by InTrieste
Italy’s parliament has finalized major updates to its Highway Code, introducing a range of new regulations aimed at improving road safety. The reforms, approved by the Senate this week, cover everything from electric scooters to stricter penalties for driving under the influence. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
Electric Scooters:
- Helmets Required: E-scooter users must wear helmets at all times.
- License Plates: All electric scooters must be registered with license plates.
- Insurance: E-scooter riders must carry insurance.
- Restricted Areas: E-scooters are banned from cycle lanes, pedestrian zones, and non-urban roads.
- Speed Limits: New speed limits for e-scooters will be enforced, though specifics have yet to be finalized.
Speeding:
- Fines for Repeated Offenses: Drivers caught speeding twice or more in urban areas within a year face fines up to €880 and a license suspension of 15 to 30 days.
- Multiple Speeding Tickets: Drivers will not receive more than one fine for violations within an hour. If multiple offenses occur, only the highest fine will apply, increased by one-third.
Drink Driving:
- BAC 0.5 – 0.8 grams per liter: Fines from €573 to €2,170, plus a 3-6 month license suspension.
- BAC 0.8 – 1.5 grams per liter: Fines double, with a one-year driving ban and up to six months in jail.
- BAC Over 1.5 grams per liter: Fines range from €1,500 to €6,000, a two-year driving ban, and up to one year in prison.
- Alcohol Interlock: Those with a BAC of 0.8 grams or higher must install an alcohol ignition interlock device once they regain their license.
Drug Driving:
- Penalties for Drug Use: Drivers under the influence of drugs face bans of up to three years.
Using Phones While Driving:
- Fines: Drivers caught using their phones face fines ranging from €250 to €1,000.
- Repeat Offenders: Repeat violators could face fines up to €1,400, plus a three-month driving ban.
- Accident Penalties: If phone use causes an accident, penalties will be more severe.
Abandoning Animals:
- Fines and Penalties: Drivers who abandon animals on the roadside face fines and a license suspension of 6 to 12 months.
- Animal-Related Accidents: If an accident is caused by an abandoned animal, the driver could face up to seven years in prison.
Parking Violations:
- Disabled Parking: Fines for parking in disabled spaces rise from €330 to €990.
- Bus Lanes/Stops: Parking fines for bus lanes or stops increase from €165 to €660.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
The new rules are expected to be signed into law by President Sergio Mattarella soon and should be enforced by the end of the year.
With these new measures, Italy aims to reduce road fatalities, improve safety for e-scooter riders, and hold reckless drivers accountable.
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