The Chamber approved at first reading the reform of the Highway Code desired by the government. Now the Senate vote is missing
March 28, 2024
Nohe day of March 27, 2024 has arrived the approval by the Chamber of Deputies of the bill on the reform of the Highway Code. We have been talking about these important changes wanted by the Government and in particular by the ministry directed by Matteo Salvini for some time and we have already anticipated the contents in this dedicated article. The bill was approved by the Council of Ministers last September and Fratelli d’Italia, Lega and Forza Italia (all three in government) voted in favour, while the Democratic Party, 5 Star Movement, Green Alliance and Left voted against , and Action. Now the bill it must also be approved by the Senate before becoming effective.
LThe bill essentially contains two parts. In the first he proposes changes to the current highway code approved in 1992 and subsequently modified several times; in the second he introduces a delegated law which gives the government the task of reorganising, through legislative decrees, the rules on motorization and road traffic. The enabling law is a type of law with which the parliament delegation precisely to the government the legislative function on a certain matter. (Source IlPost).
Formulations that cause discussion
LThe reform of the Security Council has so far been criticized in particular by various road safety associations because it would benefit motorists to the detriment of weaker users that is, pedestrians and cyclists who are precisely those who most need protection. They also consider it ineffective in tackling one of the main causes of road accidents, namely the high speed of cars. However, the penalties for driving while intoxicated, under the influence of drugs or with the use of mobile phones and electronic devices are tightened. While on speed limits the amount of fines for motorists and motorcyclists who exceed them in residential areas at least twice a year is only increased.
“Advanced houses” are eliminated, that is, those spaces reserved for cyclists at intersections regulated by traffic lights: they are spaces in front of the car stop line where bikes can wait for the traffic light to turn green and essentially leave before the cars. They will come replaced by “cycling areas” which are indeed similar spaces but which can only be found on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h and where there is already a cycle path. It is useless to explain how this represents an inexplicable worsening of safety for cyclists on all those roads. However, what causes greater dismay and protests is the cancellation of the obligation to give way to cyclists: motorists (and motorcyclists too, of course) will just have to “pay special attention”, an expression so vague that we can already imagine the various personal interpretations not only of those who drive but also of those who will have to judge events that have occurred. The obligation for cars overtaking a bicycle to maintain a safety distance of at least 1.5 meters is also introduced, but only “where road conditions allow it”.
How the Highway Code changes
RLet’s summarize some of the main points that especially concern motorcyclists:
- The regulations regarding the use of alcohol and drugs while driving provide for sanctions proportionate to the blood alcohol level detected. If the rate is between 0.5 and 0.8 grams per liter, you risk a fine of between 573 and 2,170 euros and a suspension of your driving license for 3 to 6 months. For rates between 0.8 and 1.5 grams per liter, the sanctions double with arrest of up to 6 months, fine from 800 to 3,200 euros and suspension of the driving license from 6 months to a year. Exceeding 1.5 grams per liter, the sanctions further increase with arrest from 6 months to one year, fine from 1,500 to 6,000 euros and suspension of the driving license from one to two years. In case of use of another person’s car , the license suspension is doubled. Repeat offenses within two years will result in the revocation of the license. Convictions for drunk driving or refusal of checks result in a deduction of 10 points from the driving licence. As regards drugs, the presence revealed by the tests leads to the revocation of the license with suspension of up to three years.
- As regards infringements detected by speed cameras, penalties do not accumulate if multiple devices are exceeded within an hour on the same road section managed by a single body; only the most serious sanction increased by one third applies. Fines for speeding can reach up to 1,084 euros with license suspension from two weeks to a month in the event of a repeat offense.
- Internal combustion and electric motorcycles with a displacement of no less than 120 cc can circulate on motorways and ring roads if driven by an adult.
- Scooters must now be equipped with a license plate, helmet and insurance.
- The new Code also provides that motor vehicles can tow two-wheeled trailers as long as they respect the required gauge and mass limits.
- The new regulations will come into force by the end of June after passing to the Senate for final approval.
