First the sticker, then the mandatory liability insurance: all the deadlines, procedures, costs and risks of fines for those who do not comply and why it is better to move quickly
Better not to wait until the last moment: the crackdown on electric scooters is entering its decisive phase. In a few days, on May 16th, the first real test for owners will begin: the obligation to have a license plate, while there are another two months for insurance (July 16th). Between possible administrative delays, interpretative doubts and an insurance offer still being defined, moving immediately reduces the risk of sanctions and complications.
Scooters, 2026 deadlines: what changes between license plate and insurance
After months of implementing decrees and circulars, the calendar has been defined on two key dates. The May 16th the deadline for the obligation to have an identification mark remains: from that day, driving without a plate will be punishable. An extension has arrived for car liability insurance, so the obligation starts on July 16th.
How to request the plate: procedure, times and costs
To obtain the mark it is necessary to go to the Motorist Portal, in the section dedicated to scooters. The procedure in the first phase is entirely digital: you enter the requested data, send the application and wait for a confirmation email. At that point comes the non-online step. You must book an appointment at a provincial DMV office to collect the sticker. Better to take action before May 16th, to avoid office congestion. Those who prefer to avoid direct management can turn to car insurance agencieswhich offer a complete service, but with higher costs. If you manage the practice yourself the total cost of the plate is around 35 eurosbetween production, stamp duty and Motorization rights. If you rely on an intermediary the average price is around 80 euros, with variations linked to the competition and the services included.
How to mount the license plate on the scooter and avoid mistakes
Once you have obtained the permit, it must be applied respecting precise rules and the risk of sanctions in case of incorrect assembly is real. The sticker must be fixed permanently and clearly visible on the rear mudguard or, if absent, on the steering column. And orientation, verticality and readability requirements are fundamental. If they are not respected, sanctions may be incurred during checks.
Mandatory insurance on scooters: watch out for the wrong policies
The insurance chapter is the most insidious one. Many homeowners believe they are already covered by “head of household” policies, but these do not meet the legal requirements. The legislation imposes a real car liability insurance, with specific limits and guarantees for motor vehicles. Taking out an inadequate policy is, in fact, equivalent to not being insured. It is essential to pay attention, also because on the market there are many offers that are unclear or not perfectly aligned with the new obligations.
Penalties: what you risk without license plates or insurance on scooters
From 16 May, anyone traveling without a permit risks a fine of 100 to 400 euros. In the most serious cases, such as scooters with a power exceeding 1 kW, the confiscation of the vehicle is also foreseen. Same penalty range for those who are not covered by insurance, although, at least for now, without further additional measures.
