A real regulatory turning point is about to change the daily lives of millions of motorists and motorcyclists on Italian arteries. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has in fact sent over one hundred consultations to operators and sector associations to define a series of proposals intended to rewrite traffic. The primary objective aims to reconcile the protection of users with fairer and more proportionate sanctions, eliminating oppressive mechanisms and adapting Italy to European directives.
Early driving at 17 years old
Among the most impactful measures is the introduction of a driving license at the age of 17, a novelty that will allow children with an A1 or B1 license to drive accompanied at the age of 16. Once they turn 17, young drivers will also be able to get behind the wheel of vans and heavy vehicles without trailers, where the chronic shortage of hauliers will be countered by allowing the driving of category C vehicles even without possession of the Driver Qualification Card (Cqc), provided they are enrolled in an initial qualification course.
Helmet requirement for riders’ e-bikes and new rules on the motorway
On the light mobility front, work is being done on the introduction of compulsory helmets and badges for self-propelled bicycles, i.e. the e-bikes used by riders for home deliveries. As regards the motorway network and three-lane expressways, the legitimation of circulation in parallel lines takes shape, with the possibility of overtaking on the right. Furthermore, in the event of severe slowdowns or accidents, motorcyclists will be able to use the emergency lane, while still preserving the timely passage of emergency vehicles.
Higher fines
The package prepared by Matteo Salvini’s ministry would introduce a progressive sanction system for speed limits: on the motorway the amount will increase by 10 euros for each kilometer per hour in excess (bringing a fine of 100 euros to 140 km/h and 400 euros to 170 km/h), while on urban arteries the increase will be 5 euros for each km/h over the limit. There is also a stop to the automatic adjustment to inflation and a cut from 90 to 30 days for remote notification of minutes.
Crack on insurance
Very strict guidelines will affect those traveling without insurance coverage, with cross-checks by the Motorization Authority and the immediate seizure of the vehicle at the first stop on the road. For foreign vehicles, the possibility of compulsory collection is triggered in the following five years from any driver who is driving the vehicle with which the offense was committed. Municipalities will have the obligation to join the Cude platform for people with disabilities, under penalty of being unable to use automatic detectors for restricted traffic zones and reserved parking. Finally, the distribution of proceeds establishes that 70% collected from fines will go to road safety and the remaining 30% to the inspection body for checks and notifications.
