News for road safety: the decree signed at the beginning of July by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport aims to mark a decisive step forward in the strategy to combat dangerous driving. The decree defines the characteristics and installation methods of the alcolock – introduced into our legal system with the reform of the Highway Code in December 2024, already standard equipment in several European countries (we talked about it here) – making its installation mandatory for those who have already been penalized for drunk driving.
It will take a few more months to see it operational, the time needed for official publication and to have the lists of compatible workshops and vehicles, but the goal is to make it mandatory by the end of the year.
What is an Alcolock and how does it work?
It's a kind of electronic "breathalyzer test": it's a breathalyzer connected to the vehicle's control unit that prevents the engine from starting if the driver has a blood alcohol level above zero.
Technically, it's simple: you blow into the breathalyzer and, if there's no trace of alcohol, the engine starts. Otherwise, the car stays off. The device can be installed on private cars, commercial vehicles, and buses and must comply with the technical standards set by European regulation EN 50436. Authorized installers are required to apply a special seal to prevent tampering.
Who must install it?
The obligation applies only to those who have been definitively convicted of drunk driving with a blood alcohol level exceeding 0.8 g/l, and only after serving their license suspension. It is not retroactive, so it applies to new convictions.
The obligation lasts for specific periods, depending on the severity of the infraction:
- 2 years for levels between 0.81 and 1.50 g/l.
- 3 years for levels above 1.5 g/l.
During this period, the driver is "reclassified" as a new driver and must have a zero blood alcohol level, clearly indicated on the driving license.
How much does it cost and where is it installed?
The cost of the Alcolock is entirely borne by the driver and is around 2,000 euros, including installation and homologation.
Installation can only take place at authorized workshops, whose lists will be published on the website of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (ilportaledellautomobilista.it); until then, it will not be possible to proceed with the installation. The installer must provide the car owner with a declaration of correct installation and a calibration certificate, indicating the date after which the device must be re-calibrated by an accredited laboratory. Both documents must be kept in original form in the car and presented in case of a road police check.
What happens if the obligation is not met?
Driving without an Alcolock when it is mandatory, or attempting to tamper with it, entails penalties:
- a fine from 158 to 638 euros and license suspension (from 1 to 6 months)
- in case of tampering, the penalties double
- if, despite the obligation, one is caught driving under the influence again, the penalties increase by one-third
We will see if the system proves effective. Our advice, however, is always to be responsible, to ensure one's own and others' safety.
