Low licence points: what happens when your balance is small?

A licence starts with 20 points, which can be deducted for certain violations. A low balance alone is not automatically the same as suspension or a review; losing all points does require a licence review. Check your balance through the Portale dell’Automobilista and match each deduction to the relevant notice.

A low balance is not the same as zero

Article 126-bis of the Italian Road Code assigns 20 points when a licence is issued and provides for deductions after specified violations. The recorded balance changes when the violation is defined and the responsible authority reports the deduction. A reduced balance therefore does not by itself amount to a suspension or an immediate requirement to retake a test.

Losing all points can require a licence review under the Code. Other measures may follow specific violations, but they should not be inferred only because the balance fell below 20 or some informal threshold. Read the violation report and any later formal notices.

Check the balance and plan recovery

Registered users can consult their personal balance through the Portale dell’Automobilista. Check that the figure is current and keep the reports or notices about deductions. If your balance reaches zero or you receive a review order, follow the office’s instructions rather than assuming the issue will resolve itself.

The Code provides for point credits in specified circumstances, including authorised refresher courses while the balance has not been exhausted; a course requires the prescribed assessment. Eligibility and the effect depend on the licence and points lost, so verify your balance before enrolling. For example, a balance of six points does not automatically trigger review just because it is low, while a zero balance does require the procedure provided by law.

Study and review the Italian points system with the theory quizzes in Quiz Patente Ufficiale.