Points-Based Driver’s License: How It Works and When You Risk Suspension

The points-based driver’s license system has been in effect in Italy since 2003, and although the penalties for various traffic violations have undergone many changes since then, its general principles remain the same: to punish unlawful driving behavior and reward the most responsible drivers. In this article, we explain in detail how the points-based driver’s license system works for both private car drivers and those using a rental car, as well as what to do if points are deducted.

The basic mechanism of the points-based driver’s license system is simple: drivers who commit certain violations of the Highway Code lose a certain number of points, while those who drive safely can regain them over time (2 points for every two-year period without violations resulting in the loss of points, up to a maximum of 30). The maximum number of points on a driver’s license is 20, and a violation of the Highway Code can result in the deduction of 1 to 10 points, depending on the severity of the violation; these deductions are doubled for new drivers—that is, those who have held a driver’s license for less than 3 years.

If multiple violations occur at the same time, the maximum number of points deducted is 15, unless the offense committed results in a driver’s license suspension, in which case the point total is automatically reset to zero. If you don’t know how many points you currently have on your license, you can find out by registering on the website www.ilportaledell’automobilista.it.

But what happens in the case of rental cars? Who actually loses the points? The rules of the Highway Code remain the same: the driver is always solely responsible for any traffic violations committed while driving, whether the vehicle is registered in their name or not. If a violation is detected without the driver being stopped at the scene, the citation is initially sent to the vehicle’s owner—that is, the rental company—which may then provide the authorities with the information of the customer who was driving the vehicle at that time, allowing the violation to be attributed to the driver.

To regain driver’s license points in the event of violations that result in point deductions—that is, all violations that pose a risk to road safety, such as speeding more than 10 km/h over the posted limit, running a red light, or driving without a seatbelt—you can attend special courses at driving schools or other centers authorized by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. These courses allow you to regain 6 points on Class A and B driver’s licenses and 9 points on Class C and D driver’s licenses. However, if your remaining points drop to zero, you will need to retake the driver’s license exam.