Italy’s long-standing confusion over speed detection devices known as autovelox has finally been resolved with the implementation of new regulations, leading to the deactivation of approximately 850 devices deemed non-compliant. The decree, published in the Official Gazette, establishes clear standards for the homologation, calibration, and functionality verification of these devices, marking a significant shift in how speed violations are monitored nationwide. As of midnight on July 12, 2026, only around 3,150 autovelox units remain active, those already meeting the required criteria, while the rest must undergo homologation to continue operating. The new rules define the characteristics, requirements, and procedures necessary for the approval and certification of speed-measuring equipment. This includes strict guidelines for calibration and annual checks to ensure accuracy and reliability. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the previous system had allowed for thousands of devices to operate without proper certification, creating legal uncertainty and enabling challenges to traffic fines issued by these devices. The Supreme Court had repeatedly emphasized that mere technical approval does not equate to official homologation, which is essential for the validity of enforcement actions. The change comes after decades of debate and legal disputes. Since 1992, the regulation governing road safety had mandated that such devices be both approved and homologated by the ministry. However, until recently, there was no formal process for homologation, leaving many autovelox units technically approved but lacking the necessary certification. This loophole led to widespread controversy, particularly after several court rulings invalidated fines issued by improperly certified devices, prompting thousands of motorists to contest their penalties. Under the new decree, existing autovelox units are being evaluated against updated criteria. Those manufactured before June 2017 must submit additional documentation or undergo testing to obtain homologation. Devices produced after this date benefit from automatic homologation under the new framework. The decree also outlines specific models listed in Annex B that have previously met the required standards and are considered automatically homologated. Any device not included in this list will be deactivated unless it successfully completes the homologation process. The impact of the new regulations is evident in the financial landscape of municipal revenue. Traffic fines collected via autovelox decreased by 8.9% in the previous year compared to the year before, with total collections amounting to €56.5 million. Cities like Florence, Bologna, and Milan saw relatively stable income, while others such as Rome and Bari experienced sharp declines. Conversely, some smaller municipalities, including Galatina in Puglia and Colle Santa Lucia in Veneto, reported substantial increases in revenue from speed-related fines. The move has drawn mixed reactions. Minister Matteo Salvini, who championed the initiative, described the old system as a form of hidden taxation affecting millions of workers and argued that the focus should remain on road safety rather than generating revenue. He praised the decree as a step toward clarity and fairness. On the other hand, some officials expressed concerns that deactivating devices in critical areas might inadvertently encourage reckless driving during peak travel seasons. Legal experts and advocacy groups have highlighted the importance of maintaining rigorous enforcement mechanisms while ensuring compliance with procedural standards. While the decree aims to eliminate ambiguity and reduce legal challenges, its implementation requires careful oversight to balance public safety with administrative efficiency. The transition period will likely involve ongoing assessments and adjustments to ensure that the new system functions effectively without compromising the integrity of traffic monitoring efforts.
3 reports
ANSAIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 703 days agoItaly has implemented new regulations for speed cameras ('autovelox') after a decree published in the Official Gazette, which had been anticipated for 34 years. The rules establish uniform standards across the country for the certification, calibration, and functionality verification of these devices. As a result, 850 non-compliant speed cameras will be deactivated, while 3,150 already meet the required criteria. Minister Matteo Salvini highlighted the move as ending a period of confusion over the legality of speed enforcement, particularly regarding devices lacking proper certification. Many traffic fines issued by non-certified devices were challenged in court due to concerns about their legal validity. The decree provides procedures for verifying older devices approved before June 2017, while newer ones receive automatic certification. Traffic fines via speed cameras decreased by 8.9% last year, though some cities saw significant drops, while others experienced increases.
Bias read (Conservative): The article emphasizes the removal of non-compliant speed cameras as a positive step toward reducing hidden taxes on workers and improving road safety. It quotes Minister Salvini, who frames the change as resolving legal uncertainties and aligning with his political agenda. The tone suggests support
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 70): Accurately reflects the 850 devices being turned off and the 3,150 remaining active. The article provides context about the 34-year gap and legal challenges, maintaining alignment with other sources. While it quotes Salvini, it does so in a way that supports the factual narrative without excessive b
Il GiornaleParty-alignedConservativeFactual 85Objective 603 days agoStarting at midnight on July 12th, over 850 speed cameras ('autovelox') that do not meet new regulatory criteria established by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport will be turned off. The decree published in the Official Gazette ends years of ambiguity, leaving approximately 3,150 officially certified devices active nationwide. The move aims to eliminate outdated equipment and ensure compliance with updated safety standards. Vice Premier and Minister Matteo Salvini praised the change, calling the previous system 'a hidden tax' that burdened millions of workers without contributing to road safety.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the removal of old speed cameras as a positive reform, aligning with conservative criticism of excessive state surveillance. Salvini’s comments label the previous system as a 'hidden tax,' which reflects a right-leaning critique of bureaucratic overreach. While the technical and法治
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 60): Factual content matches the consensus, including the 3,150 active devices and 850 deactivations. However, the article includes a direct quote from Salvini calling them 'una tassa occulta', which introduces subjective commentary rather than purely reporting facts.
Il Fatto QuotidianoIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 653 days agoStarting Sunday, a new decree by Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport will fully take effect, regulating the homologation of speed cameras (autovelox). The decree, signed by Minister Matteo Salvini, ends decades of confusion and legal disputes over these devices, which had been used to issue speeding tickets but were never officially homologated. According to the ministry, approximately 3,150 existing speed cameras meet current requirements, while around 850 others will need to undergo prototype homologation before they can remain active. These 850 devices will be temporarily disabled until their compliance is verified. This change follows recent court rulings emphasizing that both approval and homologation are necessary procedures. The decree requires all future speed cameras to comply with specific technical standards, and existing models not on an approved list will be deactivated. Some local authorities expressed concerns about potential disruptions during the summer travel season.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a government decree and its implications without overtly favoring any political side. It explains the background, legal context, and technical requirements of the regulation neutrally, citing official data and referencing court decisions without biased措
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 65): The article accurately reports the number of autovelox being deactivated (around 850), aligning with the cross-source consensus. It mentions the decree by Salvini and the confusion over decades, but uses emotionally charged language like 'polemiche' and 'confusione', which reduces objectivity.
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