Anyone who wants to go on holiday in Italy will have to comply with stricter traffic rules in the future. The Senate in Rome completed the reform of traffic rules on Wednesday. Penalties for traffic offenders have been drastically increased.
Right-wing Italian minister Matteo Salvini’s new traffic rules were approved with 83 votes in favor, 47 against and one abstention. The Chamber of Deputies already gave the green light in April, meaning the new scheme can come into effect immediately.
Cell phone while driving: penalties tripled!
This will bring far-reaching changes, including a crackdown on motorists who use mobile phones or drive under the influence of drugs. Penalties for drivers who make phone calls or chat while behind the wheel will be tripled.
There are now fines of up to 1,000 euros if a driver is caught using a smartphone. If the offense is repeated, the fine will be increased to 1,400 euros and the driver’s license can be withdrawn for a maximum of three months. In addition, eight to ten points are deducted from the driver’s license.
Stricter rules also apply to driving under the influence
The duration of the driving license suspension is doubled if the use of the mobile phone has caused an accident. The rules are also being tightened when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol. Anyone caught driving under the influence of drugs will have their driver’s license revoked for three years.
Higher fines for exceeding the speed limit
Anyone who exceeds the maximum permitted speed by more than 10 km/h will receive a fine of between 173 euros and 694 euros. If the offense is committed within a municipality and at least twice within a year, the fine increases from 220 euros to 880 euros and the driver’s license will be confiscated for 15 to 30 days.
Fight against animal abandonment
Drivers’ licenses are revoked for a period of six months to a year for people who leave animals on the street. You can also face up to seven years in prison if there is an accident resulting in death or injury. A license plate, helmet and insurance requirement will be introduced for e-scooters.
New rules for new drivers
The driving ban for ‘high performance’ vehicles will be extended from one to three years for new drivers. They are not allowed to drive vehicles with a power exceeding 75 kW/ton and cars with a maximum power of 105 kW/ton. However, the performance limit has been relaxed slightly. Under current law, the limit is 55 kW/ton for motor vehicles in general and 70 kW/ton for passenger cars.
Source: Krone
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