New Highway Code, super-tightening for alcohol and phone driving. The new rules in force from today Saturday 14 December. Withdrawal of the license for those who drive with a cell phone, drunk, drugged and for those who abandon animals on the street.
And again, a crackdown on scooters with the requirement for a license plate, helmet and insurance. Then the engine size of cars that new drivers can drive increases, but the limit will last three years.
But compared to the original text, there will be changes for those who use therapeutic cannabis: the aim is to protect people undergoing treatment with psychotropic substances with therapeutic protocols, under medical supervision, who will still be able to drive. Discussion tables will start, Salvini announces, who however excludes that with the new text there will be maxi-fines.
The new Highway Code reform rules start today, December 14th.
– MOBILE PHONES AT THE WHEEL – The fine for those who drive with a smartphone will range from a minimum of 250 euros to a maximum of 1.000. An automatic one-week suspension is also introduced if you are caught with your phone at the wheel and you have at least 10 points on your license: this also applies to those who are caught without a seatbelt or driving the wrong way. If the points are lower, the suspension is 15 days. In the event of a repeat offense, fine increases to 1.400 euros, the suspension of the license can reach three months and a deduction of 8 to 10 points is added.
– DRINK DRIVING – Zero tolerance, with new features for repeat offenders: if the blood alcohol level is between 0,5 and 0,8 grams per litre, you will receive a fine of between 573 and 2.170 euros, with a suspension of your driving licence from 3 to 6 months. If the blood alcohol level is between 0,8 and 1,5 grams per litre, you will be punished with a double fine, imprisonment and a fine (arrest of up to 6 months and a fine of between 800 and 3.200 euros).
Suspension of the license from 6 months to one year. If the blood alcohol level is higher than 1,5 grams per liter, the violation is punishable by imprisonment and a fine (arrest from 6 months to one year and a fine from 1.500 to 6.000 euros) and suspension of the license from one to two years.
What can you drink in practice? It depends on your weight, height and whether you have a full stomach: generally you are safe with a glass of wine or a can of beer or a shot of spirits. For new drivers, the rules already in force provide for a zero alcohol level for three years. All cases of drunk driving lead to the deduction of 10 points from the license. Among the sanctions there is also the obligation to install an alcohol intercom on the car.
– DRIVING UNDER DRUG – Zero tolerance for drug users. Anyone found driving under the influence will no longer have to be in a state of psycho-physical alteration, but will simply have to test positive. This does not include users of therapeutic cannabis.
– SPEEDING – Fine from 173 to 694 euros for anyone who exceeds the maximum speed limit by more than 10 km/h and by no more than 40 km/h. If the violation is committed within a built-up area and at least twice in the space of a year, the fine is increased between 220 and 880 euros with suspension of the license from fifteen to thirty days.
– URBAN CIRCULATION AND ZTL: Restrictions on urban circulation may be imposed only if there are joint needs for reducing polluting emissions and protecting cultural heritage and protecting artistic, environmental and natural heritage. In compliance with the criteria of adequacy and proportionality and taking into account, in any case, the needs of mobility and the protection of production.
– ABANDONMENT OF ANIMALS – Revocation or suspension of the license from six months to one year for those who abandon animals on the street. In addition, one risks up to seven years in prison if this causes an accident with deaths or injuries.
– BIKES AND SCOOTERS – More protection for cyclists: in addition to the increase in cycle paths, motorists will be required to maintain a distance of one and a half metres when passing a bicycle. Scooters will be required to have a licence plate, helmet and insurance, but we will have to wait for the technical timing of the implementing regulations.
– SPEED CAMERA – In the event that you receive multiple fines on the same stretch of road, within a period of one hour and under the jurisdiction of the same authority, you pay only one fine: the most serious one increased by a third.
– SUPERCAR. The ban on driving “powerful” cars for new drivers will be extended from one to three years (but only for those who get their license after the law has been approved). They will not be able to drive vehicles with a power greater than 75 kW/t and cars with a maximum power of 105 kW. But the power limit has been relaxed a bit. The current Code sets the limit at 55 kW/t for motor vehicles in general and 70kW/h for cars. Courses are planned in schools, with additional points on the license.
Article published on 14 December 2024 - 09:33
It's good that there are new rules for the road, but I honestly don't understand how they can be enforced. People continue to use their phones while driving, and alcohol is a serious problem that never seems to end.