This Is Italy
Will you be stuck for hours on an Italian toll road due to roadworks this coming summer? In some cases, you may be able to get a partial refund of your toll.
Italy is gradually introducing a new compensation scheme for motorists who experience significant delays due to roadworks on the autostrada. The measure is intended to ensure that road users do not pay the full price if service on toll roads falls seriously short.
Not for every traffic jam
Anyone who thinks they will automatically receive a refund whenever traffic grinds to a halt from now on will be sorely mistaken.
The scheme does not apply to all types of traffic jams. Delays caused by heavy holiday traffic, accidents, bad weather, demonstrations, or other unexpected events fall outside the compensation scheme.
The compensation is intended exclusively for delays directly caused by planned roadworks involving lane closures.
From June 2026
According to current plans, the scheme will apply from June 1, 2026, to sections operated by a single motorway operator. From December 1, 2026, the system will be extended to sections involving multiple concession holders.
The measure stems from decisions by the Italian Transport Authority (ART), which has long been pushing for greater transparency regarding toll collection and the quality of service on Italian motorways.
When are you entitled to compensation?
The exact conditions vary by program and situation.
At Italy's largest highway operator, Autostrade per l'Italia (ASPI)A system already exists whereby motorists may be eligible for a partial or even full refund of the toll when roadworks lead to significant delays. The reimbursement can amount to up to 100 percent of the toll paid.
Italian media report that the speed bumps depend on the length of the route and the delay incurred. For longer journeys, the roadworks typically require at least ten to fifteen minutes of extra travel time.
How do you get a refund?
The practical implementation still varies per highway operator.
On some routes, compensation is processed automatically, while in other cases travelers must register or submit a request afterwards. Italy is working on further standardizing the system so that motorists can apply for compensation more easily.
Why is this regulation being introduced?
In recent years, criticism of high Italian toll prices has grown, while motorists on some routes regularly faced prolonged roadworks and traffic jams.
With the new regulation, Italy aims to link toll collection more closely to the actual service provided. According to the Italian regulator, those who pay a lot for a fast drive should also be able to count on reasonable traffic flow.
Pay attention if you are driving to Italy this summer.
The new regulation does not mean that every holiday traffic jam automatically generates revenue.
Are you at a standstill due to an accident, extreme congestion during a Black Saturday, or bad weather? In that case, you are generally not entitled to compensation.
Those who might qualify are motorists experiencing significant delays due to planned work on Italian toll roads. Extensive renovation and modernization work will be carried out on various busy stretches of motorway in particular over the coming years.
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