Italy Proposes Fines for Pedestrians Using Phones While Crossing

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy has introduced a draft update to the national highway code that targets distracted pedestrians and drivers. The proposed measures impose fines of €75 or more on pedestrians who use mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or digital cameras while crossing the road. This initiative follows court rulings that assigned blame to careless walkers and aims to reduce pedestrian-related accidents.

The ban excludes pedestrians on pavements and provides exceptions for emergency use and hands-free conversations. The updated code also seeks to increase penalties for drivers using mobile phones, with fines potentially reaching €2,588 and the possibility of license suspensions for repeat offenders.

Initially, the draft included a restriction on drivers aged 85 and older that would have banned them from motorways and limited their driving to within 100km of home. However, Minister Matteo Salvini requested the removal of these specific age-based restrictions following public outcry.