New Traffic Laws in Italy: Stricter Penalties for Drivers
Italy is set to implement a new road traffic law aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing fatalities, with Transport Minister Matteo Salvini emphasizing the need for stricter regulations. The proposed law, which is expected to be approved by the Senate, introduces significant fines and penalties for various driving offenses, particularly focusing on the use of mobile phones and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The new regulations propose that drivers caught using a cell phone while driving will face fines ranging from €250 to €1,000, with repeat offenders facing fines up to €1,400 and potential license suspensions of up to three months. Notably, if the use of a mobile phone results in an accident, the suspension period doubles. Additionally, drivers with fewer than 20 points on their license will face a one-week suspension for first-time offenses, which increases to 15 days for those with fewer than 10 points.
Alcohol and Drug Regulations Tightened
The legislation also enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. For blood alcohol levels between 0.5 and 0.8 grams per liter, fines will range from €573 to €2,170, accompanied by a driving license suspension of three to six months. Higher blood alcohol levels will incur steeper penalties, including potential imprisonment and fines that can reach €6,000 for levels above 1.5 grams per liter. Furthermore, anyone caught driving under the influence of drugs will face immediate license revocation and a three-year suspension, regardless of their physical state.
In addition to these measures, the law addresses the abandonment of animals, imposing license suspensions of six months to a year for offenders, with severe penalties for those whose actions lead to accidents. The new regulations also include stricter rules for speed cameras, requiring advance signage and limiting the accumulation of fines for multiple offenses within a short time frame.
These changes reflect Italy's commitment to improving road safety and reducing the alarming number of traffic-related deaths, which Salvini describes as an
unacceptable massacre.
