Italy is tightening traffic fines and penalties to reduce the high number of road deaths, which exceeded 3,000 last year.
The Senate approved the reform of the traffic law, led by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with special attention to drug and alcohol use.
The blood alcohol level in Italy is 0.5 grams per liter. Those caught driving more now face a fine of up to €2,000 ($2,100) and a driver’s license suspension of up to six months.
If the blood alcohol level is between 0.8 and 1.5 grams per liter, the penalty is doubled. Above 1.5, a prison sentence of up to six months is also possible.
In the future, a zero-tolerance policy will apply to drivers under the influence of drugs. Anyone caught risks a driver’s license suspension of up to three years.
The use of mobile phones will also be subject to stricter controls.
Drivers caught using their phone, calling or chatting while driving will have to pay up to €1,000. If the offense is repeated, the fine will increase to €1,400 plus a driver’s license suspension of up to three months. The duration of the suspension is doubled if cell phone use contributes to an accident.
Speeding offenses will also be punished and punished more severely than ever before. If the speed limit is exceeded by more than 10 km/h, fines of up to almost €700 are provided. Within a city and if repeated twice within a year, fines can amount to €880, plus a driver’s license suspension for 15 to 30 days.
Italian Enterprise Minister Adolfo Urso speaks during question time in the Chamber of Deputies (the lower house) of the Italian parliament in Rome. Roberto Monaldo/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa
