(
Art. 93-bis Codice della Strada, REVE)
Since the reform introduced by the “Security Decree” in 2018 and Law no. 238/2021,
strict rules apply in Italy for persons resident in Italy who use a car with a foreign
licence plate. The aim is to prevent abusive foreign registrations
(“esterovestizione” of vehicles).
Who is considered “resident in Italy”?
Under traffic law, the decisive factor is the residenza anagrafica
(registered residence in the municipal register). Anyone registered as resident in an
Italian municipality is treated as resident. For tax aspects of residence, see our
Lexikon entry Lebensmittelpunkt in Italien (centro della vita).
Basic rule: own car with foreign licence plate
If the car belongs to a person who moves their residence to Italy, the vehicle must be
registered in Italy within 3 months from the date on which residence
is established. Otherwise, fines, immobilisation and, in the most serious cases,
confiscation of the vehicle may be imposed.
Use of third-party vehicles and REVE
If a person resident in Italy drives a car with foreign registration that is not
registered in their name (e.g. company car of a foreign employer, leasing, long-term
rental, loan), the following applies:
-
You must carry a document with a date-certain signature from the owner
showing the legal basis (leasing, rental contract, loan, etc.) and the duration of use.
-
If the right to use the car exists for more than 30 days per year
(also non-consecutive), registration in the
REVE (Registro dei veicoli esteri) at the PRA (ACI) is in principle required.
-
For certain situations – for example employees who use a foreign company car
exclusively for work purposes – administrative practice provides for simplifications
(no REVE registration, but documentation requirements).
Exceptions for tourists and non-residents
Tourists and persons resident abroad may generally drive in Italy with their
foreign-registered car for up to one year without changing the
registration, provided they themselves are not resident in Italy.
Tax aspects
Once the car is registered in Italy, Italian car tax (bollo auto) as well as
Italian insurance premiums and, where applicable, business taxes (e.g. depreciation of
the company car, value-added tax) generally become relevant. See also our Lexikon
entries Mehrwertsteuer in Italien (IVA) and
Abschreibung (ammortamento).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. I have moved to Italy and still own a car with German/Austrian registration. What do I have to do?
You must re-register the car within 3 months of your residence being registered in
Italy. Otherwise, you risk fines, immobilisation and, where applicable, confiscation
of the vehicle.
2. I live in Italy and my employer in Germany provides me with a company car. Am I allowed to drive it?
In principle yes, provided you carry a written agreement with a date-certain signature
(e.g. leasing or use agreement) showing the legal basis and duration of use. If the
vehicle is used for more than 30 days per year, REVE registration may also be required;
for use strictly for business purposes there are some simplifications.
3. Does every car with a foreign licence plate have to be registered in the REVE?
No. The REVE obligation applies to persons or businesses resident in Italy who use a
car with foreign registration for more than 30 days per year. Tourists, persons
resident abroad and certain employees with company cars are exempt.
4. What happens if I ignore the documentation or REVE obligations?
You risk administrative fines (amounting to several hundred euros), temporary
immobilisation of the vehicle and – if the situation is not remedied within the
prescribed period – confiscation or forfeiture of the car.
5. Do the rules also apply to vehicles with number plates from another EU country?
Yes. The provisions of Art. 93-bis of the Italian Highway Code apply regardless of the
country of registration, i.e. to number plates from both EU and non-EU states. What
matters is your residence or registered office in Italy and the duration of use.