World News
Proposed Italian highway code update includes fines for distracted pedestrians
Italy's draft road safety regulations would penalize pedestrians who cross streets while looking at mobile devices and increase fines for drivers on phones.
The short version
- Italy's transport ministry has drafted highway code revisions that propose fines starting at €75 for pedestrians staring at mobile devices while crossing roads.
- The rules permit hands-free calls, emergency phone use, and specific earphone use while crossing, but mandate that pedestrians verify approaching drivers see them before stepping off the curb.
- The draft code also increases penalties for drivers using mobile phones, while dropping a previously considered driving restriction for citizens aged 85 and older.
- The updated highway code is expected to face final approval by mid-October.
Key facts
- Italy's updated draft highway code proposes fines of €75 or more for pedestrians who look at mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or cameras while crossing a road.[The Guardian]
- The proposed pedestrian restrictions apply only to road crossings, not to walking along sidewalks.[The Guardian]
- Pedestrians would still be allowed to make hands-free calls, use devices during emergencies, or wear earphones if adequate hearing is maintained in both ears.[The Guardian]
- Drivers using mobile phones could face fines up to €2,588 and driver's license suspensions of one to three months for repeat offenses under the draft rules.[The Guardian]
- A proposal limiting drivers aged 85 and over to a 100km radius from their homes and banning them from highways was removed from the draft following public pushback.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The draft highway code remains subject to approval expected by mid-October and could undergo further revisions prior to final adoption.[The Guardian]