New Highway Code, virtual lanes and compulsory safety barriers on motorways: what’s new for motorcyclists
It will be possible to use the hard shoulder in the event of a traffic jam
New obligations and concessions for motorcyclists in the Highway Code, revised and reorganised by the legislative decree approved by the Council of Ministers on 13 October. It should be noted that these updates are not yet in force: the text (which constitutes the second road safety package following that of 2024) must first be reviewed by the Council of State, the Unified Conference and the parliamentary committees by 12 January 2027. The changes could come into force from 1 January 2028.
Mandatory safety barriers on motorways
In the new Highway Code, a safety regulation now widely adopted by motorcyclists is being incorporated: in addition to a helmet, on motorways both the rider and passenger must wear ‘adequate’ protective gear for their backs and hands. The specifications for back protectors (such as airbag vests) and gloves will be set out in a regulation issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Motorcyclists who fail to comply with the new requirement will be fined between 40 and 160 euros. However, to encourage compliance with this safety measure, the fine will be halved for offences relating to an ‘accident’ if the motorcyclist is wearing the required personal protective equipment.
Using the hard shoulder in the event of traffic jams
It is already the case in Spain, and the same will soon be possible in Italia: in the event of traffic jams, accidents or slow-moving traffic on the motorway, motorcyclists will be allowed to use the hard shoulder. This is a ‘common-sense rule’ which, as stated in the explanatory report, protects motorcyclists from exposure to the elements in all instances of heavy traffic. However, motorcyclists must travel ‘at low speed’ and ensure that emergency vehicles can pass ‘at all times’.
The virtual lane
Where, however, there is no hard shoulder, a ‘virtual lane’ must be created. On multi-lane urban roads, in the event of traffic congestion or when travelling at ‘very low speeds due to traffic jams’, drivers in the left-hand lane must keep as close as possible to the left-hand verge, whilst those in the right-hand lane must position themselves as close as possible to the right-hand verge.
