As a result of several fatal accidents, stricter rules for e-scooters will be introduced in Italy. The Council of Ministers in Rome approved some changes to road traffic regulations on Tuesday night.
According to new regulations approved by the cabinet, e-scooter drivers must wear a helmet and be insured, and an e-scooter registration plate is required. The measures still need to be approved by Parliament.
What new rules will apply to e-scooters in Italy
It will be prohibited to park e-scooters on sidewalks in the future. “We have to create some order. The unregulated parking of e-scooters on the sidewalks of big cities like Milan and Rome has become a real problem,” said Transport Minister Matteo Salvini after the presentation of the new laws.
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As in many other European countries, the use of e-scooters in Italy has experienced a real boom in recent years. Rental companies are flooding major cities with e-scooters, popular with locals and tourists alike.
However, police report numerous accidents, with six people killed while riding scooters in Rome alone in the past two years. E-scooters are also a problem for pedestrians, as there are no regulations on where they must be parked.
Italy is taking tougher measures against driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
The Italian government is also stepping up the fight against driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. No tolerance for drugged or drunk drivers, with a particular focus on repeat offenders, is the mantra of the Meloni government. Anyone who has ever been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol will be subject to the 0.0 per thousand rule.
For this, the vehicle must be equipped with the so-called “Alcolock” system, which prevents driving if the alcohol test is greater than zero. If someone is pulled over again while driving under the influence of alcohol, their driver’s license will be revoked for up to 30 years.
What are the penalties in Italy?
The same applies to drug traffickers. If the first rapid test is positive, the driving license expires for 20 days, the second time the driving ban is at least three years. A minor who drives without a license and is drunk or under the influence of drugs cannot obtain a driver’s license until the age of 24.
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A short CNH suspension will be introduced for anyone using a cell phone while driving: from seven to 15 days if you have less than 20 points on your CNH. Drivers’ license novices can only drive large cars three years after acquiring the license.