European Parking Card (EPC)

The parking permit issued in Italy starting from September 15, 2012, was introduced by Presidential Decree No. 151 of July 30, 2012, and complies with the "European Unified Disabled Permit" (CUDE) provided for by European Union Council Recommendation 98/376/EC.

The European permit is part of the benefits designed to facilitate the road mobility of people with disabilities in all European Union countries.

Validity and Access

The European permit is therefore valid not only on national territory but also in the other twenty-seven EU member states.

The permit grants the right to park in reserved spaces in Italy and other EU countries marked with the appropriate road signage. In Italy, the permit can also be used for circulation and transit in Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) and other types of areas closed to traffic.

You can consult this ACI (Automobile Club Italia) guide on the correct use of the permit and the areas where it is possible to circulate. For citizens of municipalities that have joined the National Unified Platform for Registered License Plates, transit through ZTLs is also allowed without prior or subsequent authorization from the Municipality, provided that the citizen has registered their license plate (for Italian plates only).

Important Usage Rules

Other EU countries may or may not provide further measures for permit holders, such as the ability to access restricted roads or zones. It is recommended to check through the official channels of the country where you intend to use the permit before traveling.

In any case, the permit may be used only and exclusively if the holder is on board, either driving or accompanied by third parties, and the original must always be displayed clearly on the vehicle's windshield.

The permit is not linked to a specific vehicle because it is strictly personal; therefore, it can be used on any vehicle intended for the person's mobility, regardless of whether they hold a driver's license or own the vehicle. In the event of the holder's death, loss of requirements, or expiration of the validity period, the permit must be returned to the competent office that issued it.

The permit issued in Italy contains the following information:

• Full name of the holder

• Name and stamp of the issuing Authority

• Expiry date and validity

• Document number (different from the Unique Code issued upon registration with the License Plate Platform)

• Signature of the holder (if any)

• Photo of the holder

• Anti-counterfeiting hologram

• Electronic anti-counterfeiting elements (if any)