In Italy, all cars are subject to a mandatory inspection called Revisione auto. This is a roadworthiness test that checks whether a vehicle meets legal safety and environmental standards.
👉 For related resources, see our article on Car transport in Italy.
Revisione Auto at a Glance
When is it required?
- First check: 4 years after registration
- Then: every 2 years
Where can you do it?
- Authorized private centers
- Licensed mechanics
- Some large driving schools
Cost
- Around €79–€85 (including taxes)
- Some centers offer cashback or fuel vouchers
What is checked?
- Brakes, tires, steering, suspension
- Lights, visibility, onboard equipment
- Emissions and exhaust levels
Penalties if skipped
- Fines: €169 to €680
- Registration certificate may be seized
- Car cannot circulate until inspection done
- Insurance may deny coverage after accidents
Results
- Passed = valid certificate issued
- Revisione da ripetere = minor issues, re-check in 1 month
- Not valid = car must be repaired and retested
Table of Contents
- Revisione Auto at a Glance
- What is Revisione auto?
- When is Revisione required?
- Where can you do Revisione?
- Costs and possible cashback offers
- What happens if you skip Revisione?
- Results of the inspection
- Practical advice for car owners
- Key takeaways
- See Also
What is Revisione auto?
Revisione auto is the periodic inspection that every vehicle must pass to remain legally on the road. It is the Italian equivalent of the MOT test in the UK or the vehicle inspection in other European countries.
The test verifies:
• Safety systems (brakes, tires, steering, suspension).
• Emissions and exhaust compliance.
• Lights, visibility, and onboard equipment.
• Noise levels and other regulatory points.
If the vehicle passes, the inspection center issues a certificate and updates the national database managed by the Motorizzazione Civile.
When is Revisione required?
• First inspection: four years after the car’s initial registration.
• Subsequent inspections: every two years thereafter.
Some vehicles, such as taxis, rental cars, and those used for professional transport, may have to undergo inspections more frequently.
Where can you do Revisione?
Revisione is not carried out directly by the state but by private authorized centers. These include:
• Licensed mechanics.
• Specialized inspection centers.
• In some cases, large driving schools with authorization.
All centers must be officially approved by the Motorizzazione Civile.
Costs and possible cashback offers
The cost of a Revisione auto is regulated but can vary slightly by center. On average, the total fee is around €79–€85, including taxes and administrative costs.
Some private centers run promotional campaigns, offering partial cashback in the form of fuel vouchers or discounts on other services. While these offers are not universal, they are increasingly common and can help reduce the net cost of the inspection.
What happens if you skip Revisione?
Driving a car without a valid Revisione is illegal. Penalties include:
• Fines ranging from €169 to €680.
• Possible seizure of the registration certificate.
• Prohibition from using the vehicle until inspection is completed.
If the vehicle is involved in an accident without valid Revisione, insurance companies may refuse coverage.
Results of the inspection
After the check, there are three possible outcomes:
1. Positive result – the car passes, and the certificate is issued.
2. Revisione da ripetere – minor issues found; another inspection is required within one month.
3. Result not valid – serious defects; the vehicle cannot be driven until repaired and re-tested.
Practical advice for car owners
• Book the inspection a few weeks before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
• Keep receipts and certificates for records and possible checks.
• Consider offers from different centers, especially those providing fuel vouchers, but verify that the center is officially authorized.
Key takeaways
• Revisione auto is Italy’s mandatory vehicle inspection, required first at four years, then every two years.
• It is performed by private authorized centers: licensed mechanics, inspection centers, or large driving schools.
• The cost is around €79–€85, with occasional cashback or fuel voucher promotions.
• Driving without a valid Revisione can result in fines, bans, and insurance problems.