Can I lose my licence over points?
Yes, if you run out of points. In Italy the licence works on points: you start with 20 points, deducted at each offence, by an amount varying with severity (e.g. phone use while driving, speeding, not wearing seatbelts). Points are recovered in two ways: automatically, with 2 years without offences entailing deduction (back to 20), or by attending specific point-recovery courses. If points reach zero, you must take a licence re-test (theory and practical); failing it means suspension. For new drivers (first 3 years), the point deduction for offences is doubled.
📋 The rules
- You start with 20 points, deducted at each offence
- Recovery with 2 years without offences (back to 20)
- Alternatively: point-recovery courses
- Reaching zero: re-test required
- New drivers: doubled deduction
🔓 Exceptions
- Bonus points for driving without offences for years (up to a cap)
- If you don't report who was driving, deduction on the owner in certain cases
- Some serious offences also entail direct licence suspension
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Reaching zero points entails the duty to take the licence re-test: if you fail the new exam, the licence is suspended until you pass. Some offences, besides point loss, directly entail fines, suspension or revocation of the licence. For new drivers consequences are heavier, with doubled deduction. To avoid losing the licence, drive carefully, respect limits and, if you have few points, consider a recovery course. Check your points balance on the Motorist Portal.
📎 Official sources
- Normattiva · Highway Code (points licence, art. 126-bis) →
- Motor Registry · Motorist Portal (points balance) →
- MIT · Points-based licence →
❓ Frequently asked
How many points does the licence start with?
The licence starts with 20 points. At each offence that entails it, a certain number of points is deducted, varying with severity. You can check your points balance at any time on the Motorist Portal.
How do I recover lost points?
In two ways: automatically, by going 2 years without committing offences entailing deduction, after which the score returns to 20; or by attending specific point-recovery courses at driving schools or authorised bodies, which award a certain number of points.
What happens if I run out of points?
If points reach zero, you must take a licence re-test, theory and practical. If you fail it, the licence is suspended until you pass. So it's important not to let the score reach zero.
Do new drivers lose more points?
Yes. For new drivers, during the first 3 years from getting the licence, the point deduction for offences is doubled. It's a stricter measure to encourage careful driving by those with less experience at the wheel.
How do I check how many points I have?
You can check your points balance on the Motorist Portal, logging in with credentials (SPID or the others provided), or via the dedicated app. It's useful to check periodically, especially after receiving a fine with deduction.
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