The topic is important: we return to the new Highway Code regulations to highlight even more new rules designed to improve road safety. And once again, we reiterate the importance of respecting rules for one's own and others' safety. The driver is always the fundamental element: the preparation, concentration, and sense of responsibility of the person behind the wheel are the best protection for all road users.
Short Suspension of Driving License
A short suspension is an ancillary sanction that automatically applies for certain Highway Code violations, in addition to points deduction.
The sanction applies for the first violation, but only if the driver has fewer than 20 points on their license; the suspension will be 7 days if license points are between 10 and 19, and 15 days if the score is between 1 and 9 points. It increases to 30 days of suspension if the infraction causes an accident.
Which behaviors are sanctioned? The main ones: using a mobile phone while driving, running a red light, overtaking on the right or where prohibited, driving against traffic, failing to yield, not using seat belts or a helmet, not using child car seats and anti-abandonment devices.
Heavier Penalties for Speeding
Fines from 173 to 694 euros for those who exceed speed limits by more than 10 km/h and not more than 40 km/h. If the violation occurs within a built-up area and at least twice within the year, the fine can go up to 880 euros with a license suspension of 15 to 30 days.
Abandonment of Animals
The monetary fine for those caught abandoning an animal on the road increases by one-third – both minimum and maximum; it ranges from 1,300 to 13,000, plus license suspension from 6 months to 1 year. If the abandonment poses a risk to the safety of other road users, the penalties will be those typical of road homicide and serious or very serious road personal injury crimes.
New Rules for Novice Drivers (Category B License)
Zero blood alcohol content for the first 3 years of driving; novice drivers who risk a 10-point deduction for drunk driving and, in case of recidivism, mandatory alcolock device in the vehicle.
The maximum power limit for cars they can drive increases from 55 kw/t to 75 kw/t, but the limit will last for 3 years from obtaining the license (1 year with the old Code). In case of infraction, the fine ranges from €165 to €660, and license suspension up to 8 months may be applied.
Lower Age to Drive Vehicles for Passenger Transport (Category D or DE License)
The minimum age required to drive vehicles for passenger transport (Category D or DE license) and for scheduled services with a route not exceeding 50 km decreases from 21 to 18 years, if the driver holds a CQC obtained after a standard 280-hour course. The CQC is the Driver Qualification Card, an enabling document in addition to the driving license, necessary for all drivers who professionally transport people and goods in vehicles requiring C, CE, D, and DE licenses.
