ROME – Minister of Transport and Vice Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced a “truth surgery” (“Operazione verità”), which is supposed to bring order to the confusing system of speed camera systems, called “Autovelox” in Italy.

The catalyst for this initiative is the “Decreto Infrastrutture” (law No. 105/2025) that came into force in July 2025. This law mandates that all municipalities, provinces, and regions must record all speed measuring devices in a central register. The absence of such a directory has previously made fines legally contestable.

“Truth Operation” Timeline

The “truth operation” aims to create a clear and legally sound system for speed camera enforcement across Italy.

• July 20, 2025: Entry into force of the Infrastructure decree (Law No. 105/2025). This law forms the legal framework, requiring all municipalities, provinces, and regions to report their Autovelox devices centrally to the Ministry of Transport, including information on conformity, brand, model, and location.
• until August 19, 2025: The Ministry of Transport must issue an implementation decree (Implementation Ordinance). This is necessary to enable the practical implementation, such as the digital form or the app through which the authorities can enter their data. Without this step, the law is in force, but in fact not applicable.
• september 2025: Start of the actual “Truth Operation”. From this point on, the digital platform of the ministry is available online. From then on, the authorities can record and report their Autovelox data.
• October 18, 2025: End of the registration period. All devices that are not registered up to this day must no longer be used.Fines that are issued by such devices would not be final.

In addition, new requirements have been in effect since June 2025: speed cameras may only be installed with the approval of the prefecture and must be at least one kilometer (urban) or four kilometers (outside) from each other. They also have to be announced significantly; hidden or camouflaged systems are prohibited.

“Unsigned devices or those that serve more to accept money than prevent dangerous driving behavior are not tolerated.”

Focus on Revenue

The reform is driven by long-standing criticism of questionable speed camera placements and the significant revenue they generate. Italy has more than 11,000 speed traps, more than twice as many as Germany. In 2024, municipalities collected 1.7 billion euros through traffic violations, a ten percent increase from the previous year. milan alone accounted for 204 million euros, while Rome collected 145.8 million euros. Even small communities have amassed six-figure sums through individual devices.

the case of a supermarket employee from Piedmont, who received 28,000 euros in fines from a difficult-to-see camera within a few months, has amplified public criticism.

Consumer Advocate Concerns

The Codacons consumer association describes the situation as “paradox”. While the goal is greater transparency, drivers may face a period of legal uncertainty due to the complex timeline. The legality of fines issued in the coming months remains unclear. Though, the new rules are expected to promote fairness and security in the long term. Salvini explained: “Unsigned devices or those that serve more to accept money than prevent dangerous driving behavior are not tolerated.”