In January 2019, the Automobile Club Italia (ACI) outlined potential regulatory changes for classic and historic vehicles that could be approved by the Italian government. The proposals addressed three main areas: bollo (road tax) exemptions, the use of original registration plates, and unrestricted circulation in historic city centres and restricted traffic zones (ZTL).
Road tax exemptions for vehicles over 20 years old
Currently, vehicles and motorcycles over 30 years old receive automatic bollo exemptions regardless of registration in the historic vehicle register, provided they are not used for professional purposes or business activities. Vehicles still in circulation must pay an annual fee of €28.40 for cars and €11.36 for motorcycles. Before the 2016 Financial Law, vehicles over 20 years old also qualified for exemptions. The ACI requested that this exemption be extended again to include vehicles over 20 years old, specifically models with exceptional sporting and technical value that meet specific criteria for rarity and historical significance.
Original registration plates and compensation measures
To offset lost tax revenue from expanded exemptions, the ACI proposed allowing classic cars to display their original registration plates, a practice currently prohibited. This would require vehicle owners to pay a one-time fee reported to be approximately €1,000. This measure would address a longstanding concern among classic car enthusiasts.
Free circulation in protected areas
The ACI also requested unrestricted access for historic vehicles to city centres and ZTLs. Classic car owners argued that such vehicles circulate rarely and have negligible environmental impact, making circulation restrictions illogical. The goal was to prevent these vehicles from remaining in storage when public interest exists in seeing them on the road.
Frequently asked questions
What vehicles currently receive bollo exemptions in Italy?
Vehicles and motorcycles over 30 years old automatically receive bollo exemptions if not used for professional or business purposes. Those still in circulation pay an annual fee of €28.40 for cars and €11.36 for motorcycles.
What fee would owners pay for original registration plates?
According to the ACI proposal, owners would pay approximately €1,000 to mount original registration plates on their classic vehicles.
Why did the ACI request free circulation in historic centres?
The ACI argued that classic vehicles circulate rarely and have negligible environmental impact, making circulation restrictions illogical and unnecessary.