Italy road tax exemption 2027: which cars and motorbikes qualify

Italy has introduced a one-year exemption from the vehicle ownership tax, commonly known as the bollo auto, for many cars, motorcycles and mopeds in 2027. The measure is already contained in Decree-Law No. 162 of 17 September 2026, but it is important not to overstate it: the exemption currently applies only to tax payments whose ordinary due date falls between 1 January and 31 December 2027.

For international residents who own a vehicle in Italy, the key questions are whether the vehicle meets the power and fuel rules, whether it is properly insured, and which vehicle receives the exemption if one person owns several.

Italy’s 2027 road tax exemption at a glance

Which cars qualify for the exemption?

Article 2 of the decree says the car exemption is available to individuals who are liable for the vehicle tax in 2027 on one or more cars powered by petrol or diesel, including where that fuel is combined with another source of propulsion, provided the car’s power does not exceed 80 kW.

The vehicle must also be properly insured. The decree does not give every qualifying car owned by the same person a separate exemption. It limits the benefit to one vehicle.

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What if you own more than one qualifying car?

The law sets an automatic priority rule. If the same person owns more than one qualifying car, the exemption applies to the car with the lowest power in kW. If two qualifying cars have the same power, it applies to the one that would otherwise have the lower vehicle-tax bill.

That means owners cannot simply choose the most expensive car to tax if another qualifying car has a lower power rating.

How does the rule work for motorcycles and mopeds?

The decree also provides an exemption for qualifying petrol-powered motorcycles and mopeds. However, the rules are linked to whether the same person also owns a qualifying car.

If a person is liable for vehicle tax on a car of 80 kW or less, the motorcycle or moped exemption does not take priority. Where several motorcycles qualify, the exemption is assigned to the motorcycle with the lowest power. If the power is the same, it goes to the motorcycle that would otherwise have the lower tax. Where several mopeds qualify, the decree gives priority to the one with the earliest first-registration date.

Does the exemption apply everywhere in Italy?

The national decree says the exemption can also apply in special-statute regions and the autonomous provinces, but this is subject to an agreement with each authority that has responsibility for the vehicle tax.

Residents in places such as Sicily, Sardinia, Valle d’Aosta, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and the autonomous provinces should therefore check the relevant regional or provincial tax authority before assuming the exemption has been applied in exactly the same way locally.

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How much does the measure cost?

The decree provides for about ¬2.2935 billion to compensate regions and the autonomous provinces for the expected reduction in vehicle-tax revenue in 2027. The individual regional allocations are due to be set by 31 March 2027.

Reuters reported that the government expects the measure to cover about 14.5 million cars and motorcycles. Government ministers have discussed making the relief permanent, but the legal text currently in force should be read more narrowly: it creates a 2027 exemption, not an open-ended abolition of the bollo auto.

What should foreign residents do now?

If you own a car, motorcycle or moped in Italy, there is no need to make assumptions based only on the headline announcement. Check the vehicle’s power in kW, fuel type, insurance status and the normal 2027 tax due date. If you own several vehicles, the statutory priority rules may decide which one receives the exemption.

Because the measure was introduced through a decree-law and concerns payments in 2027, residents should also check the final converted legislation and their regional vehicle-tax portal before the payment date. Later parliamentary or implementing changes could affect details.

Frequently asked questions

Is Italy abolishing road tax permanently?

No. The current legislation provides an exemption for qualifying payments during 2027. A permanent abolition would require further legal action.

What is the maximum car power for the exemption?

The maximum is 80 kW for qualifying cars.

Can I claim the exemption on two cars?

No. The decree limits the benefit to one qualifying vehicle per individual and sets rules for deciding which vehicle receives it.

Do hybrid cars qualify?

The decree covers cars powered by petrol or diesel, including those fuels used in combination with another propulsion source, provided the car is no more than 80 kW. Owners should check the vehicle’s registration details and local tax treatment.

What is the official source?

The primary source is Decree-Law 17 September 2026, No. 162, particularly Article 2, published in Italy’s Official Gazette.

Last verified by Babylon: 20 September 2026. Tax rules can change during parliamentary conversion or implementation, so check the relevant Italian and regional authority before relying on the exemption.

Featured image: Miraxh Tereziu / Unsplash.