Nuovo CODICE della STRADA: 20 NOVITÀ che devi sapere!

Summary

In this video, Luca Faustino discusses the significant updates to Italy's road code in 2024, highlighting 20 major changes aimed at improving safety and promoting responsible driving. Key points include stricter penalties for offenses like speeding, driving under the influence, and using mobile phones while driving. The new regulations also introduce measures like the 'lifetime license revocation' for fatal accidents caused by impaired driving, alcohol-lock devices for repeat offenders, and the regulation of electric scooters. Additionally, stricter rules for young drivers, increased fines for illegal parking, and the expansion of road safety education in schools are covered.

Takeaways

• 😀 New changes to the Highway Code in 2024 aim to improve safety and promote responsible driving.
• 😀 The 'lifelong driving ban' (ergastolo della patente) is introduced for drivers causing fatal accidents while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• 😀 Immediate suspension of driver's licenses is now possible for serious violations, such as running red lights or using a mobile phone while driving.
• 😀 A zero-tolerance policy for alcohol applies to new drivers and professional drivers, with stricter measures for repeat offenders, including the 'alcohol lock' system.
• 😀 Drug testing procedures have been intensified, and a positive test may lead to license revocation, with a mandatory waiting period of at least 3 years before applying for a new one.
• 😀 Fines for speeding have increased, particularly in urban areas and near schools or hospitals, to enhance road safety.
• 😀 The penalties for using mobile phones while driving have become more severe, with fines ranging from 250 to 1697 euros and possible license suspension for first-time offenders.
• 😀 Motorcycles with at least 120cc or electric models with at least 6kW can now access highways and major roads, but the driver must be of legal age.
• 😀 Animal abandonment on roads is now a punishable offense, with penalties ranging from a 6-month to a 1-year driving license suspension, and up to 7 years in prison if it results in an accident with casualties.
• 😀 New rules require maintaining a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists to ensure their safety, though some roads may not accommodate this distance.
• 😀 Electric scooters must now be equipped with a license plate and insurance, and cannot circulate on roads with speed limits above 50 km/h. They are now regulated like mopeds.
• 😀 Cities with UNESCO World Heritage status are now implementing restricted traffic zones, banning the most polluting vehicles from entering historic areas.
• 😀 Increased fines for illegal parking, especially in spaces reserved for disabled people or near bus stops, with fines reaching up to 90 euros to enforce better compliance.
• 😀 Restrictions for new drivers on high-power vehicles have been extended from 1 to 3 years to improve safety for both new drivers and other road users.
• 😀 Road safety education is now mandatory in high schools, and students can earn 2 extra points on their driving license after completing the course.
• 😀 Remote automated controls using advanced cameras will now automatically detect violations, including failure to yield to pedestrians and illegal parking, improving enforcement and road safety.
• 😀 In many urban areas, speed limits are now lowered to 30 km/h near schools and pedestrian zones to enhance safety.
• 😀 Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks will face higher fines and increased penalty points on their licenses.
• 😀 The law has strengthened helmet requirements for motorcyclists, with increased fines for non-compliance.

Q & A

What is the so-called 'lifetime suspension of the driving license' introduced by the 2024 Highway Code reforms?

The 'lifetime suspension of the driving license' refers to the reform that enforces permanent revocation of a driver's license for individuals who cause fatal accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What are the consequences of committing serious infractions like running a red light or using a phone while driving?

Drivers who commit serious infractions, such as running a red light, using a phone while driving, or exceeding speed limits by a large margin, risk having their license suspended for 7 to 15 days, even after their first violation.

What are the new regulations regarding alcohol consumption for novice drivers and professional drivers?

The new regulations enforce a zero-tolerance alcohol limit for novice drivers and professional drivers. Additionally, repeat offenders may have an alcohol lock device installed, preventing vehicle start if alcohol is detected.

How have drug tests and penalties changed under the 2024 reforms?

Drug tests have been intensified, and drivers who test positive for drugs, even without visible signs, can have their license revoked. A new license can only be obtained after three years.

What are the consequences of exceeding speed limits in urban areas and near schools or hospitals?

The penalties for speeding have been increased, particularly in urban areas and near schools or hospitals, to enhance road safety in these sensitive locations.

What are the new rules regarding the use of mobile phones while driving?

Using mobile phones while driving has become more heavily penalized. Fines range from €250 to €1697, and first-time offenders may have their license suspended for 15 days to two months.

Can motorcycles with certain specifications now use highways?

Yes, motorcycles with an engine displacement of at least 120cc or a power output of at least 6kW, including electric ones, are now allowed to use highways and major urban roads, provided the rider is an adult.

What penalties apply for abandoning animals on the road or in public areas?

Abandoning animals on the road or public areas now carries a penalty of a driving license suspension for 6 months to a year. If the abandonment leads to an accident causing death or injury, the penalty could be up to 7 years in prison.

What distance should drivers maintain when overtaking cyclists?

Drivers are now required to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists to ensure their safety and promote more sustainable mobility.

What are the new regulations regarding electric scooters?

Electric scooters are now required to have a license plate and insurance, and are banned from roads with speed limits exceeding 50 km/h. They are also subject to penalties for irregular parking and are now classified as mopeds.

How does the reform affect zones with restricted traffic, especially in UNESCO heritage cities?

The reform introduces restricted traffic zones in UNESCO World Heritage cities to protect historic centers. Vehicles that are highly polluting, like those with older Euro standards (Euro 0 to Euro 4), will face circulation restrictions in these areas.

What changes have been made regarding education on road safety in schools?

The reform mandates road safety education courses in high schools, with students who participate receiving two additional points on their driving license once they pass the test.

What new automated monitoring measures have been introduced to improve road safety?

Automated systems using advanced cameras will now monitor violations such as failing to yield to pedestrians and illegal double parking. Additionally, speed limits in many urban areas will be reduced to 30 km/h to enhance safety.