Reform passed

Cell phone driving will soon cost 1697 euros in Italy

Making phone calls while driving will soon be significantly more expensive in Italy.(Bild: benjaminnolte - stock.adobe.com)

Anyone going on vacation to Italy this summer will soon have to comply with stricter traffic regulations - or risk a hefty fine.

The Italian Chamber of Deputies passed a road traffic reform on Wednesday: it provides for stricter penalties for drivers caught using a cell phone or under the influence of drugs, including hefty fines and points deducted from their driving license.

Using a smartphone is expensive
Although the reform still has to be confirmed by the Senate, it is already making waves: There are now fines of up to 1697 euros if drivers are caught fiddling with their smartphones. In addition, eight to ten driving license points will be deducted and driving licenses will be revoked for a period of 15 days to two months.

If you are caught using a cell phone at the wheel again within two years, you could even face a three-month driving disqualification, a fine of 2588 euros and the deduction of ten driving license points.

Penalties for wrong-way parking multiplied
Caution is also called for when parking illegally: unauthorized parking in disabled parking spaces will in future cost 990 instead of 330 euros. Fines for parking in bus lanes or at bus stops are to be increased from 165 to 660 euros.