Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the main benefits of simplification to the general public?
Reply: the basic principle underlying the simplification package is to make the maximum possible use of new technologies to simplify the lives of people and business.
Here are a few practical examples of the benefits to the general public when the package comes into force:
- More streamlined civil register procedures: more than 7 million operations will take place exclusively by computer. The public will be able to register life events (births, marriages and deaths) more quickly, and register with and cancel their names from the electoral roles, and change their domiciles. By using the Internet, the authorities will save at least €10 million a year;
- Anyone moving from one municipality to another (in Italy this means about 1,400,000 people every year) can also declare their change of domicile by computer. Changes of domicile become immediately effective, unlike the present situation where waiting times are lengthy and cannot always be predicted. At its meeting on June 26, the Council of Ministers adopted a proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs, jointly with the Minister for the Civil Service and Simplification, and approved the regulation implementing the "change of domicile in real time" system. The main novelties refer to the following:
- With regard to the formality of registering with the civil register, the regulation provides that the register office must complete registration within two working days from the date of application.
- The legal effects of civil register registrations and cancellations begin on the day the report is made.
- The register office has 45 days following registration to verify that the requirements have been met.
- Identity documents (issued or renewed after the entry into force of the law) all expire on each individual's birthday. This will make it easier for everyone to remember that it is time to renew them. Documents already issued will be extended until the next birthday following the current expiry date;
- Driving licences for persons aged over 80 can be renewed more rapidly than at present: a single doctor employed by the Local Health Board (ASL) or private medical facilities, and no longer a by a panel of doctors. From now on, driving instructors may also work after the present age limit of 60. Persons holding a provisional driving licence may also practise driving on motorways, and at night.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport is required to issue a decree within 30 days of the entry into force of the law enacting the "Simplify Italy" package, setting out the conditions under which drivers under the age of 18 may drive on motorways and on main arterial roads outside towns, or under night vision conditions, and in particular require drivers under the age of 18 on motorways with three or more lanes to keep to the two right-hand lanes and not stray into the other lanes;
- People with disabilities will also be spared the pointless duplication of documents and formalities regarding their health certificates, and for entitlement to such benefits as purchasing a vehicle and obtaining the disabled parking disc (in the latter case it is sufficient to have a statement declaring their invalidity).
The disabled driver's desk will be valid throughout the whole of Italy. A decree issued by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, by joint agreement with the Minister of Health, after hearing the opinion of the unified Conference of Central, Regional, Autonomous Provincial, Metropolitan Cities and local authorities, to govern the way in which this shall be implemented (at the present time it is automatic).
Page published on 11/04/2012
Latest update: 09/07/2012
