Italy, a country renowned for its passion for driving and its beautiful roads, has recently implemented significant changes to its highway code. These new traffic rules aim to enhance road safety and reduce the devastating impact of accidents. Among the most notable updates are stricter regulations regarding alcohol consumption while driving.
This article will delve into the key aspects of these new rules, with a particular emphasis on alcohol-related offenses and the measures introduced to curb this dangerous behavior. Here are the major areas that the new 2024 road code deals with:
New Provisions of the 2024 Italian Road Code
One of the main novelties introduced in the new 2024 Road Code is the lifelong suspension of a driving license for those who drive under the influence of drugs and commit very serious driving offenses, such as failing to stop after an accident.
High school students will be required to take driving education courses, which will grant them two additional points on their license.
A suspension of the driving license from 7 to 15 days is foreseen for those who violate the Road Code in 2024, along with a deduction of 20 points for the following offenses: exceeding speed limits (between 10 and 40 km/h), running red lights, making illegal turns, overtaking where prohibited or on the right, failing to yield, failing to obey a traffic officer, failing to maintain a safe distance, driving against traffic, and highway violations.
Furthermore, other offenses that will result in a short suspension of the license include: failure to wear or improperly wearing a helmet on mopeds and motorcycles; failure to use or improperly using restraint systems (meaning supports to hold child seats securely) and anti-abandonment devices; using a mobile phone or other devices while driving.
In the case of very serious and repeated offenses, the driving license may be permanently revoked, and if an accident is caused, the suspension period is doubled.
Therefore, a driver with fewer than 20 points who is penalized for using a smartphone or other electronic devices may face both a short and a regular suspension
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in Italy - Italian Traffic Rules on alcohol
The new Italian traffic rules on alcohol establishes specific rules for those who drive under the influence of alcohol. In particular, for a blood alcohol level between 0.5 and 0.8 grams per liter, a penalty ranging from 573 to 2,170 euros may be incurred and the driving license may be suspended for 3 to 6 months. For a blood alcohol level between 0.8 and 1.5 grams per liter, there may be a double penalty, with arrest for up to 6 months and a fine between 800 and 3,200 euros, in addition to the suspension of the driving license from 6 to 12 months. Finally, with a blood alcohol level exceeding 1.5 grams per liter, there may be imprisonment from 6 to 12 months and a fine between 1,500 and 6,000 euros, and the suspension of the driving license from one to two years.
Furthermore, the Road Code includes an absolute ban on drinking alcohol before driving, and for repeat offenders of driving under the influence, there is a mandatory installation of an alcolock in the vehicle.
But what is an alcolock? An alcolock is a device that prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver is intoxicated. It functions like a breathalyzer.
More specifically, as soon as the driver sits down, they must blow into the device. If the alcolock detects a high blood alcohol level, it will block the vehicle from starting until the value drops below the permitted limit.
This system was first introduced in 2020 by the Cnel (National Council of Economy and Labor) and has already been tested in many European countries, where it is also mandatory for heavy vehicles.
In the event of a positive test, the driving license will be immediately revoked, and subsequently, there will be a three-year ban on obtaining a new license
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Italy
Individuals who test positive for drugs in saliva tests will have their driving licenses revoked and cannot obtain a new one for at least 3 years. The new 2024 Road Code introduces changes also for driving under the influence of drugs. For those found driving under the influence, it will no longer be necessary to be in a state of psycho-physical impairment. A positive saliva test will be sufficient to trigger the revocation of the driving license, and it will not be possible to obtain a new one for at least 3 years.
Law enforcement officers will be able to take a saliva sample directly at the roadside, following procedures that will be established by specific directives from the Ministry of the Interior. If this is not possible, law enforcement officers can accompany the driver to fixed or mobile, public or accredited healthcare facilities for the sample collection.
If the test is positive, but the results of the tests carried out by accredited laboratories are not yet available, law enforcement agencies may still withdraw the driving license.
Speeding
For speeding between 10 and 40 km/h over the limit, a penalty ranging from 173 to 694 euros is foreseen. If the violation occurs within a built-up area and is repeated twice within a year, the fine can range from 220 to 880 euros and the driving license can be suspended from 15 to 30 days.
Speed Cameras
Speed cameras will be able to detect multiple violations, such as exceeding speed limits and failing to have the vehicle inspected.
The new rules for speed cameras, published in the Official Gazette and effective from May 28, 2024, stipulate that they can only be placed in areas with a high accident rate, where there is a documented impossibility or difficulty in carrying out immediate verification based on structural conditions. Furthermore, speed detection devices cannot be installed on roads with a speed limit less than 20 km/h below the maximum general limit.
Therefore, speed cameras are prohibited in urban areas with speed limits below 50 km/h, in urban roads known as "zone 30," and on extra-urban roads with speed limits below 90 km/h. In the second case, therefore, if the obligation is to travel on that stretch at 90 km/h or less, mayors cannot install speed cameras for electronic speed control.
Additionally, if multiple speed camera fines are issued for the same road section, within an hour and by the same authority, only one penalty will be paid: the most serious one, increased by one-third if it is more favorable.
Moreover, the speed camera must be clearly signaled with a sign at least one kilometer away from the device itself.
Another novelty is that the photos, which normally accompanied the speed camera fine and constituted evidence for road code violations, were previously sent to the vehicle owner's home. This will no longer be the case because fines and their respective notices will continue to arrive at motorists' homes, but without a photo of the vehicle.
The photos will be kept by the authorities and will be available to the motorist upon request in case of an appeal against the speed camera fine. In any case, privacy must be guaranteed, so photos taken by speed cameras must have the faces of third parties and license plates of any other vehicles captured obscured or made unrecognizable.
The green light has also been given to "boat speed cameras" to detect speed in the canals of Venice.
Mobile Phones While Driving
For those who drive while using a mobile phone, the driving license will be withdrawn for one week if the offender has between 10 and 20 points on their license, while those with fewer points will have their license suspended for 15 days. For the first offense, there is a fine ranging from 250 to 1,697 euros and the suspension of the driving license from 15 days to 2 months. In case of recidivism, the fine is from 350 to 2,588 euros, in addition to the suspension of the driving license from 1 to 3 months and the deduction of 8 to 10 points.
Bicycles
To protect cyclists, the new rules require a minimum distance of one and a half meters when a vehicle overtakes a bicycle. As for the maximum power of electric bicycles, this must not exceed 250 watts, while the speed must not exceed 30 km/h.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters must be equipped with insurance, a license plate, and turn signals, and the use of a helmet is mandatory. Furthermore, scooters can only be used on urban roads with speed limits below 50 km/h and no longer on cycle paths or pedestrian areas.
1. Zero Tolerance for Drink Driving:
Tougher Penalties: The new code significantly increases penalties for drivers found with any level of alcohol in their bloodstream. Even trace amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
Graduated Licensing: Stricter regulations are in place for young and inexperienced drivers, with lower alcohol limits to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Increased Enforcement: Authorities are stepping up enforcement efforts, with increased roadside checks and more stringent penalties for repeat offenders.
2. Alcohol Interock Devices:
Mandatory Installation: Drivers convicted of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding a certain threshold will be legally required to install an alcohol interlock device in their vehicles.
How it Works: These devices analyze the driver's breath before the engine can start. If the device detects any alcohol in the driver's breath, the vehicle will not start.
Aim: This measure aims to prevent repeat offenses and ensure that drivers who have previously demonstrated a disregard for road safety are not allowed to drive while intoxicated.
3. Saliva Tests for Psychoactive Substances:
Expanding Detection: The new rules introduce saliva tests to detect the presence of psychoactive or psychotropic substances in drivers. These tests can identify metabolites of substances like cannabinoids and opioids, providing a more comprehensive assessment of a driver's impairment.
Eliminating Delays: The use of saliva tests eliminates the need for a doctor's presence during roadside checks, streamlining the process and allowing for quicker and more efficient enforcement.
4. Increased Fines and Penalties:
Deterrent Effect: The new code introduces significantly higher fines for various traffic violations, including speeding, distracted driving (such as using a mobile phone), and running red lights.
License Suspension: Repeat offenders may face license suspension, with the duration of the suspension increasing for more serious offenses.
Points System: A points system is in place, with accumulating points for various violations. Drivers who accumulate a certain number of points may face license suspension or even revocation.
5. Focus on Road Safety Education:
Public Awareness Campaigns: The Italian government is launching public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the dangers of drink driving and the importance of road safety.
School Programs: Educational programs are being implemented in schools to teach young people about responsible road use and the consequences of reckless driving.
Promoting Alternative Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking can help reduce reliance on private vehicles and promote a more sustainable and safer transportation system.
6. The Human Cost of Road Accidents:
It's crucial to remember that these new traffic rules are not simply about fines and penalties. They are about saving lives. Road accidents have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Loss of Life: Every year, countless lives are tragically lost due to road accidents caused by drunk driving and other reckless behaviors.
Injuries and Disabilities: Many more people suffer from serious injuries, often resulting in lifelong disabilities.
Emotional Trauma: Road accidents can have a profound and lasting emotional impact on victims, their families, and witnesses.
7. A Call for Responsible Driving:
The new traffic rules in Italy send a clear message: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated. These measures are not about restricting individual freedoms, but about protecting lives and ensuring the safety of all road users.
Plan Ahead: If you plan to consume alcohol, make arrangements for a designated driver or use public transportation.
Choose Responsibility: Prioritize safety over convenience.
Lead by Example: Encourage responsible driving habits among your friends and family.
8. The Role of Technology:
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): The increasing integration of ADAS technologies, such as lane departure warning systems, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, can significantly1 enhance road safety.
Connected Vehicles: The development of connected vehicles, which can communicate with each other and with infrastructure, has the potential to revolutionize road safety by enabling proactive measures to prevent accidents.
9. Continuous Improvement:
The new traffic rules represent an important step towards improving road safety in Italy. However, ongoing efforts are crucial to ensure their effectiveness.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the new rules will help identify areas for improvement and ensure that they are effectively addressing the challenges of road safety.
Adapting to Evolving Trends: As technology and driving habits evolve, the traffic code must be continuously reviewed and updated to reflect these changes.
10. A Shared Responsibility:
Improving road safety is a shared responsibility. It requires the collective efforts of drivers, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the community. By working together, we can create a safer and more responsible driving environment for all.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. For specific legal questions or concerns, consult with a qualified legal professional.
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