Starting Saturday, December 14, Italy’s new road code will come into effect. These changes aim to enhance road safety with stricter rules and increased penalties. Here’s a concise guide to the main updates.
Stricter Rules for Novice Drivers
Newly licensed drivers can now operate vehicles with a power-to-weight ratio of up to 75 kW per ton during their first few years. Exceptions include certain electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles in the M1 category, with power limits extended to 105 kW per ton. However, penalties for traffic violations are doubled for new drivers, regardless of their age, though short-term suspensions remain unaffected.
The “Mini-Suspension” Explained
Drivers with fewer than 20 points on their license, representing just 2.1% of all drivers, are subject to “mini-suspensions” for infractions. This temporary measure will be enforced directly by road authorities.
Alcohol and Drug Offenses: No Tolerance
Penalties for alcohol-related violations are tiered based on blood alcohol levels:
• 0.5-0.8 g/L: Fines from €543 to €2,170, license suspension for 3–6 months, and 10 points deducted.
• 0.8-1.5 g/L: Fines up to €3,200, license suspension for up to 1 year, arrest for up to 6 months, and 10 points deducted.
• Above 1.5 g/L: Fines of €1,500-€6,000, suspension for up to 2 years, vehicle confiscation, and 10 points deducted.
Drug testing has also been intensified, with mandatory saliva tests for suspected drug use. A positive result triggers immediate penalties under a zero-tolerance policy.
Alcohol Lock Systems
Repeat offenders must install an “alcolock” device, which prevents vehicle ignition if alcohol is detected. Costs for installation and maintenance are the driver’s responsibility. Full implementation awaits an additional decree.
Harsh Penalties for Cellphone Use While Driving
Using a cellphone while driving can now result in fines from €250 to €1,000 and license suspensions from 15 days to 2 months. Repeat offenders face even harsher consequences, including fines up to €1,400 and extended suspensions of up to 120 days.
Cyclists and Micromobility Regulations
The new code introduces cyclist “advance stop lines” at traffic lights, enhancing safety. Cars must maintain a minimum 1.5-meter distance when overtaking bicycles. Micromobility devices like e-scooters require new safety features, including dual brakes, lights, and helmets for all riders, regardless of age.
Autovelox: A New Framework
Speed cameras, often criticized as revenue tools, are now regulated with stricter placement criteria. For instance, cameras are permitted only on urban roads with speeds above 50 km/h or cycling routes with limits of 30 km/h.
125cc Scooters Allowed on Highways and Ring Roads
Another notable change in the new road code is the allowance for scooters with an engine capacity of 125cc (or more than 120cc) to access highways and ring roads. This adjustment aims to expand mobility options for scooter riders, particularly in urban areas, providing them with more efficient travel routes and integrating them more fully into Italy’s transportation network.
Florence Adopts 30 km/h Speed Limits in Some Residential Areas
On roads where traffic conditions are more complex or potentially hazardous, the city of Florence, is also introducing a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h. This initiative aims to protect vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, while improving overall traffic flow in densely populated areas.
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