In brief
The new Highway Code is not yet in force, but the Government has now approved a draft. On October 13, 2026, the Council of Ministers gave its initial approval to the draft legislative decree that will replace the 1992 Highway Code. 2027 will be the year for opinions and final approval (deadline: March 13, 2027); it is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028.
For motorcyclists, the draft confirms back and hand protection on motorways for both rider and passenger, license renewal every ten years until age 65, digital documents, and speeding fines proportional to km/h. The press also reports that riders can use the emergency lane and the central gap in traffic jams. Here you'll find the status of each measure and a timeline with only verified dates.
Today, and throughout 2027, the 1992 Highway Code still applies
Before looking at the changes, it's worth establishing one thing: a text approved by the Council of Ministers is not law, and no rules change the next day.
The Highway Code currently in force is Legislative Decree No. 285 of April 30, 1992, as amended several times. The latest comprehensive reform is Law No. 177 of November 25, 2024, in force since December 14, 2024. Article 35 of that law delegated the task of reorganizing the subject, including drafting a new code, to the Government. Law No. 171 of September 23, 2026 (Official Gazette No. 228 of October 1, 2026) subsequently extended the delegation deadline to October 14, 2026, and extended the time allowed for opinions. Everything you read about the "new Highway Code" falls within this framework.
Already in force today for motorcyclists
- Since December 14, 2024, Law 177/2024 has allowed motorcycles of at least 120 cm³ ridden by adults to use motorways and main extra-urban roads (always check the text in the Official Gazette).
- With the AM, A1, A2 and A provisional license, you cannot carry passengers during practice rides.
- The approved helmet remains the only protective clothing requirement: we discuss it in our guide to the ECE 22.05 and 22.06 approved motorcycle helmet.
On October 13, the Government approved the draft: opinions are now next
Compared with the first version of this guide, there is a new development: this is no longer a draft under consultation, but a text approved by the Government and submitted to Parliament.
In press release no. 192 of October 13, 2026, the Council of Ministers announced its preliminary approval of the legislative decree introducing a new Highway Code to replace Legislative Decree 285/1992. For motorcyclists, the release specifically mentions the requirement to wear back and hand protection on motorways, license renewal every ten years up to age 65, digital documents, and the progressive criterion for speeding fines. According to Uomini e Trasporti, the draft was announced to the Chamber of Deputies on October 19 as Government act no. 448 and assigned to the Transport Committee.
- MIT consultation (July 31 – September 13, 2026). Associations and industry groups submitted proposals on the draft rewrite.
- Law 171/2026. Extends the delegation to October 14, 2026, increases the parliamentary review period from 60 to 90 days and extends the final deadline from 120 to 150 days.
- Council of Ministers, October 13, 2026. Approval of the draft at preliminary review (press release no. 192): the delegation was exercised within the deadline.
- Opinions. Council of State and Unified Conference (30 days), Chamber of Deputies and Senate Committees (90 days). They are not binding.
- Final approval and Official Gazette. By March 13, 2027, followed by the implementing regulation: only then do the rules become applicable.
2027 calendar: what changes and when
We have included in the table only dates derived from the enabling law or the approved draft, indicating the source. Estimates are identified as such.
| Date | Stage | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 13, 2026 | Council of Ministers approves the draft at preliminary review | Fact | Council of Ministers press release no. 192 |
| October 14, 2026 | Delegation deadline; submission to the Council of State, Unified Conference and Parliament | Fact | Law 171/2026; Quattroruote |
| October 19, 2026 | Announcement to the Chamber of Deputies as Government act no. 448 | Fact (press source) | Men and Transport |
| November 13, 2026 | Deadline for opinions from the Council of State and the Unified Conference (30 days) | Statutory deadline | L. 177/2024 art. 35; Quattroruote |
| January 12, 2027 | Deadline for opinions from the parliamentary committees (90 days) | Statutory deadline | L. 171/2026; Quattroruote, Uomini e Trasporti |
| +20 days | Possible second opinion, if the Government does not incorporate the committees’ observations | Possible | Quattroruote, Derapate |
| March 13, 2027 | Final deadline for definitive approval of the decree (150-day extension) | Statutory deadline | L. 171/2026; Quattroruote, ItaliaOggi |
| Late March 2027 | Signature by the President of the Republic and publication in the Official Gazette | Estimate | Quattroruote |
| From April 1, 2027 | Possible issuance of the implementing regulation | Provided for in the draft | Quattroruote |
| April 30, 2027 | “Technical” entry into force of the decree, with no practical effects for drivers | Provided for in the draft | Quattroruote, Derapate |
| January 1, 2028 | Implementation of the new rules, no earlier than 180 days after the regulation | Provided for in the draft | Quattroruote, Moto.it, GPOne |
| April 1, 2028 | Fallback date if the regulation enters into force after early July 2027 | Provided for in the draft | Quattroruote |
Measures affecting motorcycles, with the status of each
All the following items are included in the draft approved on October 13: none is in force. We have separated what is stated in the official press release from what is reported only by newspapers.
| Measure | What it provides for | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protective gear on motorways | Back and hands protected for rider and passenger; requirements to be set by MIT decree (art. 68 of the draft, according to the press) | Provisionally approved | Council of Ministers press release no. 192; inSella, HDmotori |
| Reduced penalty if wearing protective gear | The use of protective gear is one of the circumstances that reduce the penalty; the amount and cases remain to be clarified | Approved in principle, details still pending | Explanatory report; Moto.it, SicurMoto |
| Emergency lane | Motorcycles may use the emergency lane on motorways in the event of accidents, traffic queues, or heavy delays, at moderate speed | According to press reports on the draft | FMI, Moto.it, inSella, Quattroruote |
| Central passage through traffic queues | Queued cars move to the sides; those who do not: €80-320 and 2 points | According to press reports on the draft | inSella, HDmotori, GPOne |
| Motorcycle safety barriers | National program to install them on high-risk road sections, subject to funding and implementing measures | According to press reports on the draft | FMI, Moto.it, SicurMoto |
| Driver’s license renewal | Renewal every 10 years up to age 65 (currently 50) for group 1, including motorcycles | Provisionally approved | Council of Ministers press release no. 192 |
| Digital documents | Driver’s license and vehicle registration certificate can be shown in digital format | Provisionally approved | Council of Ministers press release no. 192 |
| Speeding fines | Fine proportional to the km/h over the limit; penalty points and suspension in tiers | Provisionally approved | Council of Ministers press release no. 192; Quattroruote |
| Notice of violations | 45 days instead of 90 for remotely detected violations | Provisionally approved | Council of Ministers press release no. 192 |
| Insurance | Indefinite driving ban if the matter is not regularized within 30 days of notification by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport | According to press reports on the draft | Quattroruote, Moto.it |
| Motorcycle parking | Diagonal parking allowed for vehicles up to 2.70 m if parking spaces are at least 2.80 m wide or unmarked | According to press reports on the draft | SicurAuto |
| Enduro plate | Replacement plates confirmed for FMI-licensed riders traveling to races | According to press reports on the draft | FMI, SicurMoto |
Highway gloves and back protectors move from speculation into the government draft
In the first version of this guide, the measure was only reported by newspapers. It is now included in the official statement from the Council of Ministers.
Press release no. 192 states that motorcycle riders and passengers must use back and hand protection on highways. inSella, HDmotori, and GPOne place the rule in Article 68 of the draft and explain that minimum standards, approvals, and certifications will be set by a subsequent measure from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. In practice: we know who must comply and where, but we don’t yet know which gloves or back protectors will be considered compliant.
- It applies to both riders and passengers.
- It applies on highways, not on every road.
- Protective gear is for the back and hands.
- Using protective gear may reduce the fine.
- Which certifications will be required.
- Whether an airbag or a jacket with an integrated back protector will be enough.
- How much the violation will cost.
- Whether the text will remain unchanged after the opinions are received.
The emergency lane and central passage would change how traffic queues work
It’s the part that people who ride loaded motorcycles on highways feel most. It’s also where the sources don’t entirely agree.
According to news outlets, motorcycles may be allowed to use the emergency lane on highways when traffic is blocked or heavily congested, at a moderate speed and rejoining traffic as soon as emergency services or patrols arrive. However, the Council of Ministers' press release does not mention this, and the speed limits and exact conditions are unknown. The central passage is different: in traffic jams, drivers should pull over to the sides of their lane, as they already do for emergency vehicles, to let motorcycles and scooters through. The stated penalty (80-320 euros and 2 points) would apply to drivers who do not move; GPOne points out, however, that the text does not generally authorize motorcyclists to filter between cars.
On three-lane highways, the rules allow vehicles to travel in parallel lines, with passing on the right without changing lanes, while overtaking by maneuvering to the right remains prohibited. No different rules apply to motorcycles. Remember, driving in the emergency lane is currently prohibited.
Licenses, documents, and fines: changes coming in 2028
The measures are set out in the official press release, but they apply to all drivers, not just motorcyclists.
The four changes to remember
- License renewal. Every 10 years until age 65, instead of 50. Categories AM, A1, A2, and A remain unchanged. All the details are in our guide to motorcycle license renewal under the new Highway Code.
- Digital documents. Your driver's license and vehicle registration can be shown on a smartphone; according to Quattroruote, you will still need the paper vehicle registration document abroad.
- Speed. Fines are proportional to the km/h over the limit; minimum penalties reduced to 25 and 40 euros, and automatic inflation adjustments suspended, according to Moto.it.
- Tickets. Notice within 45 days for violations detected remotely; no forced collection for a total amount under 10 euros, according to Moto.it and Quattroruote.
What to do now: approved lights, properly secured loads, documents on board
There's no need to wait until 2028. These checks apply under today's rules and will still apply under tomorrow's.
- Approved auxiliary lights. An off-road spotlight is not road-legal. Look for the approval mark on the housing and the certificate: the guide to approved auxiliary lights explains how to read an ECE certificate, and the article on the semicircle signal and lights on explains when to keep them on.
- Secure and low-mounted cargo. Cargo placement remains governed by Article 164: no protrusions, and lights and license plate must be visible. Start with how to secure a motorcycle tail bag and the guide to choosing motorcycle luggage.
- Carry your documents. Digital documents are not yet valid: your license and registration must remain on board.
- Visibility in the dark. With the end of daylight saving time, evening rides become more frequent: how to see and be seen on a motorcycle in the dark.
- Approval
- E57*149R00/06*1142
- Beams
- Approved low and high beams
- Protection
- IP68, glass lens
- Levels
- 8, adjustable while riding
- Power
- 80 W low beam, 150 W both
- Mounting
- 22, 25, and 28 mm tubes
For fall highway rides, there's also the Endurrad Adventure neck warmer, which is windproof and made from recycled polyester, for €9. It's not protection required by the Code: it's the little detail that helps you arrive feeling less cold. And if you're thinking about gloves and a jacket for winter, the guide to heated motorcycle clothing explains where to start.
Frequently asked questions about the new Highway Code and motorcycles
Is the new Highway Code already in force?
When does the new Highway Code for motorcycles come into force?
What happens in 2027?
Will gloves and back protectors become mandatory on motorways?
Does the protective gear requirement also apply to passengers?
Is it true that protective gear cuts the fine in half?
Will motorcycles be allowed to use the emergency lane?
What is the central lane for motorcycles in traffic?
Are the rules for riding a motorcycle changing?
Do I still have to carry my license and registration document?
How are speeding fines changing?
What are the risks of riding a motorcycle without insurance?
Will the new Highway Code allow overtaking on the right on motorways?
Are auxiliary lights on motorcycles legal?
How can I stay up to date on the new Highway Code?
Get your motorcycle ready before the rules change
Tell us your motorcycle's make, model, and year, and we'll let you know which Endurrad accessories are compatible, including approved lights, bags, and protective gear. And if you travel with your iPhone, download the Endurrad app for iPhone to keep the catalog and guides in your pocket.
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