On December 14th, the new Italian Highway Code was introduced, implementing stricter regulations to combat driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalties for violators have been increased, alongside new provisions concerning animal abandonment, limited traffic zones, e-scooters, and the use of mobile phones while driving.
These updates are essential for tourists traveling in Italy to avoid unpleasant situations or hefty fines.
In the first two days after the new code came into effect, thousands of violations were reported: a total of 4,744 fines, with only 14 related to drug use. The most common violations involved speeding (431 cases), not wearing seat belts (365 cases), and using mobile phones while driving (117 cases). Additionally, 331 driver’s licenses were revoked, and 170 drivers were fined after failing alcohol tests.
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Crackdown on mobile phone use while driving
One of the most critical issues, especially for tourists, involves using mobile phones while driving. In Italy, being caught in the act can result in fines ranging from €250 to €1,000. You may face a one-week suspension if you have fewer than 10 points on your license. The suspension increases to 15 days if you are also not wearing a seat belt or are driving on the wrong side of the road. Repeat offenders face fines of up to €1,400, a three-month suspension, and the loss of 8 to 10 points on their license.
Driving under the influence of alcohol
The new reform enforces zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. For non-probationary drivers, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must be below 0.5 g/L.
- For BAC levels between 0.5 and 0.8 g/L, fines range from €573 to €2,170, with a license suspension of 3 to 6 months.
- For BAC levels between 0.8 and 1.5 g/L, penalties double, and the license suspension can extend up to a year.
- For BAC levels over 1.5 g/L, imprisonment is possible.
For new drivers, the BAC limit of zero remains in place for the first three years of holding a license. However, any violation results in a 10-point deduction and mandatory installation of an alcolock device, which prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
Driving under the influence of drugs
The fight against drug-impaired driving is a cornerstone of the new highway code. According to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, stricter measures have been introduced:
- Testing positive for drugs, even without evident psycho-physical impairment, can result in license revocation and a suspension of up to three years.
- Following public outcry, medical cannabis users have been excluded from these penalties.
Speeding
Penalties for speeding violations have been further tightened in Italy, which is the European country with the highest number of speed cameras—over 11,000.
- Exceeding the speed limit by up to 10 km/h results in fines ranging from €42 to €173.
- For exceeding the limit by 11 to 40 km/h, fines range from €173 to €694, with a 5-point deduction (previously 3).
- For speeds 41 to 60 km/h above the limit, fines range from €543 to €2,170, with license suspension from 1 to 3 months, applicable to new drivers as well.
- For speeds over 60 km/h above the limit, fines range from €845 to €3,382, with license suspension from 6 to 12 months.
Don’t worry! Click here to learn what to do if you get a ticket for a not homologated speed camera
Animal abandonment
Those who abandon animals on the road face up to seven years in prison if the abandonment causes an accident. Otherwise, penalties include license revocation or suspension for six months to one year.
New rules for bikes and E-scooters
Drivers overtaking cyclists must now maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters. Cyclists benefit from the new regulations, which mandate cities to build more bike lanes.
As for E-scooters:
- They must now have license plates, helmets, and insurance.
- Riding against traffic is prohibited.
- They are allowed only on urban roads with speed limits up to 50 km/h.
Restrictions on Supercars
Previously, new drivers could operate vehicles with a power output exceeding 55 kW/t (75 HP/t) after one year of obtaining their license. Now, this restriction has been extended to three years. However, the rule only applies to those who obtain their license after December 14th, 2024, the date when the new highway code came into effect.
