Italy Increases Fines for Traffic Offences, Drunk Driving now Costs 2,200 Euros

italy - Italy has significantly raised fines for a range of traffic offences, aiming to tackle the high number of traffic fatalities in the country.

Italy has increased the fines for a series of traffic offenses. Those who exceed the alcohol limit of 0.5 promille now risk a fine of at least 2,200 euros and a six-month driving ban. Those exceeding 1.5 promille could face six months in jail.

Smartphone use while driving is also being more severely punished in Italy. This violation now costs at least 250 euros. Repeat offenders could be fined up to 1,400 euros. Speeding is also being significantly crackdown.

The new rules will come into effect on Saturday. With the stricter penalties, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government aims to address the high number of traffic fatalities in Italy, which is over 3,000 per year.

To better protect cyclists, a new rule has been introduced. Motorists must now leave at least 1.5 meters of space when overtaking cyclists.