Stricter Alcohol Limits and Tougher Penalties for Drivers in Italy

With the start of the new year, authorities have announced increased checks to enforce stricter regulations on driving under the influence of alcohol. As of December 14, 2024, Italy has introduced stricter regulations on driving under the influence of alcohol, outlined in Articles 186 and 186bis of the Highway Code. The law establishes three thresholds for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), categorizing violations into four scenarios:

1. BAC up to 0.5 g/L

2. BAC above 0.5 g/L but not exceeding 0.8 g/L

3. BAC above 0.8 g/L but not exceeding 1.5 g/L

4. BAC above 1.5 g/L

Depending on the BAC level, drivers face administrative fines or criminal charges, with penalties adjusted based on specific factors such as the driver’s category, type of vehicle, or involvement in accidents. Below is a summary of the new rules.

Special Categories of Drivers

The law defines “special categories” as:

• Underage drivers (below 21 years old).

• New drivers (those with a license for less than three years).

• Professional drivers, including those operating public transport, commercial vehicles, or heavy vehicles.

Stricter rules and harsher penalties apply to these groups, reflecting their higher responsibilities and the increased risks associated with impaired driving in these contexts.

BAC Up to 0.5 g/L

Special category drivers face a fine of €164, which doubles to €328 if involved in an accident. They also lose five license points (or 10 points for new drivers due to doubled penalties for recent license holders). For all other drivers, there are no penalties for a BAC below 0.5 g/L.

BAC Above 0.5 g/L but Not Exceeding 0.8 g/L

• Ordinary drivers: Fines start at €532 and go up to €1,064 for accidents, along with a 10-point deduction. License suspension ranges from 3-6 months (6-12 months for accidents). Vehicle impoundment for 180 days applies in accident cases.

• Special categories: Higher fines (from €709.33 to €1,418.66 for accidents) and longer license suspensions (4-8 months, or 8-16 months in accidents) apply. New drivers lose 20 points due to doubled penalties.

BAC Above 0.8 g/L

This is considered a criminal offense, involving fines, imprisonment, and additional penalties:

• 0.8-1.5 g/L

• Fines range from €800 to €3,200 (doubled for accidents), with potential imprisonment up to six months (or up to 12 months in accidents).

• License suspension spans 6-12 months (or up to 24 months for accidents).

• Above 1.5 g/L

• Fines increase to €1,500-€6,000 (doubled for accidents), with imprisonment from 6 to 12 months (or up to 24 months in accidents).

• License revocation may occur for repeat offenses, and vehicle confiscation is mandatory.

Refusal to Take a Breath Test

Refusing a breathalyzer test is treated as having a BAC over 1.5 g/L, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and license suspension between 6 months and 2 years.

Alternative Sentences

For non-accident cases, offenders may opt for community service related to road safety, replacing fines or imprisonment. Successful completion can reduce license suspension by half and cancel vehicle confiscation.

To explore a detailed breakdown of these regulations, read our in-depth article on the new Highway Code rules.

Stay informed and drive responsibly—Italy’s updated laws emphasize safety and accountability for all road users.