Millions of Italians on the roads

Christmas holidays: new Highway Code rules for car journeys

Consult the stickers indicating heavy traffic, check the efficiency of the vehicle, comply with the new regulations in order not to incur high penalties

Viaggi di Natale: ecco tutte le novità del Codice della strada da rispettare

4' min read

4' min read

Christmas holidays, what precautions to take when travelling? After the entry into force of the new rules of the Highway Code to increase safety and reduce accidents, here are all the new driving precautions not to be underestimated when travelling on roads and motorways during the Christmas, New Year and Epiphany holidays. All the news in a video interview with State Police Chief Commissioner Salvatore Atorino.

Millions of Italians will be travelling over the Christmas holidays. What suggestions do you have to make them smart departures?

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At Christmas, New Year's Eve and Epiphany, it is normal to observe an increase in traffic volume. In order to avoid situations such as excessively heavy traffic, those who can do so should prepare themselves. There is the possibility of consulting the bulletins that mark the expected traffic volumes on the motorways. These are for the weekends before public holidays. It is important to keep informed of traffic and weather conditions. I would suggest doing this through the channels of the road safety coordination centre. I am thinking, for example, of the Rai Isoradio radio channel where you can get constant updates on traffic conditions. The same goes for those who are already on the road. And one tip is to consult the variable message signs. In any case, I would like to remind you that the traffic police crews are always available for any information or support.

What to do before departure to check that the vehicle is OK?

Before setting off, it is a good idea to check the condition of your vehicle. On many stretches, winter equipment is mandatory, i.e. chains or winter tyres. It is necessary to check that you have all the mandatory documentation on board the vehicle, and not least, of course, to check that your psychophysical state is adequate for driving. So do not take drugs or drink anything before driving. Then the advice is to take regular breaks while driving: every two hours of driving stop for 10 to 15 minutes.

At Christmas time, it is better not to have one too many toasts. Shall we remember the new rules for alcohol and drugs?

There is no tolerance threshold for alcohol consumption to be zero for novice drivers. And on this it is good to be clear. As far as the other categories of driver are concerned, we have different punishability ranges depending on the detected blood-alcohol concentration. So with a level above 0.5 grams per litre up to 0.8 there is a fine of a minimum of EUR 543 up to a maximum of EUR 2,170. And suspension of the driving licence from a minimum of three months to a maximum of six months and a deduction of ten points. For those who drive over 0.8 and over 1.5 there is also a criminal sanction: there is a fine of up to €6,000 and a licence suspension of up to two years, in addition to the deduction of ten points. With regard to driving after taking drugs, there is also a criminal sanction. The fine is from a minimum of 1,500 euros to a maximum of 6,000 euros and a licence suspension of one to two years.

No mobile phone in hand. What are the new code indications? .

On the basis of the innovations introduced, which came into force on 14 December 2024, anyone using a mobile phone while driving or similar devices, such as a tablet or notebook, and in any case devices that even momentarily take the hand away from the steering wheel, is liable to an administrative penalty of between 250 and 1,000 euros. And already for the first violation, the suspension of the driving licence - this is the real novelty - is envisaged from 15 days to two months. For repeat offenders, the administrative penalty even starts at 350 euros up to 1,400 euros and a licence suspension of 1 to 3 months.

On the motorway there can be delays what are the new rules if there is a safety car?

In the presence of a safety car - which is a police vehicle that is carrying out a technical-operational manoeuvre in emergency conditions to regulate traffic in the event of a dangerous situation caused perhaps by an obstacle in the roadway or by people in the roadway - it is advisable to observe all the prescribed indications. In particular, overtaking the safety car is not permitted, and in the event of a violation there is an administrative penalty ranging from EUR 167 to EUR 665, in addition to the suspension of the driving licence from 1 to 3 months.

Codice della strada: ecco le sanzioni per chi abbandona animali in strada

One of the new features introduced in the Highway Code is the short suspension of driving licences. What is it?

The short licence penalty is an accessory sanction. It is a new institution, introduced by the latest regulations that came into force on 14 December 2024. In certain cases typified by the legislature within the Highway Code and when the user has less than twenty points on his driving licence. The short suspension is effected by the withdrawal of the driving licence on the road by the certifying body, which will retain it for seven days if the user has a driving licence points assets of less than twenty but more than ten. If, on the other hand, the user has less than ten points, the withholding of the licence is for 15 days.

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