The power limitations for new drivers are changing: they are valid for the first three years, but the limit is higher
It is less severe than expected government crackdown on driving powerful cars by new drivers: even the limits are raised compared to current legislation, but they remain valid for three years and no longer just for the first. The amendment approved in the new Highway Code, which will come into force once Parliament has given its approval, provides that holders of a B license, for the first three years after issue, are not allowed to drive vehicles with specific power referred to tare weight greater than 75 kW (102 HP) per tonne. In the case of motor vehicles, including electric or plug-in hybrids, a further restriction applies to maximum powerwhich must not exceed 105 kW (143 HP).
The current rule
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The text in force until now provided for the limitation only for the first year of the licensewith a maximum permitted power of 70 kW (95 HP) and a specific power related to the tare weight of 55 kW/tonne (75 HP). The latter rises to 65 kW/tonne (88 HP) for electric or plug-in hybrid cars, which are also excluded from the maximum power limit. These limitations do not apply if the driver is accompanied by a person who has held a license for more than ten years. With the new amendment, this exception has been eliminated. Finally, i.e. are unchanged speed limits for new drivers, always valid for the first three years: 90 km/h on main extra-urban roads and 100 km/h on the motorway.