Is Sardinia afraid of breathalyzer tests ? Judging by the data, it certainly seems so. With the entry into force of the new Highway Code , on December 14, sales of breathalyzers on the island increased rapidly, so much so that they are now rare in pharmacies. The rush to buy, reminiscent of that of masks and sanitizer in the early months of Covid, is affecting all of Italy, a sign that many fear losing their license or having to pay hefty fines after an aperitif or dinner out. Thus, if previously the sales of do-it-yourself devices were limited, since the end of 2024 "there has been a clear increase in demand, three or four times the normal numbers. But the tests will be found, despite the growth in demand", explains Pierluigi Annis, president of Federfarma Sardegna .

The point is simple: before the new government provisions on driving and alcohol, breathalyzers were not of great interest. A trend that has now been reversed. "In one month, a year's supplies were gone," continues Annis. And the few pieces on the market only reflect the calibration of warehouses, accustomed to much smaller orders. After all, as the president of Federfarma points out, "in one month, a whole year's requests arrived."

But should we worry about the future? Or will drivers have to resort to online purchases, risking scams and non-compliant products? In this case, we can breathe a sigh of relief: the situation is very different from that experienced in 2020, when product shortages and uncertainty reigned supreme. "New orders have been placed," Annis reassures. And soon everyone will have the tests, certified and safe.

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