Forged transport permits (permesso di transito) – Incorrect vehicle registration details
– Signatures not matching official stamp
– Expiration dates that pre‑date issuance Permesso di transito falsificato – contravvenzione art. 162, comma 4 Combined violations – Same document used for multiple vehicles
– Duplicate policy numbers across unrelated registrations Reincidence – aggravates penalty under art. 181

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.### Operation Overview – Lucca Police Crackdown on Insurance and Permit fraud

• Date of declaration: 20 December 2025 (official press release from Polizia di Stato, Lucca).
• Scope: Simultaneous inspections at three major logistics hubs and two car‑dealership districts.
• Targeted crimes: Counterfeit vehicle insurance policies, forged transport permits, and related documentation used for commercial and private motor vehicles.
• result: Over 120 fraudulent documents identified, 78 vehicles seized, and fines ranging from €3,500 to €12,000 imposed on 54 offenders.

types of Fraud Detected

Legal Consequences – How Fines Are Calculated

1. base fine amount – determined by the severity of the infraction (e.g., counterfeit insurance = €3,500).
2. Multiplier for repeat offenses – 1.5× for a second offense within 12 months, 2× for a third.
3. Vehicle seizure fee – €1,200 per seized vehicle, added to the fine total.
4. administrative costs – €250 for processing the seizure order and documentation.

Example calculation:

• Counterfeit insurance (base €3,500) + repeat offence multiplier (1.5) = €5,250.
• Vehicle seizure (1 vehicle) = €1,200.
• Administrative fee = €250.
• Total payable: €6,700.

Vehicle Seizure Process – Step‑by‑Step

1. Identification – Police officers verify discrepancies during roadside checks or depot inspections.
2. Documentation – A formal verbale di sequestro is issued, listing the vehicle’s VIN, registration plate, and reason for seizure.
3. Impoundment – Vehicle is towed to the nearest Carabinieri storage facility within 24 hours.
4. Owner notification – A certified notice is sent, detailing the fine amount, seizure fee, and deadline for payment.
5. Release or auction – If the fine is settled within 15 days, the vehicle is released. Unpaid cases may lead to public auction after 30 days.

Impact on Drivers, Fleet Operators, and Businesses

• Financial burden: Multi‑thousands euro fines can cripple small transport firms and self-reliant drivers.
• Operational disruption: Seized vehicles remove critical assets from daily logistics,causing delivery delays.
• Reputational risk: Companies found with forged permits face loss of client trust and possible exclusion from public tenders.
• Legal liability: Drivers may be held personally responsible, even when fraud was orchestrated by a third‑party broker.

practical Tips for Full Compliance

• Verify insurance digitally: Use the insurer’s official online portal or QR‑code scanner to confirm policy validity.
• Cross‑check permit details: Match the vehicle’s chassis number and registration plate with the permit number before acceptance.
• Maintain an audit trail: keep scanned copies of all insurance certificates and transport permits in a secure cloud folder, dated and signed.
• Train staff regularly: conduct quarterly workshops on spotting counterfeit documents and reporting suspicions to the Polizia Locale.
• Choose reputable insurers: Prefer insurers listed on the Associazione Nazionale per la Sicurezza delle Assicurazioni (ANSA) registry.

Real‑World Example – “Mercuri Logistics” Case Study

• Background: Mercuri Logistics, a mid‑size freight operator based in Lucca, relied on a third‑party broker for insurance coverage.
• Finding: During a routine checkpoint on 5 December 2025,officers identified a mismatch between the policy number on the broker’s certificate and the insurer’s database.
• Action taken:
1. Four trucks (totaling 8 tons capacity) were seized.
2. The company received fines of €4,800 per vehicle for counterfeit insurance and €2,400 for forged transport permits.
3. A total of €33,600 was levied (including seizure fees).
4. Outcome: After settlement, Mercuri Logistics implemented an internal compliance unit, switched to a direct insurer, and reported a 30 % reduction in administrative penalties over the following six months.

Resources and Contact Points