Riding in Italy? New crash barrier protection rules on 70km/h roads explained
Planning on touring Italy in 2027? Changes to roads with crash barriers are taking place from April, and here’s what you need to know.
A new set of rules concerning roads with crash barriers are set to take place in Italy from April 2027, and here’s what they mean for bikers.
From April 2027, new and existing barriers on roads with speed limits equal to 70km/h (roughly 44.3mph) will be mandatory on various sections of road.
Called underride protection in the UK, Italy’s DSM system, short for “dispositivi di sicurezza per motociclisti”, will be featured across four types of barriers.
They include tight bends with specific radius measurements, dangerous descents, marked sections on ‘extra-urban and urban roads’, and roads where serious accidents are considered more prone to happen.
The new rules were outlined by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport on September 11 2026, and then published on October 19, where they will replace the 2019 regulations on road safety for motorcyclists.
As well as new barriers, Article 1 of the MIT document indicates that existing barriers must be technically reconstructed in line with the required safety measures expected, and the characteristics of the route.
It also takes into consideration which sections of road to evaluate, how to design the protections, which technical checks are required, and how to adapt them to the barriers already installed. Effectively, each barrier will feature a protective strip underneath the main section.
While the new ruling will affect the owners, designers, and companies operating on all road barriers, they do not require motorcyclists to buy new devices or modify the motorcycle.
The new underride protection scheme aims to reduce impact between the motorcyclist and guardrail by redirecting the body, reducing the risk of direct collision with posts, anchors and other rigid parts.
However, the new system will not become mandatory on all roads, while the rule does leave room for designers to provide technical assessments, where they could even decide against implementing a DSM system based on numerous elements such as traffic, operating speed, road geometry, edge conditions and possible alternative safety measures.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
