to respect speed signs: (Art. 141)

Failure to slow down at intersections, curves, schools, steep descents or insufficient visibility can result in a fine ranging between 84 and 335 euros.

:: Exceeding the speed limits: (Art. 142)

From 41 to 168 euros for exceeding the equivalent limit equal to 10 km / h. Between 11 km / h and 40 km / h above the limit, the fine is between 168 and 674 euros. From 40 km / h to 60 km / h above the limit, a fine of 527 to 2,108 euros and license suspension from 1 to 3 months; above 60 km / h beyond the permitted limit, the fine goes from 821 to 3,287 euros and the suspension of the license goes from 6 to 12 months. In the event of a repeat offense, the license is forfeited for two years.

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:: Right of way: (Art. 145)

Not giving preference when signaled, or, for example, at intersections, also results in fine of between 162 and 646 euros. However, it is important to remember that if the violation occurs between 10:01 pm and 6:59 am, the cost of the fine can be from 205.33 to 817.33 euros and suspension of the license can last from 1 to 3 months.

:: Driving without a helmet: (Art. 171)

Driving without a helmet, a helmet badly placed or not approved, can cost between 80 and 323 euros and result in the arrest of the vehicle for 60 days.

:: Seat belts: (Art. 172)

Driving without a seat belt or with children out of the car seat can cost from 80 to 323 euros and suspension of driving license from 15 days to 2 months; in the event of a repeat offense, the period increases to two years.

:: Driving and using your cell phone or not wearing your glasses (if necessary): (Art. 173)

The use of telephones without hands-free or blue tooth can cost from 160 to 641 euros plus the suspension of the license for 1 to 3 months; in case of recurrence, two years. Without glasses, fine is between 80 and 323 euros.

:: Driving under the influence of alcohol: (Art. 186)

With alcoholic strength from 0.5 to 0.8 g / L, from 527 to 2,108 euros and suspension of the license from 3 to 6 months. A rate of 0.8 to 1.5 g / L, from 800 to 3,200 euros, and imprisonment of up to 6 months, in addition to suspension of license for 6 months or 1 year. With a blood alcohol level above 1.5 g / L, the fine ranges from 1,500 to 6,000 euros, imprisonment from 6 months to one year and suspension of license for up to two years. Bearing in mind that the driver’s refusal to carry out the test can cost the maximum amount of the fine: between 1,500 and 6,000 euros, in addition to detention from 6 months to 1 year, and suspension of the license from 6 months to 2 years (in case of reincidence).

:: Driving under the influence of drugs: (Art. 187)

Or, in case of refusal to carry out possible tests requested by the authorities, a fine of between 1,500 and 6,000 euros, detention from 6 months to 1 year, and suspension of the license from 1 to 2 years (in case of recidivism).

:: Parking in the adapted area: (Art. 188)

Parking without rights in a place reserved for people with disabilities and / or special spaces can cost between 84 and 335 euros. Multa de 163 euros.

:: Park and / or stop in prohibited places: (Art. 7)

From 41 euros.

:: Travel through ZTLs: (Art. 198)

From 84 to 355 euros.

:: Overrun red light: (Art. 41)

To overrun the red light between 7 am and 10 pm, from 163 to 600 euros; between 10:01 pm and 6:59 am, between 200 and 1,100 euros.

:: Not respect pedestrian crossings: (Art. 191)

Fine of 163 euros.

Tip

There are not always traffic lights indicating pedestrian crossings, but there are ALWAYS signs that inform the driver that he is close to a pedestrian crossing. The preference is ALWAYS WHO IS ON FOOT, OK? So, stop and let the pedestrian pass!

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Conclusion

Car rental in Italy: fine after one year In summary: DO I NEED to pay the fine? Yes! Even for ethical reasons! Always drive safely and responsibly! If you drive, DO NOT DRINK! Respect the signs and speed limits, do not use your cell phone while driving; and, of course, always wear your seat belt! Be responsible to yourself and the other drivers, okay? Always, wherever you are! Have a nice trip! Car rental in Italy: fine after one year, what to do? Contact me to help you 😉