A recent agreement between German and Italian authorities has enabled the exchange of vehicle registration data, allowing for the dispatch of traffic fines.

Italy is now fully participating in the Eucaris system, which facilitates the sharing of vehicle registration and driving license information among EU member states for enforcement purposes.

Following the resolution of technical issues with the data exchange systems, Italian authorities regained access to EUCARIS in mid-September 2024, allowing them to send out pending fines.

The ADAC has raised concerns that fines issued to tourists often lead to legal disputes, particularly because Italian municipalities employ collection agencies that impose additional charges.

Foreign drivers frequently receive fines for unknowingly entering restricted traffic zones monitored by cameras in Italian cities.

Consumer advocates argue that the methods used by Italian municipalities to collect fines from foreign tourists are illegal.

Germany had blocked data sharing with Italy for over a year due to concerns about data misuse, preventing the dispatch of over 4,000 fines worth approximately 230,000 euros.

These fines cover various traffic violations, including speeding, not wearing seat belts, and running red lights, with severe consequences such as license suspensions for up to 30 years.

In the city of Meran, a popular destination for German tourists, there are over 230,000 euros in accumulated fines pending, with around 4,000 tickets ready to be sent to foreign tourists.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has attributed previous data exchange issues to 'technical problems' that have now been resolved.

German tourists receiving fines from Italy are advised to review the notices carefully and pay legitimate fines promptly to avoid additional costs from collection agencies.

Other major Italian cities like Rome, Bolzano, and Florence are also experiencing significant backlogs of unpaid fines awaiting processing.