Strict rules on mobile phones in cars in Italy are resulting in thousands of disqualifications. 100 drivers lose their driving licenses every day.
Using a mobile phone while driving has cost many Italian drivers dearly. A total of 8,900 people have lost their driving licenses in Italy due to mobile phone use. This comes after the introduction of new, strict rules in the country regarding mobile phones in the car.
The stricter Italian rules came into effect in December 2024. The figures for the many disqualifications cover the first three months after the tightening.
This is according to information from the Italian Ministry of the Interior, which local media, including the Italian edition of Sky , are reporting.
A total of 17,600 driving licenses were revoked in Italy during the three-month period. Mobile phone use accounted for around half of all revocations. This equates to an average of 100 drivers losing their licenses every day for using their mobile phones.
The Italian rules are very strict. It is absolutely forbidden to touch the phone while driving. Even rejecting an incoming call with your hand is illegal under the new regulations.
However, it is still permitted to use the phone hands-free. Drivers are welcome to connect their mobile phone wirelessly via Bluetooth to the car's infotainment system or a similar hands-free solution.
Consequences of mobile phone use behind the wheel in Italy
The penalty for violating the rules on mobile phone use is significant in Italy. A driver caught using a mobile phone illegally for the first time risks a fine. The fine level is between approximately 1,820 and 7,215 Danish kroner (Based on an exchange rate of 0.65 DKK/SEK).
In addition to the fine, the driver's license may also be suspended. The period for the suspended license is set at between two weeks and two months. This applies to the first offense of this type.
If a driver is caught violating the mobile phone ban again, the penalty increases. The fine then ranges between approximately 2,500 and 10,000 Danish kroner.
Repeated violations can also lead to a longer unconditional suspension of the driver's license. In this case, the driver may lose the right to drive a car for a period of between one and three months.
Italy is not the only country with a stricter focus on mobile phone use while driving. Norway is also currently considering introducing stricter rules for mobile phones while driving.
Debate about tightening rules and bans in Norway
The Norwegian government has presented a concrete proposal for new rules. The proposal would make it illegal for drivers to touch a mobile phone while driving. The only exception would be if the phone is placed in a fixed holder.
The Norwegian proposal, however, has drawn criticism from the drivers' organization. The association NAF (Norwegian Automobile Association) is outright opposed to the proposed ban. They believe it goes too far.
"Such a ban goes against what people perceive as fair and just," says Ingunn Handagard. She is the press officer at NAF and explains the organization's point of view.
The discussion in Norway reflects a general challenge. There are often divided opinions about where exactly the line for using technology in the car should be drawn to ensure road safety.
Distraction in traffic is a well-known and global problem. Many countries are continuously implementing new measures and regulations. The goal is to increase traffic safety, and mobile phones are often considered a significant source of distraction.
Focus on traffic safety, fines and rules for drivers is a topic that is constantly evolving. On Boosted.dk you can find more articles about fines for various traffic violations and how they are increased. In fact, both at home and abroad. Good to know for the do-it-yourself holiday.
