Commentary on Order No. 18152 of 2024: Collection of Sanctions and Prescription of Credit

The recent Order No. 18152 of July 2, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, addresses a highly relevant issue in the context of the forced collection of administrative sanctions for violations of the highway code. In particular, the Court expressed its opinion on the possibility of raising the exception of prescription of credit during the period between the date of the violation's ascertainment and the notification of the first interruptive act. This aspect has important implications for citizens facing payment requests for traffic fines.

The Summary of the Judgment

In general, regarding the forced collection of administrative sanctions for violations of the highway code, the assertion of extinction due to prescription of the credit subject to the order, during the period between the date of ascertainment of the administrative violations and the notification of the first interruptive act, can be proposed without temporal limits, except for the only, but indispensable, limit of the interest to act, with the opposition to enforcement under art. 615 of the Italian Civil Procedure Code, as it concerns a dispute about (not the regularity of the collection acts, but) the existence of the credit (and, therefore, the very existence of the right to proceed with the collection of the credit).

This summary establishes a clear principle: the citizen has the right to contest the existence of the credit subject to collection, without temporal limits, although they must still demonstrate their interest to act. This means that, even after a long period of time, it is possible to raise the exception of prescription, highlighting the importance of protecting taxpayers' rights.

Implications of the Judgment

The implications of this decision are multiple:

  • Access to Justice: The possibility of raising the prescription represents a fundamental tool to ensure the right of defense for citizens, contributing to a fairer justice system.
  • Regulatory Clarity: The judgment clarifies the limits and methods of contesting sanctions, preventing the taxpayer from finding themselves in a situation of uncertainty.
  • Responsible Collection: The Court urges administrations to manage the collection of sanctions responsibly, considering the rights of citizens and the timelines of prescription.

Conclusions

Order No. 18152 of 2024 represents a significant step towards greater protection of citizens' rights in the context of the collection of administrative sanctions. It reaffirms the importance of prescription as a tool for debtor protection, providing a clearer and more accessible legal framework. It is essential that citizens are aware of this right and make use of the legal instruments available to contest any unjustified payment orders.

Bianucci Law Firm