What speed limits apply to novice drivers on Italian motorways?

For the first three years after obtaining an Italian A2, A, B1 or B licence, Article 117 sets a maximum of 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main extra-urban roads. You must also obey the general limit and any lower limit shown by signs. A road’s local name, such as “ring road”, does not by itself establish its legal class.

Which roads and licences are covered

Article 117 of Italy’s Highway Code sets novice-driver limits for the first three years after obtaining categories A2, A, B1 or B: 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main extra-urban roads. The period starts from the date you obtain the relevant category. If you hold several categories obtained on different dates, do not assume the first licence date automatically controls every later category; check your document and ask the Motor Vehicle Office if your history is unusual.

The rule applies to roads legally classified as motorways or main extra-urban roads, not to every road called a “tangenziale”, expressway or bypass. Classification depends on the road’s features and signs. Read the road-entry signs and any restrictions along the stretch rather than relying on its local name.

Apply the lowest limit

The novice-driver cap works alongside other speed rules. Follow the lowest of your personal cap, the ordinary limit for the vehicle and the limit shown by signs. If a motorway stretch is temporarily limited to 80 km/h for roadworks, 80 is the maximum even though your novice-driver cap is 100. Rain, poor visibility and traffic may require you to go more slowly still.

For example, a driver in the second year after category B enters a motorway stretch signed at 110 km/h. They may not exceed 100; if a temporary sign lowers the limit to 80, the lower value applies. On a main extra-urban road the novice cap is 90, but a signed 70 limit takes priority. A legal maximum is not a target: choose a speed suited to the actual road and conditions.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale lets you study speed limits by chapter, practise exam quizzes and review mistakes on related rules.