Italy has introduced a new compensation system for drivers who have lost time in traffic jams on toll motorways due to roadworks. Find out who is entitled to a refund, what amounts can be received and how to apply for a refund correctly

Electronic road vignette for travel in Europe

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Traveling by car in Italy is traditionally associated with picturesque routes, seaside resorts and historic cities. At the same time, the summer tourist season often brings many kilometers of traffic jams on highways, especially in popular resort areas and on the country's main transport arteries.

In 2026, the Italian authorities took a step that could significantly change the attitude of drivers to toll roads. Since June 1, the country has launched a compensation mechanism for significant traffic delays caused by road works. Now drivers can count on a partial or even full refund of the cost of traveling on the motorway.

When traveling by car in Europe, it is important to take care of not only the route, but also the necessary road tolls in advance. The electronic vignette allows you to quickly and legally use toll roads in many countries without paper documents and queues at points of sale. All information about the vehicle is stored in an electronic system, and the check is carried out automatically.

Apply for an electronic vignette in advance and travel around Europe comfortably and without unnecessary worries.

Why did Italy decide to compensate for traffic jams?

Toll motorways are an important part of Italy's transport system. Millions of tourists and locals use them every year to travel between regions of the country.

However, in recent years, large-scale repairs to the road infrastructure have increasingly become the cause of long delays. Drivers have repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction with having to pay the full fare even when they spend a significant part of their time in traffic jams due to repair work.

That is why the government and motorway operators have agreed on a new compensation system that is designed to compensate for lost time and make toll roads fairer for users.

Where to go in Italy in 2026 read here.

What compensation is provided for in 2026?

The amount of the refund depends on the duration of the traffic delay.

If the traffic jam is caused by roadworks, drivers can receive:

- 50% of the fare for a delay of 60 to 119 minutes;

- 75% of the fare for a delay of 120 to 179 minutes;

- 100% of the fare if the delay exceeds 180 minutes.

In addition, separate rules apply to shorter routes:

- trips up to 30 km may be fully reimbursed regardless of the duration of the delay;

- on routes from 30 to 50 km, compensation is possible after 10 minutes of delay;

- on distances over 50 km, the right to compensation arises after 15 minutes of waiting.

In which cases is a refund not provided?

It is important to understand that the new rules apply only to traffic jams caused by planned roadworks.

Compensation is not paid if the delay is caused by:

- a traffic accident;

- emergency repair work;

- natural disasters;

- extreme weather conditions;

- other extraordinary circumstances.

That is, the fact of being in a traffic jam does not guarantee a refund.

Which motorways participate in the program?

At the time of launch, the system does not work on all toll roads in the country. Compensation is available on routes served by the following operators:

- Autostrade per l'Italia;

- Raccordo Autostradale Valle d'Aosta;

- Autostrada Tirrenica;

- Tangenziale di Napoli.

At the same time, one of the most popular highways among tourists - the Brenner motorway (A22), which is often used by travelers on the way to Lake Garda and northern Italy, has not yet joined the program.

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How to get a refund?

For users of the Telepass electronic payment system, the procedure is as simple as possible. If the conditions for compensation are met, the funds are returned automatically.

Other drivers need to apply independently. To do this, you need to:

1. Save the receipt or receipt for the fare.

2. After completing the trip, scan or photograph the document.

3. Send it to the operator of the relevant motorway.

4. Get a special code to track the status of the application.

Previously, an Italian tax number (Codice Fiscale) was required to use the Muovy Cashback mobile application, which created difficulties for foreigners. In 2026, the procedure was simplified, and now foreign drivers can also apply for compensation without going through a complicated registration.

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What will change in 2027-2028?

Italy is already preparing a large-scale reform of the motorway toll system.

According to the government's plans, dynamic pricing will begin to be implemented from 2027. The fare will depend on several factors: time of day, traffic intensity, environmental class of the car; and the load on a particular section of the road.

It is expected that such a model will help to distribute traffic flows more evenly and reduce the load on the roads during peak hours.

Read how to rent a car in Europe here.

Why is this news important for drivers?

Italy remains one of the most popular destinations for road trips. Every year, thousands of tourists travel by their own transport to the Adriatic coast, Tuscany, Liguria and the Lake Garda region.

The introduction of compensation means that drivers receive additional protection of their rights when using toll road infrastructure. Although the mechanism is still undergoing an adaptation period, Italy has actually become one of the first European examples where time lost due to repair work has begun to be compensated with a real refund.

The new compensation rules in Italy once again demonstrate how quickly digital technologies are changing the field of road travel in Europe. Today, more and more countries are switching to electronic services for drivers - from automatic toll payment to digital road permits.

One of the most important documents for car travelers remains the electronic vignette, which confirms payment for the use of toll roads and motorways. It does not need to be glued to the windshield, and all vehicle data is stored in official databases. This allows you to avoid fines, save time at borders and move faster across European countries. This is especially important for those who plan to travel to several countries at once during one trip.

Order an electronic vignette before departure and enjoy your trip without unnecessary formalities and delays on the roads.

Recall! Zutobi experts have published a rating of the best countries in the world for road trips in 2026. The study took into account the quality of roads, safety level, fuel cost, traffic jams and comfort for tourists while driving. We have already talked about the countries that have become the best destinations for road trips this year.

Photo – generated by Gemini