On December 14, 2024, Italy officially enacted its new Highway Code, marking a significant shift toward stricter road safety measures. This revised code introduces heavier penalties for various infractions, particularly for those who use mobile phones and drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
One of the standout features of the new law is the automatic suspension of driving licenses for drivers caught using their phones behind the wheel. Specified fines for this violation range from €250 to €1,000. If drivers are caught with less than 10 points on their licenses, the suspension lasts 15 days; those with more than 10 points will face a one-week suspension. Notably, if repeat offenders are caught, they could face fines of up to €1,400 and license suspensions of up to three months. Reckless use of mobile phones leading to accidents could nearly double these penalties.
Driving under the influence has also come under harsh scrutiny, with the penalties reflecting the government's zero-tolerance policy. Offenders with blood alcohol content (BAC) between 0.5 and 0.8 grams per liter face fines ranging from €573 to €2,170 and a possible 3 to 6-month license suspension. Meanwhile, if the BAC lies between 0.8 and 1.5 grams per liter, the penalties double, involving both criminal and financial repercussions. Fines can escalate from €800 to €3,200, alongside license suspensions from 6 to 12 months.
The most severe penalties apply to those surpassing the 1.5 grams per liter threshold, resulting in potential imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year and fines scaling from €1,500 to €6,000, as well as 1 to 2 years of license suspension. For new drivers, the law mandates zero tolerance for alcohol during the first three years of driving.
Equally alarming is the impending crackdown on drug use. Drivers testing positive for narcotics will face immediate revocation of their licenses, with suspensions lasting up to three years. Consumption of therapeutic cannabis will be exempt from this policy, pending future regulations.
The new code has also targeted speeding, with fines set between €173 and €694 for exceeding speed limits by 10 to 40 km/h. Urban areas see fines rise to between €220 and €880 if drivers repeat offenses within one year.
Animal welfare is another aspect addressed by the revised code. Anyone abandoning animals on roadways may face license suspension from 6 months to 1 year, and if it results in death or injury, severe prison sentences can apply.
The code is not limited to cars; it also encompasses more regulations for bicycles and e-scooters. Motorists are now mandated to maintain a distance of 1.5 meters when passing cyclists, with new stipulations for e-scooters requiring riders to wear helmets and have insurance coverage.
Matteo Salvini, the Minister of Transportation, highlighted the importance of these reforms. "Zero tolerance for substance abuse and stricter regulations for mobile phone use are aimed at saving lives on our roads," he stated. He recognized these rules might inexplicably upset some individuals but highlighted their significance for public safety.
The initial implementation of the code has already seen several motorists fined for phone use, with local authorities quickly mobilizing to enforce the new regulations. Reports from Naples detailed swift action by the police, with multiple citations issued for mobile phone use by noon on the launch day.
Criticism has emerged from consumer associations, warning of potential adverse effects if the law's stringent penalties aren't matched with rigorous enforcement. Consumers are concerned about the likelihood of police presence on the roads and whether or not the new measures will reduce road accidents effectively.
Data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics suggests road incidents are on the rise, creating urgency around this new legislation. Meanwhile, concerns are raised about whether these new rules can achieve their intended goals without increasing enforcement measures.
Italy has witnessed numerous reckless driving incidents linked to mobile phone usage. The new law seeks to address this behavior head-on, imploring drivers to rethink their on-road habits. The overarching aim of the Highway Code adjustments is to curb fatalities and injuries, promising more stringent consequences for those who take risks.
Overall, the new Highway Code signals Italy's commitment to enhancing road safety and reducing the high number of traffic-related deaths. With tough sanctions and greater public awareness, the government hopes to pave the way for safer roads for everyone.
