Main Italian Laws for Incoming Erasmus Students

1. Smoking

  • Smoking is forbidden in all indoor public places (bars, restaurants, universities, clubs, etc.), unless there are designated, regulation-compliant smoking areas.
  • Fines range from €27.50 to €275, higher if minors or pregnant women are present.
  • Smoking in cars is prohibited if minors or pregnant women are inside.
  • Many cities also regulate outdoor smoking: e.g. in Milan (since 2025) it is forbidden to smoke in public areas unless you keep a distance of at least 10 m from others.
  • E-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices: banned in schools, universities, hospitals and other public institutions.

2. Alcohol

  • Minimum age to buy or consume alcohol: 18 years old.
  • It is forbidden to sell or serve alcohol to minors (the liability is on shopkeepers/bartenders).
  • Drinking in public spaces is generally allowed nationally, but many municipalities restrict it in certain areas and times, or ban glass bottles and cans at night.
  • Fines and confiscation apply in case of violation. Always check local ordinances!

Driving & Alcohol (Codice della Strada)

  • General BAC limit: 0.5 g/L.
  • 0.0 g/L for: new drivers (<3 years), under 21, and professional drivers.

Penalties:

  • 0.5–0.8 g/L → €537–2,170, licence suspended 3–6 months
  • 0.8–1.5 g/L → €800–3,200, arrest up to 6 months, suspension 6–12 months
  • 1.5 g/L → €1,500–6,000, arrest 6–12 months, suspension 1–2 years, possible vehicle confiscation

3. Drugs

  • Small quantities for personal use: not a criminal offense, but administrative sanctions apply (e.g. suspension of driving licence, passport or residence permit).
  • Cultivation or trafficking (even a few cannabis plants) is a criminal offense, with imprisonment and heavy fines.
  • Possession of drugs may create serious problems for residence permits.

4. Public Decency & Order

  • Urinating in public = “act against public decency” (art. 726): fines €5,000–€10,000.
  • Indecent acts (art. 527): administrative penalty up to €30,000; near minors it becomes a criminal offense.
  • Disturbing the public peace (e.g. loud music, night-time shouting) can lead to fines or police intervention.

5. Public Intoxication

  • Being visibly drunk in public is an administrative offense: fines €51–€309.
  • Penalties may increase if other offenses occur (damage, aggression, etc.).

6. Respect for Authorities

  • Insulting a public officer (art. 341-bis) = crime: 6 months – 3 years imprisonment.
  • If requested, you must provide your identity details; refusal (art. 651) can result in up to 1 month arrest or a €206 fine.

7. Identification

  • Always carry a valid ID (ID card or passport, and if applicable your residence permit).
  • Photocopies are not valid substitutes for the original.
  • Non-EU citizens must carry the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) or the receipt of the application.

8. Transport Rules

  • Travelling without a valid ticket on buses, metro or trains results in fines between €40–€100.
  • Tickets must be validated before boarding (or immediately after boarding if validators are on board).

9. Road Safety (extra rules to note)

  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, including those in the back seat.
  • Motorcycle and scooter riders must always wear a helmet.
  • Using a mobile phone without hands-free while driving: fines from €165 to €660 and points deducted from licence.

10. Local Ordinances

  • Many municipalities regulate alcohol sales, outdoor smoking, nightlife, noise, and use of glass/cans.
  • Rules may change by area, season, or special event. Always check your City Council or Prefecture website.

11. Emergencies

  • 112 = European emergency number (police, ambulance, fire).
  • Italy still uses traditional numbers: 113 (police), 115 (firefighters), 118 (ambulance).
  • Stay calm, cooperate, and contact ESN for assistance if needed.

Practical Summary

  1. Always carry your ID/passport.
  2. Alcohol: 18+ only, no drinking and driving.
  3. Smoking: banned indoors and often outdoors.
  4. Drugs: possession = sanctions, trafficking = crime.
  5. Respect quiet hours, public spaces, and authorities.

Principales leyes italianas para estudiantes Erasmus incoming

1. Tabaco

  • Está prohibido fumar en todos los lugares públicos cerrados (bares, restaurantes, universidades, discotecas, etc.), salvo que existan áreas específicas de fumadores que cumplan con la normativa.
  • Las multas van de 27,50 € a 275 €, más altas si hay menores o mujeres embarazadas presentes.
  • En los automóviles, está prohibido fumar si dentro viajan menores o mujeres embarazadas.
  • Muchas ciudades también regulan el tabaco en espacios abiertos: por ejemplo, en Milán, desde 2025 está prohibido fumar en áreas públicas salvo que se mantenga una distancia mínima de 10 m de otras personas.
  • Cigarrillos electrónicos y dispositivos de tabaco calentado: prohibidos en escuelas, universidades, hospitales y otras instituciones públicas.

2. Alcohol

  • Edad mínima para comprar o consumir alcohol: 18 años.
  • Está prohibido vender o servir alcohol a menores (la responsabilidad recae en comerciantes o camareros).
  • Beber en la vía pública está permitido a nivel nacional, pero muchos municipios lo restringen en determinadas zonas y horarios, o prohíben botellas de vidrio y latas por la noche.

  • En caso de incumplimiento se aplican multas y decomiso. ¡Consulta siempre la normativa local

Conducción y alcohol (Codice della Strada):

  • Límite general de alcoholemia: 0,5 g/L.
  • Límite 0,0 g/L para: conductores noveles (<3 años), menores de 21 años y conductores profesionales.