Italy imposes harsher penalties for dangerous driving

Italy is toughening traffic fines and penalties to reduce the high number of road deaths, which exceeded 3,000 last year.

The Senate approved the reform of the traffic code spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government, with drug and alcohol consumption coming in for particular scrutiny.

The blood alcohol limit in Italy is 0.5 grams per litre. Those caught driving in excess of that now risk a fine of up to €2,000 ($2,100) and a driving licence suspension of up to six months.

If the blood alcohol level is between 0.8 and 1.5 grams per litre, the penalty doubles. Above 1.5, a prison sentence of up to six months is also possible.

For drivers under the influence of drugs, a zero-tolerance policy will apply in the future. Anyone caught faces a driving licence suspension of up to three years.

The use of mobile phones will also be enforced more strictly.

Drivers caught handling their phones, making calls or chatting while driving must pay up to €1,000. In case of a repeat offence, the fine rises to €1,400 plus a driving licence suspension of up to three months. The duration of the suspension doubles if mobile phone use is a contributing factor to an accident.

Speeding offences will also be sanctioned and punished more severely than ever before. If the speed limit is exceeded by more than 10 km/h, penalties of up to nearly €700 are foreseen. Within a town and if repeated twice within a year, penalties can reach up to €880 plus a driving licence suspension for 15 to 30 days.