Everyday motoring
May a novice driver carry passengers in a car?
The current Highway Code has no general passenger ban based only on novice-driver status; approved seats, seat belts and ordinary rules still apply.
Yes. The current text of Article 117 contains no general ban on carrying passengers, or on doing so at certain hours, merely because the driver is a novice. The usual rules still apply: use approved seats, wear seat belts and follow other vehicle requirements. Do not mistake a proposal or news report for a rule already in force.
What the current rule says
Article 117 of Italy’s Highway Code sets special speed limits for the first three years after obtaining certain categories and, for category B, vehicle power limits according to the applicable date-based regime. The current text does not set a general passenger-number or passenger-hours restriction solely because someone is a novice driver. A category B licence holder may therefore carry passengers in available seats, subject to the ordinary rules.
That does not mean every passenger arrangement is always allowed. Do not exceed the number of seats shown in the vehicle documents, passengers must use seat belts, and child restraint rules under Article 172 apply. Individual licence or vehicle restrictions can also matter. A restriction that applies to one specific case should not be turned into a general rule for all novice drivers.
Proposals and headlines do not change the law by themselves
Public discussion may include proposals for additional limits, including passengers or night driving. A draft, amendment or announcement does not amend the Highway Code on its own. A new obligation requires approval, publication and entry into force under the relevant provisions. Check the official text in force rather than relying on a headline or social-media post.
For an actual trip, check the current version of Article 117 on Normattiva and the ordinary vehicle rules. If a new law takes effect, its date and any transitional provisions matter. This is especially important for vehicle-power limits, which differ depending on when the category B licence was obtained. The absence of a general novice-only passenger ban should also be confirmed against the current official text when rules change.
To review rules on licences, passengers and road safety, Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapters, exam quizzes and a review of mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a passenger curfew for novice drivers?
The current text of Article 117 has no general time-of-day or passenger-number restriction based only on novice status. Check the latest official text before relying on older information.
Does an announced proposal already apply?
No. A proposal or announcement is not a rule in force. Check the approved act, official publication and effective date.