Self-driving cars in Italy: when will they arrive?
Self-driving cars in Italy, when will it become a reality? This is the question from Giacomo, a reader with disabilities.
Self-driving cars in Italy: “I have a disability…”
“Hello, I’m Giacomo, who has a disability. I’d like to know if self-driving cars will become a reality in Italy in the near future, for short trips within the city. Thank you.” Giacomo Boria
Answer. Too often, the topic of autonomous driving is treated superficially. It’s as if it’s merely a whim for bored drivers seeking new experiences. Currently, in Italy, only Level 2 is permitted, which involves driver assistance but with the driver remaining responsible. Regulations do not allow fully autonomous vehicles (up to Level 5), where no human intervention is needed. The Road Code defines a vehicle as a “machine” driven by a human. Unless for experimental purposes, which are strictly regulated by the Smart Road Decree (watch a demonstration in the video above). At Level 2, the vehicle assists the driver (e.g., lane keeping, automatic braking), but it does not make autonomous decisions. The driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.
First launches in the Netherlands and Lithuania, not in Italy
At the European level, some countries such as the Netherlands and Lithuania have taken initial steps toward allowing driverless operation. The approved system enables the car to manage many driving functions—acceleration, braking, steering—but always under human supervision. The driver is not required to keep their hands on the wheel at all times, but must be ready to intervene immediately. Internal sensors monitor attention and gaze; if distraction is detected, the system alerts the driver and may shut down. This is a key requirement to meet European standards, which aim to prevent excessive reliance on technology. Returning to Giacomo’s question, the answer for now is no. Even for short trips, true autonomous driving is not expected to be allowed in Italy.
READ ALSO: Tesla Full Self-Driving in Italy: Our test reveals how it works – VIDEO
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