Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Italy’s Meloni Plans One-Year Road-Tax Waiver Before Election
Italy’s government plans to stop charging road tax for many vehicles in 2027.
The change could affect 14.5 million cars and motorcycles.
It would cover all motorcycles and most small and medium-sized cars.
Each person could use the benefit for only one properly insured vehicle.
One draft says the vehicle must have a maximum power of 80 kilowatts.
The plan is expected to last for one year and cost about €2.36 billion.
The government says it is continuing its tax-cutting plans.
Critics say the measure does not adequately help people facing higher fuel, electricity and gas prices.
The plan comes before an election expected in 2027, when the government is seeking greater public support.
Italy plans to scrap road tax in 2027 for 14.5 million cars and motorcycles.
The exemption would cover all motorcycles and more than 70% of small- and medium-sized cars.
Each citizen could claim the benefit for one properly insured vehicle.
A draft decree estimates the one-year measure will cost €2.36 billion, with eligibility limited to vehicles producing up to 80 kilowatts.
Supporters call it a tax cut, while critics say it distracts from rising fuel, electricity and gas costs.
- Who
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Italy’s conservative coalition support the measure; critics include Rossano Sasso, an aide to Roberto Vannacci.
- What
- Italy plans to waive road tax in 2027 for 14.5 million cars and motorcycles, subject to a one-vehicle limit.
- When
- The exemption is planned for January 1 through December 31, 2027; the announcement was made on September 16.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- The government presents the plan as part of its tax-cutting agenda while seeking to boost support before the 2027 national election.
Government and Coalition Supporters
Critics and National Future
Purpose of the measure
Government and Coalition Supporters
Meloni says the government is eliminating one of Italy’s most hated taxes and continuing the centre-right’s tax-cutting agenda.
Critics and National Future
Critics say the initiative is mainly intended to divert attention from rising electricity, gas and fuel costs.
Election timing
Government and Coalition Supporters
The government is presenting the policy as a benefit for millions of vehicle owners before the 2027 election.
Critics and National Future
Opponents say its timing makes the measure appear politically motivated as Meloni’s coalition trails the centre-left and faces pressure from National Future.
Value amid fiscal pressure
Government and Coalition Supporters
Coalition parties welcomed the tax waiver, and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said the government would try to make it permanent.
Critics and National Future
Rossano Sasso called the policy “like treating pneumonia with a throat lozenge,” while the measure’s funding remains unclear amid high public debt and recommendations for more targeted support.
- Affected vehicles
- 14.5 million cars and motorcycles
- Coverage
- All motorcycles and more than 70% of small- and medium-sized cars
- Eligibility
- One properly insured vehicle per citizen
- Power limit
- A draft decree limits eligibility to vehicles with maximum power of 80 kilowatts
- Duration
- One year, from January 1 through December 31, 2027
- Estimated cost
- €2.36 billion
- Fiscal context
- Italy’s public debt is expected to peak at almost 139% of GDP this year
- Fuel-price measures
- The government has spent around €2.8 billion on excise-duty cuts and related tax breaks