In a concerted effort to combat the alarming trend of driving under the influence, law enforcement agencies across Italy have ramped up their checks, leading to numerous arrests and license withdrawals over the past week. On March 30, 2025, the State Police in the province of Terni reported the withdrawal of four driving licenses for individuals found to be under the influence of alcohol. This initiative involved checking 40 drivers to assess their blood alcohol levels, revealing that four motorists tested positive, with levels ranging from 0.80 to 1.50 grams per liter (g/l). In addition to these findings, officers imposed further sanctions for various violations of the Highway Code, primarily near nightclubs and in the Narni area. Authorities have announced that these checks will continue in the coming days.
Meanwhile, in Paternò, the Carabinieri, supported by the Cio company of the 12th 'Sicilia' regiment, conducted a coordinated operation on the same day. Their efforts included setting up checkpoints along major roads to deter drunk driving. During this operation, they inspected a total of 10 cars and 10 motorcycles, identifying 30 individuals in the process. The result was five administrative sanctions for traffic code violations, alongside two motorists who were reported for driving under the influence. One of the drivers, a 38-year-old of foreign origin residing in Paternò, had a staggering blood alcohol level of 2.60 g/l, while a 30-year-old from Rosolini was found with a level of 1.46 g/l. These serious offenses led to administrative fines totaling 2000 euros, the seizure of non-compliant vehicles, and deductions from the offenders' driving licenses.
In a related incident on March 23, 2025, a 52-year-old man in Vecchiano was reported for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 1.41 g/l, and for resisting a public official. His driving license was promptly revoked, and the vehicle he was operating, which was not his property, was entrusted to a reliable individual. Additionally, another man, aged 58, was reported in Vecchiano for refusing to undergo drug testing while exhibiting signs of substance use.
Further checks in Pisa on March 28 resulted in two separate incidents involving a 24-year-old and a 35-year-old, both reported for driving under the influence. The younger individual, riding a scooter, recorded a blood alcohol level of 1.71 g/l, while the woman driving a car was found to have a level of 1.10 g/l. In both cases, their licenses were revoked, and the vehicles were handed over to trusted individuals.
The legal framework surrounding driving under the influence in Italy is stringent. Current laws dictate that a driver is considered legally impaired when their blood alcohol level exceeds 0.5 g/l. A level between 0.5 g/l and 0.8 g/l results in administrative fines ranging from 543 to 2,170 euros. However, crossing the threshold of 0.8 g/l up to 1.5 g/l incurs criminal penalties, including fines that can reach up to 3,200 euros and potential imprisonment of up to six months, alongside a driving ban of six months to one year. For levels exceeding 1.5 g/l, fines escalate to between 1,500 and 6,000 euros, with jail time extending from six months to one year and a driving ban lasting from one to two years. Penalties are notably harsher if the intoxicated driver is involved in an accident, particularly if the incident occurs during the evening or nighttime hours.
As these incidents highlight, the risks associated with driving under the influence are significant, prompting law enforcement agencies to take a proactive stance in ensuring public safety. The ongoing checks and strict enforcement of traffic laws aim to deter individuals from engaging in such dangerous behavior, protecting not only the offenders but also other road users.
The message is clear: driving under the influence is a serious offense with severe consequences. As authorities continue to ramp up their efforts, it is imperative for drivers to remain vigilant and responsible, understanding that the ramifications of impaired driving extend far beyond fines and license suspensions—they can lead to tragic accidents and loss of life.
