Substantial changes came into force in Italy from today Road Traffic Code. Among other things, the fines for anyone who uses electric skates without respecting the law are increasing significantly.

Anyone who uses an electric scooter without a helmet is now fined, which ranges from 50 to 250 euros. In case the skate does not have a plate or its numbers are not clearly visible, the fine starts from 100 and reaches 400 euros. A similar amount will have to be paid by anyone who is found not to have insured the specific vehicle, which is used more and more often in Italian cities, as well as citizens who travel on roads outside urban areas, where the speed limit exceeds 50 kilometers per hour.

At the same time, the new measures of the Italian Road Traffic Code for anyone who drives using their mobile phone foresee a fine from 250 to 1,000 euros. In case the specific violation is found for the second time, the relevant amount will reach 1,400 euros.

For citizens who drive having exceeded the permissible limits of alcohol consumption, a fine of up to 2,173 euros is foreseen with confiscation of the license for up to six months. However, in cases where the blood alcohol level exceeds 1.5 grams per liter, in addition to a fine of up to 6,000 euros, there is confiscation of the diploma for up to two years and imprisonment for up to twelve months.

As far as the use of drugs is concerned, anyone who tests positive for the relevant test – even if he does not present obvious problems with regard to reflexes and driving ability – will have his license revoked for a period of three years. And in this case, the maximum fine is 6,000 euros, with imprisonment from six months to one year. After a series of protests, Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini clarified that this latest measure does not concern citizens who use medicinal cannabis, with a doctor’s prescription and for reasons related to established health problems.

Anyone who abandons pets on roads and highways, finally, according to Italy’s new Code of Civil Procedure, will henceforth be punished with the confiscation of a license for up to one year and with a sentence of up to seven years in prison, in the event that this irresponsible act causes a traffic accident.