On December 14, Italy’s new Road Code officially came into effect following its approval by the Senate. The vote saw 83 in favor, 47 against, and one abstention, paving the way for a reform championed by the government, particularly by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Matteo Salvini. All 350 amendments proposed by the opposition were rejected, allowing the new code to pass almost unchanged. For those interested in the details, the official document can be found in the Gazzetta Ufficiale, Series General No. 280, dated November 29, 2024.
Among the most significant changes is the introduction of tougher penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. Offenders found with a blood alcohol level between 0.5 and 0.8 grams per liter will face fines ranging from €573 to €2,170, along with a license suspension of 3 to 6 months. For higher levels, penalties escalate dramatically, with fines up to €6,000 and license suspensions lasting up to two years for those exceeding 1.5 grams per liter. Additionally, drivers with levels above 0.8 grams will receive a notice on their license indicating a mandatory use of an “alcolock” device, preventing vehicle ignition if alcohol is detected.
The new regulations also extend to drug use, mobile phone use while driving, and e-scooter operation. Drivers under the influence of narcotics will face immediate penalties based on roadside tests, eliminating the need for further medical examinations. Moreover, fines for using electronic devices while driving have increased to €1,000, with potential license suspensions of up to two months. E-scooter riders are now required to wear helmets and must have a registration number, while operating them outside urban areas is prohibited. However, the government has faced criticism for its leniency towards speeding offenses, allowing for non-cumulative fines for multiple violations detected by speed cameras throughout the day.
