Salvini listens to Musk and opens up to autonomous driving. But Italian rules don't allow it

ROME – “Very positive and constructive conversation today with Elon Musk”. With a post on

The deputy prime minister then explained, to the States General of North-West logistics in Genoa, that he had given instructions to the ministry's technicians to "open the doors as much as possible, according to current legislation, to innovations". In the background there are also possible investments by technology and automotive companies in Italy.

Driving autonomy levels

However, the political push must deal with a complex regulatory framework. Tesla's full supervised self-driving, despite its name, is not a fully autonomous driving system. It can manage steering, speed, lane changes and other maneuvers, but the driver must continue to monitor the road and be ready to intervene. It is therefore an advanced assistance, generally attributable to level 2: the responsibility remains with the person behind the wheel. The case is different for level 3 or 4 vehicles, in which the system can take over driving in certain conditions or within defined areas. It is in this field that robotaxis, driverless shuttles and automated logistics vehicles fit in.

The crux of European approval

Tesla aims to obtain the European green light through the approval procedures required by the Union. In the Netherlands, the RDW authority authorized the system according to the established procedures in April 2026, but this does not mean that the green light is automatically valid throughout the European Union

A type approval granted may allow access to the European market, but does not eliminate all national differences. Brussels establishes above all the technical and safety requirements of vehicles; individual states continue to regulate traffic, insurance, access to roads and civil and criminal liabilities.

Italy between tests and new rules

In Italy, road testing is already possible through the "Smart Road" decree of 2018, but requires ministerial authorization, defined routes, insurance coverage and a supervisor capable of intervening. However, a general regulation that allows the commercial diffusion of driverless vehicles is missing.