The law restricting drivers with their first Italian patente to cars under 50kw/t has been pushed back to 1 July 2008. Neopatenti who already have a car over 50kw before 1 July 08 will be grandfathered. Those who get their patente after 1 July 08 will be restricted to cars under 50kw/t for 1 year.
http://www.patente.it/Notizie/080108.htm

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bill 2,

What's kw: kph?

It's a measure of power, like horsepower.
50kw is about 67 hp.

Interestingly the exact bhp for the new Fiat 500, hmm? Coincidence, I wonder?!

quote:

Originally posted by alyson:
Interestingly the exact bhp for the new Fiat 500, hmm? Coincidence, I wonder?!

I hear they're coming out with an Abarth turbo version.

http://fiat-500-abarth.sgpetch.co.uk/pages/new/single/m...h_2_door_MANUAL_1152

The mind boggles! Want one!!

Ohhh shoot...!

I bought my BMW 320i (170CV or 125kW) on 25th Feb and have been driving around with IDP which will expire in May 08. I joined an autoscuola on 3rd March and hope to get the italian patente in May Insha Allah.

Am I okay?

Yes, you'll be fine. If you obtain the patente before 1 July 08, you can drive a car greater than 50kw/t as a neopatente. If you obtain the patente after 1 July, you can only drive a 50kw/t (or less) car for the first year.

I was also worried at first- our Mini Cooper is 122kw. I thought I might have to park it and buy a used Punto to use for a year. Thank goodness they grandfathered people who already have the patente.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bill 2,

As a clarification, the limitation on vehicle power is for one year, not three. Also, the 50kw limit is per ton..There is no absolute limit to the horsepower, it is in relation to the car's weight. What I can't seem to find out is whether the calculation is related to "curb weight" which is the weight of the vehicle empty, or the "gross weight" which is a number which estimates the weight of fuel and passengers/cargo. Since cars older than 2007 don't record the ratio of power/weight on the circolazione the police will have trouble enforcing this regulation-according to most internet sites.

usually it is referred to the curb weight, but i don't know in this very specific case. I am very glad they reintroduced this limit as I am tired to see ragazzini driving supercar like if they were in "need for speed".

Good catch! It's in article 117 of the Codice Stradale. I'm trying to picture a car with 67 horsepower weighing 2,250 pounds. What a slug!

The power and weight are both listed on the carta di circolazione so anyone with a calculator (or pencil and paper) can figure it in a few seconds.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bill 2,

Right, but this is for kids right? I know that a new law is in the works that would allow teenagers (at 16 I believe) drive so long as they are accompanied by the parents. This won't affect stranieri who have been driving legally abroad (ex. U.S. since age 15) for many years will it? Hmmmmm...

Thanks for the heads up Bill

This is for all neopatente, regardless of age. My 30+ years of driving (including 18 wheelers, heavy equipment) in US, Germany, Korea, England, Spain, Canada didn't impress Italy at all. Everybody starts from scratch.

Good news,

When I went to take my theory exam this wednesday, my instructor mentioned that the applicability of 50kw/t rule for new license holders has been deferred untill 1st Jan 2009. I believe him but it would be better if somebody can find a reference.

By the way, I passed.

Congratulations on passing the exam!

Congratulations on passing the exam!

Good find- here it is:
http://www.asca.it/moddettnews.php?idnews=759829&canale...20PER%20NEOPATENTATI

Well done on the test.

grazie mille.