Driving bans in northern Italy: Old diesel cars will soon be history!

Driving bans in northern Italy: Old diesel cars will soon be history!

From October 1, 2025, comprehensive driving bans in northern Italy come into force for numerous diesel cars. This regulation affects vehicles from Euro-1 to Euro-5 standard and is part of a strategy to reduce fine dust values in the region, especially during the winter months, such as Vol.at reported.

The affected regions include the Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Piedmont. In Lombardy, the most populous region in Italy, there will be driving bans in cities such as Milan, Monza, Brescia and Bergamo every day from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. In cities in Emilia-Romagna with more than 30,000 inhabitants, such as Bologna, permanent driving bans apply to the diesel models mentioned.

regional driving bans and affected vehicles

In Veneto, diesel cars of the affected standards are no longer allowed to drive to big cities such as Verona and Padua. There will also be seasonal prohibitions in Piedmont, which apply annually from October 1, 2025 to April 16, 2026 and between October 15 and April 15, on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Affected cities include Turin, Asti and Alessandria.

The regulations are directed against diesel models that were approved between 2009 and 2014, including popular vehicles such as the VW Golf TDI, BMW 320d, Skoda Octavia and Mercedes C 220 CDI as well as models by Renault, Toyota and Alfa Romeo.

Health backgrounds and measures

These measures are urgently necessary because northern Italy has been struggling with excessive smog values for years. The air quality problems are particularly pronounced in the winter months, such as rainews.it Notice. Air pollution is particularly alarming in the country's metropolitan areas, which significantly impairs the quality of life of the residents.

In Emilia-Romagna there are already existing driving bans for diesel cars up to the Euro 5 pollutant class in cities with over 30,000 inhabitants. In addition, on Wednesday, the Lombardy regulated the use of Euro 1 petrol vehicles and diesel cars up to Euro 4 in several locations.

penalties for violations

The sanctions for violations of the new regulations are also strict. A fine of around 150 euros is imposed, while repeated violations can lead to a temporary license withdrawal of 15 to 30 days. This regulation also applies to foreign vehicles, which underlines the need to sustainably improve air quality.

Overall, the new provisions show that the Italian government, together with regional authorities, reacts to the pressing environmental problems and implemented clear measures to contain air pollution.