Mobile phones whilst driving: Salvini says 72,422 driving licences have been revoked. Here’s when the suspension takes effect
“72,422 driving licences have been revoked for using a mobile phone whilst driving since the new Highway Code came into force.” This was stated by the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, during the presentation of the Dekra 2026 Report on road safety. “Being Transport Minister isn’t always politically rewarding, but at least those 72,422 people will think twice before using their smartphones whilst driving again,” commented the Deputy Prime Minister.
When does the suspension take effect?
The new Highway Code came into force on 14 December 2024: according to figures provided by Salvini, 105 driving licences were suspended each day for using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Distracted driving is the number one cause of road accidents, and the police have long highlighted that the main problem is the use of mobile phones and other digital devices whilst driving. The new rules have introduced tougher penalties for drivers using a mobile phone or smartphone whilst driving: fines range from a minimum of 250 euros to a maximum of 1,000 euros.
An automatic one-week suspension of your ‘driving licence’ is triggered if you are caught using a mobile phone (or a laptop, notebook, tablet or headphones) whilst driving, and you have at least 10 penalty points on your licence. This also applies to anyone caught not wearing a seatbelt or driving the wrong way down a road.
If the number of points is lower, the licence suspension is 15 days. In the event of a repeat offence, the fine increases to 1,400 euros, the licence suspension may be extended to three months and a further 8 to 10 points will be deducted.
