ORwe’re here now, the new Highway Codea real revolution for Italian mobility, is about to come into force Saturday 14 Decemberbut the Minister of Infrastructure Matteo Salvini is already looking further, announcing a further significant reform, that of the driving license exam scheduled for 2025: «Enough with the wheel of fortune style crosses – the minister declared to Tg2 Post – the exam will become more practical and oriented towards street experience, less focused on mnemonic study and more on practice».
Highway Code starting on December 14th
Despite the enthusiasm of the Northern League Minister, the most immediate innovations are those of the new Highway Code, which brings with it a package of measures aimed at making the roads safer and regulate growing sustainable mobility. So let’s see what will change in the daily lives of motorists and road users.
Alcohol and drugs, the alcohol lock is coming
The crackdown on alcohol and drugs is becoming more severe than ever. Who will be found at the driving while intoxicated will have to deal with fines of up to 6,000 euros, in addition to the suspension of the license which, in the most serious cases, can last up to two years. Not only that: it is entering our legal system the alcohollocka device that it will prevent the car from starting if the driver has had too much to drink. The measure, which will be operational in about six months, will initially apply only to repeat offenders.
Still the crackdown on driving under the influence of drugs is tougher: a positive rapid test will be enough to have your license immediately revoked, with a three-year suspension and heavy fines. For repeat offenders, definitive farewell to the driving licence: the withdrawal will be for lifewithout distinctions between soft and hard drugs.
Revolution on the roads from December 14th with the new Highway Code (Getty Images)
The “short” suspension of the driving licence
One of the most significant innovations is the introduction of the “short suspension” of the driving licence, which will apply to those who already have less than 20 points. Use your cell phone while driving, do not fasten your seat belt, drive against traffic or carrying out prohibited overtaking may cost one suspension of 7 or 15 daysi, in addition to the sanctions already foreseen.
The rules for new drivers
For new drivers, the code outlines a path of gradual responsibility: in the first three years they will have to comply specific speed limits (100 km/h on the motorway and 90 on extra-urban roads) and the blood alcohol level must be zero. The ban on driving powerful cars extends from one to three years, but there is also some positive news: the minimum age for driving buses is lowered from 21 to 18after obtaining a specific professional license.
Sustainable mobility also enters the new Highway Code
Sustainable mobility finally finds organic regulation. For electric scooters there is an insurance requirement, license plate and helmet for all users, with circulation limited to urban roads only.
Those who ride bicycles will also enjoy greater protection: Motorists will need to maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters when overtaking. The cycle paths will see more precise regulation, with the possibility of creating cycle certification areas at traffic lights, but only where dedicated lanes already exist.
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