New highway code: crackdown. The new rules

Last November, a draft law revising and updating the Highway Code came into effect, pending its complete rewrite within 12 months, which should result in the publication of a “Highway Code 2026.” These pages outline the new regulations that have the most impact on farmers and breeders, which also apply when driving agricultural machinery.

In a democratic state, laws are neither inherently good nor bad but always reflect social or economic needs that the governing administration seeks to address within the framework of its electoral mandate and ideological positions. This naturally triggers reactions and debates from parliamentary minorities.

For now just a reform

A prime example is the “New Highway Code,” which became effective on November 19. In reality, this is not an entirely “new Code” but a reform of the pre-existing one, intended to patch outdated regulations that the government has committed to rewriting in the next year. Meanwhile, the newly approved directives introduce behavioral rules for road users and new sanctions, aiming both to make traffic safer and to curb municipalities exploiting speed cameras for revenue or implementing unreasonable traffic restrictions like unsustainable ZTLs (limited traffic zones) or speed limits incompatible with modern vehicles.

One regulation for two objectives

This legislation pursues two different but compatible goals: enhancing safety and preserving certain fundamental rights. However, it has faced criticism, particularly from a left-leaning opposition accustomed to rhetoric rather than action. According to critics, these measures will not make roads safer while restricting “virtuous” mayors who use ZTLs and speed cameras to address social, economic, and environmental issues in their cities. These arguments lack substance. Only time will tell whether the new rules reduce accident rates, making it ideological to claim they won’t improve safety.

The criticism comes from the left

Conversely, the traffic bottlenecks caused by “creative” ZTLs are well-documented, slowing down public transportation and jeopardizing light mobility. This undermines the opposition’s arguments while overshadowing the reform’s main shortcoming: the lack of additional law enforcement. Stricter penalties and protections for vulnerable users are ineffective without enforcement. Local police, traffic police, the Carabinieri, and the Guardia di Finanza are understaffed, limiting their ability to provide the necessary coverage. Moreover, problems must be tackled at their root, emphasizing prevention.

Stricter screening for aspiring drivers and introducing road safety courses in schools, leading to AM and A1 licenses for young people at 14 and 16 years old, respectively, would be beneficial. This could save families between €700 and €900. Driving schools prioritizing license sales over training should also be shut down, particularly in the agricultural sector concerning tractor-driving certifications.

Near-Zero Tolerance for Alcohol

New rules impose severe penalties for drivers with a blood alcohol level between 0.5 and 0.8 g/L, including fines ranging from €573 to €2,170 and a license suspension of 3–6 months. Higher levels carry heftier penalties, including potential arrest. Repeat offenses within two years also mandate installing an alcohol-lock system in vehicles.

Drug-Free Driving

Drivers testing positive for drugs will face license revocation for three years without needing confirmation from a medical center. Severe incidents under the influence may lead to a lifetime driving ban.

Distracted Driving Costs Lives

Using a phone or handheld device while driving leads to fines and immediate license suspension, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses.

No Sports Cars for Beginners

Drivers with less than three years of experience are restricted from driving vehicles exceeding 75 kW/tonne, capped at 105 kW.

Speeding Isn’t Worth It

Exceeding speed limits carries steep fines and license suspension, with harsher penalties for urban violations. Repeat offenders face significantly increased sanctions.

Autovelox only where necessary

New rules regulate the placement and use of speed cameras, requiring clear visibility and limiting their deployment based on reasonable speed thresholds.