December 5, 2025, 2:00 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Italy, a favorite travel destination for Germans for years, is setting a precedent for more fairness on the highway just in time for the 2026 vacation season. In the future, those stuck in traffic on an Italian highway might receive a full or partial refund of their toll fees–but there’s a crucial limitation.
According to a report by BILD, the Italian transport authority ART has decided on a new reimbursement rule to compensate drivers for significant delays on toll highways. However, the rule only applies if the traffic jam is caused by construction work. Depending on the length of the delay, drivers can receive either a partial refund or the full amount.
This is a first for Italy. Internationally, the country is also setting a new standard, as no other vacation destination currently offers a similar regulation.
When Refunds for Traffic Jams Begin in Italy
The refund is not automatically issued; it must be requested via an app. According to ART, this app will consolidate all operators of Italy’s private highways. The process is somewhat similar to the compensation process of Deutsche Bahn.
A refund can be requested for a delay of ten minutes on a route up to 50 kilometers. For longer trips, the rule applies from a delay of 15 minutes. If a traffic jam lasts more than three hours, affected drivers receive the full toll back. However, there is no compensation for emergency construction, accidents, or weather-related traffic issues.
The exact amount of refunds will be determined by the highway operators themselves, but within guidelines set by the transport authority. It remains unclear to what extent foreign drivers can take advantage of the new regulation.
Over 7,000 Kilometers of Toll Highways
Italy remains a magnet for German tourists. According to the German Travel Association (DRV), around 12 million Germans traveled to Italy in 2023 alone, making it the second most popular travel destination after Spain. Whether to Lake Garda, the mountains, or the Mediterranean, many of these vacationers use the approximately 7,000 kilometers of Italian highways, most of which require tolls.
Italy’s Transport Minister Matteo Salvini welcomed the decision, calling it a “turning point” in enforcing drivers’ rights. Nicola Zaccheo, president of the transport authority ART, also emphasized: “This is a protective measure for travelers.” A statement from the authority further noted that the measure addresses “a concrete need: to provide more security to citizens who are increasingly confronted with delays and inconveniences due to construction or traffic blockades.”