Beginning in 2026, drivers using Italy's motorways will benefit from a new system designed to compensate for significant travel delays caused by roadworks or traffic disruptions. The country's transport regulatory authority has unveiled a standardized refund scheme that will automatically reimburse motorists if their journeys are considerably delayed compared to the expected travel time.

Under the new arrangement, the system will compare the actual time taken to travel a motorway section with a predetermined standard time. If a substantial delay is detected, a refund process will be triggered without the need for drivers to manually submit claims. This approach aims to address longstanding frustrations among motorists who have previously faced full toll charges despite experiencing lengthy traffic jams, especially due to construction or other avoidable disruptions.

Refund Criteria Based on Distance and Delay

The eligibility for toll refunds will depend on both the length of the motorway segment and the extent of the delay:

• For journeys under 30 kilometres, any delay will make drivers eligible for compensation.
• For distances between 30 and 50 kilometres, a minimum delay of ten minutes over the standard travel time is required to qualify for a refund.
• For trips exceeding 50 kilometres, the system will apply compensation when the delay reaches at least fifteen minutes beyond the expected duration.

This graduated approach is intended to ensure fairness and proportionality in the refund process, reflecting the varying impact of delays over different journey lengths.

Phased Implementation Across the Motorway Network

The rollout of the new refund policy will be conducted in stages. The system will first be introduced from June 1, 2026, on motorway sections managed by a single operator. For stretches overseen by multiple concessionaires, the launch is scheduled for December 1, 2026. This phased implementation is designed to facilitate coordination among operators and to allow for the integration of the new rules into both existing and future concession agreements.

Exceptions and Digital Access to Information

The refund mechanism will not apply in cases where delays are caused by emergency roadworks. Such works include those necessitated by accidents, severe weather, unexpected incidents, rescue operations, or urgent repairs. The transport authority has clarified that these exceptions are necessary to account for situations that are beyond the direct control of motorway operators.

To enhance transparency and user convenience, all participating motorway companies will provide real-time traffic updates and information regarding refunds through a unified mobile application. This app will allow motorists to track delays and compensation status without needing to engage with multiple operators individually.

Integration with Concession Agreements

The new refund policy will become a standard component of all future motorway concession contracts in Italy. For existing agreements, additional provisions will be added to ensure that the compensation system is retroactively applied wherever feasible. This comprehensive approach is intended to provide consistent protection for motorway users across the entire national network.

Italian authorities have emphasized that the introduction of automatic toll refunds represents a significant advancement in motorway user rights. The initiative aims to promote greater fairness for drivers, improve the overall experience on Italian roads, and encourage motorway operators to minimize avoidable delays.