From today the obligation to install an alcohol lock on cars officially comes into force for anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.8 grams per litre. The device, a fixed breathalyzer, prevents you from starting the engine if the blood alcohol level exceeds the permitted limit, turning road safety into a concrete responsibility for motorists.
Which models are authorized and where to install them
The Ministry of Transport has published the list of authorized devices, available on the Motorist Portal. For the moment, the approved models are the Breatech B1000 and the Zaldy, the latter also compatible with vans and vehicles for transporting goods and people. For each device, the manufacturers, authorized installers and compatible cars are indicated.
However, the list is still limited: for Breatech there are less than three hundred compatible car and tractor/truck models, while the installers are mainly concentrated in Milan. For Zaldy, there are only three installers, between Pisa, Varese and Turin.
Who should fit the alcohol lock and for how long
The obligation to install it is triggered as a sanction for those who exceed the alcohol limits during roadside checks. Penalties can reach up to a fine of up to 3,200 euros, with arrest of up to six months and license suspension of up to two years in the event of driving on someone else’s vehicle. In case of conviction, the device must be maintained for two years, while those who record values higher than 1.5 grams per liter will have to keep it installed for up to three years. The medical commission may further extend the period based on clinical assessment.
Sanctions for tampering and repeat offenses
Anyone who attempts to tamper with or remove the alcohol lock risks double fines and suspension of their driving license from one to six months. In case of repeat driving while intoxicated, the penalties increase by a third. The idea is clear: to ensure that the device remains operational and safe, discouraging irresponsible behavior behind the wheel.
Costs and maintenance of the device
Installing the alcohol lock involves a significant expense, which can exceed 2 thousand euros. In addition to the initial cost of assembly, it is necessary to purchase disposable mouthpieces and subject the device to annual calibration to keep it compliant. All these burdens fall on the motorist, making the alcohol lock an investment in safety but also a concrete economic commitment.
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