Anyone stuck in traffic on Italy's highways due to construction starting today can expect financial compensation. The new regulation, which has been in effect since June 3, 2026, requires highway operators to refund a portion of the toll if the usual driving time is significantly exceeded due to construction work. This measure affects millions of travelers, including many Germans, who use Italy's toll roads each year. Especially at the beginning of the summer travel season, this could turn out to be a real advantage for vacationers—provided they can navigate the hurdles that the new system presents.

The most important things at a glance

• Since June 3, 2026, toll refunds can be requested if construction sites lead to significant delays.
• A requirement for the application is an Italian tax number - also for foreigners.
• The regulation only applies if the travel time has been extended by ten minutes or more over a distance of at least 100 kilometers.
• In the case of longer delays – starting from two hours – the toll will be fully refunded.
• There are no refunds for emergency construction sites, accidents, or weather-related delays.

How exactly does the refund work?

Motorists whose routes are significantly extended due to construction on the 7,000 kilometers of Italian highways can now apply for a toll refund digitally. The application process is carried out through an app developed jointly by all private highway operators. According to calculations from Autostrade per l’Italia, those who are, for example, 40 minutes longer on a route of around 90 kilometers can receive up to 75 percent of the paid toll back; if a delay of at least one hour can be demonstrated, the entire amount is usually refunded.

Barriers for foreign guests

Anyone coming from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland must overcome a significant hurdle to access their money: registering in the app requires an Italian tax number, which is available to foreigners upon request through consulates or embassies. This process is often associated with considerable bureaucratic effort. As a result, consumer advocates doubt the practicality of the system and warn of hidden obstacles.

What remains of freedom of travel?

In contrast to countries like Germany, where highways can be used for free, users in Italy pay between seven and nine cents per kilometer - only France's fees are among the most expensive in Europe. The high financial burden leads holiday travelers to want to reclaim every cent that is due to them.

"There are concerns that for years no real penalties for poor service will be imposed," summarizes a spokesman for the Italian consumer protection association critically.

Background: Historical special path for Italy's roads

Italy took on a pioneering role early in the development of the European motorway network: The autostrada between Milan and Varese, in operation since 1924, is still considered the oldest motorway in the world. More than a century later, the country sees itself as a pioneer once again – this time in the reimbursement of tolls for time lost on the roads.

What happens next?

With the summer travel season, it will become clear whether the new reimbursement system is practical. By December 2026, all highway operators aim to fully roll out the digital procedure. It remains to be seen how many foreigners actually take advantage of the rule and whether the anticipated refunds will not be offset in the long term by rising tolls. For all those traveling on Italy's roads, a new and unusual perspective is opening up: time is now indeed money – at least during traffic jams on the "Autostrada."