New Highway Code 2024: All the news from December 14th

From 14 December 2024, important changes will come into force to the Italian Highway Code . The aim of these new rules is to improve road safety , reduce accidents and protect the most vulnerable users such as pedestrians and cyclists .

In this article we analyze in detail the main novelties, from tougher penalties for using cell phones while driving , crackdown on alcohol and drugs , up to new rules for scooters and sustainable mobility .

Higher Fines for Using Cell Phone While Driving

Smartphone use is one of the main causes of distraction while driving and road accidents. With the new rules, anyone caught using a cell phone while driving will be subject to more severe sanctions :

• Fines from 250 to 1,000 euros for the first violation.
• Up to 1,400 euros in case of repeat offence .
• Suspension of driving license from 7 to 15 days for those with less than 10 points on their driving licence.
• Suspension up to 3 months And reduction from 8 to 10 points for repeat offenders.

To avoid fines and drive safely, it is advisable use speakerphones, Bluetooth headphones, or apps that block notifications while driving.

Drunk Driving: The Alcohol Lock Mandatory Arrives

The new Highway Code 2024 introduces more stringent measures for those who drive after drinking.

• For new drivers (first 3 years of driving licence) the permitted blood alcohol level will be zero .
• Who is stopped with a rate higher than 0.8 g/l will have to install the Alcolock , a device that prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol in the driver's breath.
• Immediate deduction of 10 points from the driving licence for those who test positive for alcohol.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs: More Severe Penalties

The new rules state that it will no longer be necessary to demonstrate the driver's psychophysical alteration : it will be sufficient test positive for drugs to incur the sanctions provided for.

• The only ones exemptions They are for those who take drugs based on therapeutic cannabis, provided that documented with regular medical prescription .

Speed ​​Limits: New Rules and Penalties

The tightening of sanctions for speeding aims to reduce the number of accidents on urban and extra-urban roads.

• Exceeding the speed limit between 10 and 40 km/h: fine from 173 to 694 euros .
• Repeat offender in the city (two violations in one year): fines up to 880 euros And suspension of driving license for up to 30 days .
• Speed ​​cameras and multiple fines: If you receive multiple tickets on the same stretch of road within an hour, you only pay the most serious fine plus a one-third increase.

New Rules for Electric Scooters and Cyclists

To improve road safety, stricter rules have been introduced for vehicles alternative mobility , such as bicycles and scooters.

• Motorists will have to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters while overtaking a bicycle.
• For the electric scooters will become mandatory license plate, helmet and insurance . These rules will come into force after the publication of the implementing regulations.

Animal Welfare and Inclusive Mobility

The new rules provide much more severe penalties for those who abandon animals on the roads , as this practice can cause road accidents.

• Suspension of driving license from 6 months to 1 year for those who abandon an animal.
• Up to 7 years in prison if the abandonment results in an accident resulting in casualties.

To promote a more accessible mobility , the new Highway Code provides:

• Free parking for at least 20% of the spaces in every municipality.
• Creation of “ Kiss & Ride ” areas near stations, airports and public transport stops, to allow temporary parking for vehicles dropping off or picking up passengers.

Rules for New Drivers: Restrictions for Powerful Cars

For those who have just obtained their driving license, the driving limit powerful cars salt from 1 to 3 years .

Furthermore, schools will introduce road safety courses , with the possibility of earning extra points on your driving licence for those who pass the required tests.

Conclusion – New Highway Code 2024

The New Highway Code 2024 introduces stricter rules to ensure greater safety and prevent dangerous driving behavior.

If you want to stay up to date on road regulations and receive legal advice on fines, appeals and sanctions , continue to follow our blog.