Speed Camera Fines in Italy: A Complete Guide to Penalties and How to Avoid Them Legally
In Italy, road safety is a top priority. One of the most widely used tools to monitor vehicle speed is the autovelox (speed camera). When a driver exceeds the legal speed limit, they may receive a speed camera fine—an administrative penalty that can arrive days or even weeks after the violation.
In this article, we explain in detail:
- What a speed camera fine is
- How the notification process works
- The legal consequences
- What you can do to avoid mistakes or contest the fine
You'll also learn how to legally avoid these fines with the help of CO-DRIVER, our smart device designed to keep you safe on the road.
What Is a Speed Camera Fine?
A speed camera fine is issued when a driver is caught exceeding the speed limit by an electronic device—an autovelox—installed on urban, rural, or highway roads.
There are two types of speed cameras:
- Fixed: permanently installed on poles or gantries (e.g., Tutor or Vergilius systems)
- Mobile: operated temporarily by police using vehicles or tripods
The process is fully automated. When a violation occurs, the device takes a photo of the vehicle's license plate and logs key information such as speed, time, and location. Then, a formal process begins to notify the vehicle’s registered owner.
Autovelox devices must be certified and, except in rare cases, clearly signposted. However, even if the signage is unclear or missing, fines are not automatically invalidated. Legality depends on local regulations and approvals.
How the Fine Is Delivered
Authorities must send the fine notification:
- Within 90 days for residents in Italy
- Within 360 days for non-residents or foreign drivers
The fine notice will include:
- Vehicle and owner information
- Description of the violation (speed, time, place)
- Measured speed and legally adjusted speed (with a 5% tolerance)
- Applicable speed limit (e.g., 50 km/h, 90 km/h)
- Fine amount and payment deadlines
- Driving licence point deduction
- Instructions on how to appeal
Delivery is typically by registered post, PEC email, or digital systems such as the IO app.
Speed Limits and Fine Amounts
The amount of the fine depends on how much the speed limit was exceeded.
Penalty Table (Art. 142 CdS)
| Exceeding the Limit | Fine Amount | Points Deduction | Driving Licence Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 km/h | €42 – €173 | None | No |
| From 10 to 40 km/h | €173 – €695 | 3 points | No |
| From 40 to 60 km/h | €544 – €2,174 | 6 points | 1 to 3 months |
| Over 60 km/h | €847 – €3,389 | 10 points | 6 to 12 months |
Standard Speed Limits in Italy
- Motorways (Autostrade): 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain or poor weather)
- Main extra-urban roads: 110 km/h
- Secondary extra-urban roads: 90 km/h
- Urban roads: 50 km/h
- Ring roads / fast-flow roads: usually 70 km/h (check local signage)
⚠️ Note: Exceeding the speed limit by even 1 km/h beyond the 5% legal tolerance can result in a fine.