Approved by the Chamber with 163 votes in favor and 107 against, the bill reforming the Highway Code now passes to the Senate for final verification. “The new highway code, which provides for more controls, more road education and more rigor – said the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini – has the aim of reducing deaths, injuries and accidents. Bring traffic education to school, more checks on the roads, the withdrawal of licenses for those who drive drugged, use mobile phones and abandon animals on the street”. Furthermore, added Salvini, there is greater “safety for cyclists with cycle paths and the protection of motorcyclists through the installation of life-saving guardrails”.
As we already mentioned here, the innovations that will be introduced are therefore numerous. Let's see the ones that interest us most.
Fine for speeding
The “punishment” for those who exaggerate with gas becomes more severe. The expected fine will range from 173 to 694 euros for anyone who exceeds the maximum speed limits by more than 10 km/h and no more than 40 km/h. If the violation is committed within a built-up area and at least twice within a year, the latter will be increased between 220 and 880 euros with, in addition, the suspension of the license from fifteen to thirty days.
125 on the motorway and guardrails to “save motorcyclists”
As far as we motorcyclists are concerned in particular, there are two most awaited innovations. The first concerns the access of 125 cm3 on motorways and ring roads, with only the restriction of an adult driver, while the second concerns the safety of guardrails through the installation of the third band.
Smartphones and distracted driving
Zero tolerance for anyone caught while driving with a smartphone in their hand. The fine will range from a minimum of 250 euros to a maximum of 1,000, up to 1,400 euros in the event of a repeat offense. The suspension of the driving license can instead last up to three months with the addition of a deduction of 8 to 10 points. Another novelty is the arrival of the “automatic mini suspension” (i.e. without the intervention of the prefect) of the driving license for a week if there are at least 10 points on it, and for 15 days if the points on the license are fewer. Times that double if the use of the mobile phone causes an accident or sends another vehicle off the road.
Driving while intoxicated or under the use of substances
Again, the punishment for transgressors becomes more severe. If the blood alcohol level is between 0.5 and 0.8 grams per litre, you receive a fine of between 573 and 2,170 euros, with a suspension of your driving license for 3 to 6 months. If your blood alcohol level is between 0.8 and 1.5 grams per litre, you are punished with a double penalty, imprisonment and a fine (arrest of up to 6 months and a fine of 800 to 3,200 euros). License suspension from 6 months to one year. Finally, if the blood alcohol level exceeds 1.5 grams per liter, the person will be arrested for 6 months and a year with a fine of 1,500 to 6,000 euros, plus suspension of the driving license for one to two years. All cases of driving while intoxicated lead to the deduction of 10 points from the driving licence. However, anyone found under the influence of substances will no longer necessarily have to be in a state of psycho-physical alteration, but it will be enough for them to test positive for the license to be revoked and for three years to be suspended.
Speed cameras and “multiple” sanctions
The rules governing cases of “multiple” sanctions are “softer”. In the event that multiple fines are received on the same road section, in a period of one hour and under the jurisdiction of the same body, only one fine will be paid: the most serious one increased by a third, if more favourable. As we explained here, the new code will also introduce more precise rules regarding the installation of speed cameras, always recognizable and preceded by a signal, not positioned in strategic points only “to make money” and usable only if the maximum speed allowed on that stretch it is no more than 20 km/h lower than what is foreseen by the Code for that type of road. Furthermore, between two devices there must be a distance of at least 3 km on main extra-urban roads and 1 km on secondary ones.
Bikes and scooters
In addition to the increase in cycle paths, there is also an obligation for motorists to maintain a distance of one and a half meters when overtaking a bicycle, “where road conditions allow it”. For scooters, license plate, helmet and insurance become mandatory, while anyone who circulates without the necessary documents will face a fine of between 100 and 400 euros. Turn and brake indicator lights are also mandatory, with a fine between 200 and 800 euros. Sharing scooters will have to automatically lock when they leave the permitted area.