No, leaving a car running unattended in Italy is generally prohibited under the Highway Code (Codice della Strada, Art. 157), with exceptions for brief stops in specific conditions. Local authorities, including municipal police (Polizia Locale), enforce fines up to €74. The 2026 draft amendments propose stricter penalties for urban areas, aligning with EU climate goals.
Key Regulations for Leaving Your Car Running Unattended in Italy
- Article 157 of the Highway Code explicitly bans leaving a vehicle running without a driver present unless actively loading/unloading goods or passengers, or in cases of mechanical failure. Violations incur fines from €42 to €173, escalating in high-risk zones.
- Municipal Ordinances (e.g., Rome’s Delibera n. 12/2023) impose additional bans in pedestrian areas, near schools, or during air quality alerts, enforced by Polizia Locale with discretionary penalties.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed amendments under the Green Mobility Decree will classify unattended idling as a “low-emission violation,” doubling fines in cities exceeding EU NO₂ thresholds (e.g., Milan, Turin).
Enforcement prioritizes urban centers and tourist hubs, where idling contributes to smog. Exemptions require immediate driver presence or documented emergencies, with no tolerance for habitual offenders. Always verify local bylaws, as regional variations (e.g., Lombardy’s Legge Regionale 33/2021) may impose stricter rules.