A new Highway Code aimed at reducing road accidents by introducing stricter penalties for reckless driving behaviours was officially published in Italy’s Official Gazette on Friday.
The legislation, approved by parliament last week, will come into force in mid-December, just ahead of the holiday season.
The updated code targets key risk factors on the roads, including mobile phone use, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Mobile Phone Use at the Wheel
Drivers caught using mobile phones face increased fines ranging from €250 to €1,000. Offenders with points already deducted from their licences will also face a one-week driving ban.
Repeat offenders face even stiffer penalties, with fines rising to €1,400 and licence suspensions lasting up to three months. If mobile phone use leads to an accident, fines and bans will be double.
Speeding Fines and Licence Suspensions
The new code introduces harsher penalties for speeding, especially within city limits. Drivers who breach the speed limit twice or more in a year could face fines of up to €880 and licence suspensions ranging from 15 to 30 days.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs have been significantly increased:
- Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) 0.5–0.8 grams per litre: Fines between €573 and €2,170, with a licence suspension of three to six months.
- BAL 0.8–1.5 grams per litre: Fines up to €3,200, a six- to 12-month driving ban, and a jail term of up to six months.
- BAL above 1.5 grams per litre: Fines reaching €6,000, a driving ban of up to two years, and a jail term of up to one year.
Drivers found under the influence of drugs could lose their licences for up to three years.
E-Scooters and Other Changes
For the first time, e-scooter users will have to comply with stricter regulations. They must wear helmets, display number plates, and obtain insurance. Subsequent legislation will name the specifics of these requirements.
Animal Abandonment on Roads
Under the new measures, abandoning animals by the roadside will result in a licence suspension of six months to a year. Offenders may also face up to seven years in prison if an abandoned animal causes an accident.
Aimed at Safer Roads
The legislation reflects growing concerns over road safety in Italy and aims to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents. However, its first airing received criticism from grieving families and climate activists.
The timing of its implementation, just before the busy holiday season, underscores the urgency to promote safer driving practices.
As the measures come into effect, authorities are urging all road users to remain vigilant and adhere to the new rules to ensure safer roads for everyone.
