European Parking Card (EPC)
The disability parking permit issued in Italy starting from 15 September 2012 was introduced by Decree of the President of the Republic No. 151 of 30 July 2012, and complies with the "European Parking Card for people with disabilities" (CUDE) provided for by European Union Council Recommendation 98/376/EC.
In the event of the holder's death, loss of eligibility requirements, or expiration of validity, the permit must be returned to the competent issuing office.
The permit issued in Italy contains the following information:
First and last name of the holder
Name and stamp of the issuing Authority
Expiration date and period of validity
Document number (distinct from the Unique Code issued upon registration with the National Single Platform for Associated License Plates)
Holder's signature (if applicable)
Photograph of the holder
Anti-counterfeiting vignette (if present)
Any other electronic anti-counterfeiting elements (such as microchips or RFID chips)
Rules in Italy
The following rules apply to EU Parking Card holders in accordance with the European Union Council Recommendation 98/376/EC.
The permit entitles the holder to park in designated reserved spaces (yellow bays) indicated by specific road signage:
Reserved spaces marked by specific road signs that also display an identification number or a Concession number may be used EXCLUSIVELY by the holder of that specific parking right (Personalised Parking Space Concession for persons with disabilities):
Parking in blue bays (metered parking) is completely free of charge, with no time limits, across the entire national territory:
The permit may also be used for driving and transit within Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) identified by the corresponding signage:
When driving through a ZTL using permits issued outside of Italy or using foreign license plates, please contact the relevant municipality in advance.The permit may be used to circulate in Urban Pedestrian Areas (APU), provided that access is authorized for at least one public utility or public transport vehicle, as indicated by specific signage:
When driving through an APU using permits issued outside of Italy or using foreign license plates, please contact the relevant municipality in advance.Transit is permitted in lanes reserved for buses, taxis, and public transport (with the exception of lanes running on dedicated railway/tramway tracks where motor vehicle access is physically obstructed or prohibited for safety reasons). When driving through reserved lanes using permits issued outside of Italy or using foreign license plates, please contact the relevant municipality in advance.
The permit grants unlimited access and transit in Controlled Traffic Zones (ZTC), such as those located near ports or airports. When driving through ZTC using permits issued outside of Italy or using foreign license plates, please contact the relevant municipality in advance.
Vehicles serving CUDE holders are always exempt from traffic restrictions linked to environmental measures, anti-pollution campaigns, or ecological Sundays. Please check the official website of the municipality for further information and contact the relevant municipality if you travel with a non-Italian license plate\permit.
In any case, the permit may be used solely and exclusively if the permit holder is on board, whether driving or accompanied by a third party, and must always be displayed in the original, clearly visible on the vehicle's windscreen.
The permit is not tied to a specific vehicle as it is strictly personal; therefore, it can be used on any vehicle used for the mobility of the person with a disability, regardless of whether they hold a driving licence or own a vehicle.
UK's blue badges
Italy recognizes the validity of parking permits issued by the United Kingdom (blue badge), following the Note of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of September 28, 2026, and its relevant annex. Holders of a Blue Badge issued by the United Kingdom are guaranteed the same parking and traffic rights as holders of an EU Parking Card issued by other Member States under Recommendation 98/376/EC. The Blue Badge must always be clearly displayed on the front windscreen of the vehicle and can only be used if the badge holder is on board.