New amendment to the Highway Code in sight. These days the Ministry of Transport has sent a draft that redraws the map of traffic violations to all parties involved in the public consultation of the updated version of the table provided by the regulation. La Stampa in newsstands this morning talks about over one hundred stakeholders including local authorities and the automotive world, who by next September 13 must send their observations and counterproposals regarding the “base text”.
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The Highway Code changes again
Regarding speeding fines, the principle of proportionality comes into play. To be clear: the fine will be calculated per single kilometer per hour over the established limit. The draft then introduces an automatic 10% increase on the base penalty in case of repeat offense, within five years, for all highway violations and if the driver has less than twenty points on the license. An important element: fines can also double in case of dangerous behavior, for example driving without a license.
Pedestrians also at risk of fines
Furthermore, the ministry aims to double the penalties for violating right-of-way rules during entries, reversing, and U-turns, increasing from 42 to 80 euros. Chapter soft mobility: the new Code provides for fines from 40 up to 160 euros for those who abandon scooters blocking the way for pedestrians or use the sidewalk as a preferred lane to avoid traffic. And the real novelty concerns pedestrians: they too are at risk of fines. If caught crossing the street with their eyes fixed on phones and tablets, they will have to pay a 75 euro fine. No penalty is foreseen, however, for those walking on crosswalks during a phone call.
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Bureaucratic changes
But the news is also bureaucratic. For example, the deadline to notify the fine at the owner’s home drops from the current 90 to 30 days. This means that if the competent Municipality delays even by one day, the fine is contestable and easily cancelable. Finally, for those who habitually use two-wheeled vehicles, it should be noted that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has planned to halve the fines for parking bans affecting two-wheeled vehicle drivers. Discounts of 50% are also under consideration for those wearing the latest safety equipment, such as back protectors and jackets with airbags.
