The trucking sector in Italy is preparing for major regulatory changes following the approval of a new Legislative Decree by the Council of Ministers on March 13, 2025. This measure updates Legislative Decree 27/2023 and introduces new provisions aimed at strengthening inspections on transport companies, improving road safety, and ensuring greater compliance with European regulations.
A Step Toward Greater Safety and Compliance
The approval of the Decree stems from the need to align Italian regulations with European Union directives, particularly Directive (EU) 2024/846, thereby avoiding the risk of infringement proceedings by the European Commission. The main goal is to enhance inspections through a more accurate risk classification system, based on the severity of violations committed by transport companies.
Risk Classification: A Stricter System
One of the main updates is the revision of the national risk classification system, which assigns a score to companies based on their conduct and compliance with current regulations. Inspired by the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/695, the new system calls for more frequent and in-depth inspections for companies with high-risk levels. In other words, businesses with a history of repeated violations will face more rigorous oversight by the relevant authorities.
Tighter Inspections for Companies
Another key point of the Decree is the expansion of risk classification data access to Labor Inspectors, who will be able to schedule targeted inspections directly at company premises. This enhanced supervision aims to improve sector transparency, ensuring companies comply with regulations on driving and rest times, proper use of smart tachographs, and driver working conditions.
Impact on International Freight Transport
In the context of international transport, the Decree introduces measures to regulate driver postings, in accordance with Directive (EU) 2020/1057. The new rules apply to both international transport services and cabotage operations, ensuring that drivers involved in cross-border trips receive adequate protections and that companies respect European rules on pay and employment conditions.
When Will the New Rules Take Effect?
The new provisions will come into force following the official publication of the Decree in the Italian Official Gazette. This publication will provide further details on the requirements and obligations that transport companies must comply with.
Conclusion
The adoption of this Decree represents a significant step forward in road safety and the regulation of Italy’s freight transport sector. With a stricter risk classification system and more effective inspections, the aim is to ensure greater compliance with EU standards, improve driver safety, and create a fairer, more transparent market. Companies in the sector will need to adapt to these new regulations to avoid penalties and ensure full legal compliance.
