How to identify the owner of a foreign licence plate in Italy

Learn how to identify the owner of a foreign-registered vehicle in Italy.

Encountering vehicles with foreign plates on Italian roads has become increasingly common.

However, if you are involved in an accident, suffer damage, or notice suspicious driving behaviour, discovering who owns the vehicle may prove essential.

Identifying the owner of a foreign-registered vehicle can be crucial in many situations, both legally and practically.

Why identify the owner of a foreign licence plate?

Identifying the owner of a foreign plate can help:

• obtain compensation in the event of an accident;
• prevent fraud or theft;
• report serious breaches of the Highway Code.

Since 2022, both Italian and EU legislation have introduced concrete tools to make this identification easier.

It also helps combat a significant issue: so-called “plate evaders”, individuals who drive foreign-registered vehicles to avoid paying road taxes, receiving fines in Italy, or, worse, to evade consequences in the event of an accident.

REVE: the foreign vehicle register

REVE (Registro dei Veicoli Esteri) is a mandatory register for foreign-registered vehicles used in Italy for more than 30 days.

Introduced under Article 93-bis of the Italian Highway Code, it came into force on 21 March 2022.

Who must register with REVE?

Registration is required for both individuals and legal entities who are resident or based in Italy, including:

• Private individuals: Italian or foreign citizens residing in Italy who use a foreign-registered vehicle for more than 30 non-consecutive days per calendar year.
• Legal entities: Companies with registered offices in Italy using foreign-registered vehicles for over 30 days annually.

Registration is mandatory for:

• long-term car rentals from abroad;
• vehicles belonging to relatives living abroad but regularly used in Italy.

How REVE works

If a foreign-registered vehicle is to be used in Italy for over 30 days, it must be registered with REVE.

Registration can be carried out at the Public Vehicle Register (PRA) offices or via authorised Automotive Consultancy Agencies.

Once the registration is completed, a certificate is issued which must be kept on board the vehicle.

Changes of residence or company address must be reported to REVE, as well as any changes in vehicle availability or ownership.

Once the vehicle is no longer in use in Italy, it must be deregistered from REVE.

Penalties for failing to register

Failure to register with REVE may result in severe penalties:

• a fine ranging from €712 to €3,558;
• withdrawal of the circulation certificate;
• administrative seizure of the vehicle.

Foreign-plated vehicles: what the law says

The circulation of foreign-plated vehicles in Italy is governed by Articles 93-bis and 132 of the Highway Code.

A foreign-registered vehicle can circulate in Italy for a maximum of 90 days. After this period, if the owner has taken up residence in Italy, the vehicle must be re-registered.

The permitted duration of circulation depends on the residence of the user:

• Resident in Italy: may use a foreign-plated vehicle for up to 90 days. After this, the vehicle must either be re-registered in Italy or taken off the road.
• Non-resident: may use a foreign-plated vehicle for up to 12 months, provided they are the registered owner.

Legislators have also focused on the issue of fake foreign registrations, known as “esterovestizione”, used to evade obligations under Italian law.

Penalties for non-compliance

Those who fail to register with REVE or re-register their vehicle within the legal timeframes may face:

• fines from €400 to €1,600;
• withdrawal of the circulation certificate;
• confiscation of the vehicle if the situation is not regularised within 180 days.

How to trace the owner of a foreign licence plate

Depending on where the licence plate is registered, different procedures apply:

1. Plate Registered in Italy: PRA Certificate

If the vehicle is registered with REVE, a licence plate search can be conducted through the ACI – Public Vehicle Register (PRA).

You will need:

• the licence plate number;
• payment of a small administrative fee.

The search will provide information about:

• the vehicle owner (private individual or company);
• any legal encumbrances (e.g., leasing, mortgages);
• administrative status.

2. Plate Registered in an EU Country: Cross-Border Directive

Since 24 October 2015, Italy has operated the “Cross-Border” system, an automated vehicle registration data exchange platform among EU member states.

EU Directive 2015/413 allows Italian authorities (Police, Carabinieri, Motor Vehicles Office) to access foreign vehicle databases to identify:

• the vehicle’s registered owner;
• insurance information;
• traffic violations.

This system is primarily used in the event of:

1. speeding;
2. failure to wear a seatbelt;
3. failure to stop at a red light;
4. drink-driving;
5. driving under the influence of drugs;
6. failure to wear a helmet;
7. driving in a prohibited lane;
8. unlawful use of mobile phones or other devices while driving.

This service is not available to private individuals. However, a lawyer may submit a request through appropriate legal channels.

3. Plate Registered Outside the EU: International Letter Rogatory

If the vehicle is registered outside the EU, identification requires an international letter rogatory or a request made by the judicial authorities.

In such cases, legal support is essential.

When to consult a lawyer

A lawyer specialising in road traffic accidents involving foreign-registered vehicles can:

• initiate compensation proceedings;
• formally request owner details from the relevant authorities;
• assist in cases of hit-and-run, failure to render aid, or disputed damages.

If you have been involved in an accident with a foreign vehicle, identifying the owner is the first step towards:

• filing an insurance claim;
• determining liability;
• obtaining compensation for physical or material damage.

The Personal Injury Department of the International Law Firm Boccadutri also provides assistance to individuals involved in incidents with foreign vehicles.

It is important to know what to do in the event of a road accident or a fatal accident in Italy.

Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or legal needs.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Calogero Boccadutri

Calogero Boccadutri is the Managing Partner of Boccadutri International Law Firm. He has trial experience in Forex, Personal Injury and Administrative litigation.