Neighboring Country Introduces Drastic Measures: Every Kilometer Over the Limit Will Be Punished

Italy is preparing to implement significantly stricter penalties for traffic violations, particularly concerning speeding. The Italian government is amending the Road Safety Law, known as the Codice della Strada, with a notable change being a new method for calculating fines for exceeding speed limits.

Under the proposed system, the fine amount will directly correlate with the number of kilometers per hour a driver exceeds the limit. On highways, each kilometer over the limit could incur a fine of ten euros. In built-up areas, the tariff would be five or ten euros per kilometer, depending on the severity of the offense. This means a driver exceeding the highway speed limit by 17 km/h could face a fine of 170 euros.

Beyond financial penalties, the proposal includes more severe sanctions such as penalty points and driving bans. Depending on the extent of the speeding violation, drivers could lose four, six, or eight points. On highways, a driving ban could be imposed for exceeding the limit by more than 20 km/h, while in urban areas, this threshold would be raised to over 40 km/h. These measures would apply to both Italian citizens and foreign drivers visiting the country.

The proposed changes also address other aspects of traffic rules. Under specific conditions, overtaking on the right might be permitted on multi-lane roads, but only in clearly defined situations. Motorcyclists could be allowed to use emergency lanes during severe traffic congestion, a rule that would also extend to foreign motorcyclists in Italy. Additionally, the proposal suggests lowering the age for obtaining a B and C category driving license to 17.

Further adjustments are planned for cyclists, with a special category for electric bicycles requiring helmet use. For traditional bicycles, helmets would be mandatory for children under 14. However, some existing provisions will remain unchanged, including a 30% discount for fines paid within five days and the current limits for blood alcohol concentration. The appeal periods also remain the same, with 30 days to contest a fine before a justice of the peace or 60 days for a higher appeal.