The new Highway Code reform rules begin today. Among the new features of the crackdown are the withdrawal of driving licenses for those who use a cell phone , or who are drunk or drugged, and for those who abandon animals on the street .

And again, a crackdown on scooters with mandatory registration plate, helmet and insurance .

The engine size of cars that new drivers can drive will also increase, but the limit will last for three years.

Compared to the original text, there are new developments coming for those who use therapeutic cannabis : the aim is to protect people undergoing treatment with psychotropic substances with therapeutic protocols, under medical supervision .

"I hope that with the application 99% of Italians will understand that the new Code has the objective of reducing the number of accidents and deaths on the roads", the words of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini. Who jokingly adds: "I also understand that from today I will attract some curses". Here are the main new features.

CELL PHONES AT THE WHEEL - The fine for those who drive with a smartphone will range from a minimum of 250 euros to a maximum of 1,000. An automatic one-week suspension is also introduced if you are caught with a phone at the wheel and have at least 10 points on your license: this also applies to those who are caught without a seatbelt or driving the wrong way. If the points are lower, the suspension is 15 days. In the event of a repeat offense, the fine increases to 1,400 euros, the suspension of the license can reach three months and a reduction of 8 to 10 points is added.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - Zero tolerance, with new features for repeat offenders: if the blood alcohol level is between 0.5 and 0.8 grams per litre, you will receive a fine of between 573 and 2,170 euros, with a suspension of your driving licence from 3 to 6 months. If the blood alcohol level is between 0.8 and 1.5 grams per litre, you will be punished with a double penalty, imprisonment and a fine (arrest of up to 6 months and a fine of 800 to 3,200 euros). Suspension of your driving licence from 6 months to one year. If the blood alcohol level is higher than 1.5 grams per litre, the violation is punished with a custodial and fine (arrest of 6 months and one year and a fine of 1,500 to 6,000 euros) and suspension of your driving licence from one to two years. What can you drink in practice? It depends on your weight, height and whether you have a full stomach: generally you are safe with a glass of wine or a can of beer or a shot of spirits. For new drivers, the rules already in force provide for a zero alcohol level for three years. All cases of drunk driving lead to the deduction of 10 points from the license. Among the sanctions there is also the obligation to install an alcohol intercom on the car.

DRIVING UNDER THE DRUG - Zero tolerance for drug users. Anyone found driving under the influence will no longer have to be in a state of psycho-physical alteration, but will simply need to test positive. Consumers of therapeutic cannabis are not included in this category.

SPEEDING - Fine from 173 to 694 euros for anyone who exceeds the speed limit by more than 10 km/h and not more than 40 km/h. If the violation is committed within a built-up area and at least twice in the space of a year, the fine is increased to between 220 and 880 euros with suspension of the license from fifteen to thirty days.

URBAN CIRCULATION AND ZTL - Restrictions on urban circulation may be imposed only if there are joint needs for reducing polluting emissions and protecting cultural heritage and artistic, environmental and natural heritage. In compliance with the criteria of adequacy and proportionality and taking into account, in any case, the needs of mobility and the protection of production.

ANIMAL ABANDONMENT - Revocation or suspension of the license from six months to one year for those who abandon animals on the street. In addition, one risks up to seven years in prison if this causes an accident with deaths or injuries.

BICYCLES AND SCOOTERS - More protection for cyclists: in addition to the increase in cycle paths, motorists will be required to maintain a distance of one and a half metres when passing a bicycle. Scooters will be required to have a licence plate, helmet and insurance, but we will have to wait for the technical times of the implementing regulations.

SPEED CAMERA - If you receive multiple fines on the same stretch of road, within a period of one hour and under the jurisdiction of the same authority, you only pay one fine: the most serious one increased by a third.

SUPERCAR - The ban on driving "powerful" cars for new drivers will be extended from one to three years (but only for those who get their license after the law has been approved). They will not be able to drive vehicles with a power greater than 75 kW/t and cars with a maximum power of 105 kW. But the power limit has been relaxed a bit. The current Code sets the limit at 55 kW/t for motor vehicles in general and 70kW/h for cars. Courses are planned in schools, with additional points on the license.

OTHER REGULATIONS - Many interventions are planned, from level crossings to parking, which will have to provide a minimum of 20% of free parking areas, areas for searching for electric vehicles, "kiss & ride" areas for stations and airports and, free of charge, for the disabled. Rules regarding those who get their driving license after the law has been approved are being delegated.

(Unioneonline/vl)

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