A proof of fulfilment of compliance with minimum standards of physical and mental fitness for driving is required in Italy when a driving license is issued. A medical examination is mandatory. It is up to a medical assessment (including, when necessary, the Commissione Medica Locale) to determine whether a person — including individuals with disabilities — meets the minimum standards of physical fitness for driving.
Guidance concerning the Italian health standards and requirements for driving, which describe the different health conditions:
Articolo 119 Codice della Strada – Requisiti fisici e psichici per la patente di guida
https://www.brocardi.it/codice-della-strada/titolo-iv/art119.html
Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti – Medici abilitati e Commissioni Mediche Locali
https://www.mit.gov.it/medici-abilitati-per-accertamento-requisiti-fisici-e-psichici-per-la-patente-di-guida
Il Portale dell’Automobilista – Idoneità psicofisica e patenti speciali
https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/SDG/C2EN.html
In Italy, for drivers with disabilities or functional limitations, the Local Medical Commission determines the required vehicle type and necessary adaptations. These adaptations are recorded as EU harmonized codes on the driving license and must be installed and officially approved on the vehicle.
In Italy, foreign driving licence holders must meet the same health and fitness requirements as Italian drivers. If health conditions or disabilities require it, the Local Medical Commission evaluates fitness to drive and may issue restrictions or adaptations before an Italian licence is issued or exchanged.
Name of Department/Ministry: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT)
Name of section responsible: Directorate General for Motor Vehicles (Direzione Generale per la Motorizzazione)
Email address for queries: urp@mit.gov.it
Phone number for queries: +39 06 4412 3743 / +39 06 4412 3744
Postal address: Via Caraci 36, 00157 Rome, Italy
Website: https://www.mit.gov.it
In Italy, disability parking cards (contrassegno disabili) are issued to persons with permanent or temporary mobility impairments that significantly limit walking. Eligibility is assessed by the Local Health Authority’s medical commission (ASL), which certifies reduced or impaired mobility before the municipality issues the card.
In Italy, individuals holding a valid disability parking card may request a reserved parking space near their residence or workplace. The local municipality evaluates the request and allocates the space when justified by mobility needs and local availability.
In Italy, people with disabilities holding a valid disability parking card are granted several concessions: they may park for free in designated disabled spaces, in areas with paid parking (unless otherwise indicated), and in restricted traffic zones when permitted by local regulations. They may also stop or park in normally prohibited areas when essential for mobility needs, provided safety is maintained.
Foreign disability parking cards that follow the EU standard model are recognised in Italy. Holders may use disabled parking spaces and related concessions. Access to restricted-traffic zones (ZTL) or specific local exemptions may require prior notification to the municipality. Non-EU or non-standard cards may not be fully recognised.
In Italy, disability parking spaces must follow national standards: a minimum width of 3.20 m and appropriate ground and vertical signage. Municipalities may increase the width when needed for wheelchair access or adapted vehicles.
Name of Department/Ministry: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT)
Name of section responsible: Directorate General for Motor Vehicles (Direzione Generale per la Motorizzazione)
Email address for queries: urp@mit.gov.it
Phone number for queries: +39 06 4412 3743 / +39 06 4412 3744
Postal address: Via Caraci 36, 00157 Rome, Italy
Website: https://www.mit.gov.it
People with disabilities can hire a car under the same conditions as any customer. Rental companies may provide adapted vehicles, but availability must be arranged in advance. A valid driving licence (with any required adaptation codes) must be presented, and the renter must be able to operate the vehicle safely.
In Italy, vehicles can be hired from major national and international rental companies operating at airports, train stations, and city centers. Some providers offer adapted cars for drivers with disabilities, but these must be requested in advance directly from the rental company.
Name of Department/Ministry: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT)
Name of section responsible: Directorate General for Motor Vehicles (Direzione Generale per la Motorizzazione)
Email address for queries: urp@mit.gov.it
Phone number for queries: +39 06 4412 3743 / +39 06 4412 3744
Postal address: Via Caraci 36, 00157 Rome, Italy
Website: https://www.mit.gov.it