From next year, receive a fine could weigh much more on the wallet. From 1 January 2025, in fact, they could trigger significant increases in traffic fines. After two years of suspension decided by the Meloni government, the automatic raise provided for by the Highway Code will come back into force, barring new interventions. The increases could range between 6% and 17,6%, depending on the interpretation of the rule.
Le new sanctions would be particularly severe: up to almost 4.000 euros for those who exceed the speed limit by more than 60 km/h, 200 euros for going through a red light and up to 776 euros for particularly serious parking bans. The National Consumers Union has recently reminded that, without government intervention in the budget law, motorists could find themselves facing a real blow.
Why fines are increasing
The biennial increase It is foreseen by the195 article of the Highway Code, that adjust sanctions to inflation. In 2022, the executive had frozen these increases for the two-year period 2023-2024, justifying the decision with the high cost of energy and the post-pandemic crisis. The use of the term “suspended” in the regulation, however, suggests that the increases have not been cancelled, but only postponed. And this could lead to a recovery of the inflation accumulated in the previous four years, causing a jump of up to 17,6% in fines (otherwise only 6%).
Increase in fines: sanctions and possible collections
Depending on the interpretation of the rule, therefore, a 6% or even 17% increase. If the increase is 17%, the sanctions will become significantly more severe:
- SpeedingUp to 4.000 € for those who exceed the limit by more than 60 km/h. For less serious infringements, the penalties vary from 50 € a 800 € (limit between 10 and 40 km/h), 2.300 euros if you go over 40-60 km/h
- Do not stop: fines from 194 to 776 euro for cars, and from 98 to 385 euro for scooters.
- Passing through a red lightUp to 200 €.
All to the delight of the Municipalities that continue to draw large revenues from fines. In 2024, the sanctions have generated over 1,3 billion euros, with Milan (136 million), Rome (97 million) and Turin (49 million) leading the way in terms of takings. According to estimates, the expected price increases could bring revenue to exceed 2 billion euros in 2025.
At the regional level, the Lombardy is in first place with 324 million euros, followed by Lazio (130 million) and Emilia Romagna (129 million). Molise closes the ranking with just 1,4 million euros.
Highway Code Reform: More Severe Penalties Coming Soon
While for now the government is silent on the possible blocking of automatic increases in fines, attention shifts to the new Highway Code, under discussion on Tuesday in the Senate. Already approved by the House, the bill provides for a harshening of penalties for dangerous driving behavior and new rules for scooters and other means of transport.
The text aims to target some of the most serious violations, such as using a cell phone while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs:
- Using a cell phone while driving: fine from 250 to 1.000 euros and suspension of the license for up to 15 days for repeat offenders.
- Driving while intoxicated: fines up to 6.000 euros and arrest up to one year for high blood alcohol levels.
- Driving under the influence of drugs: revocation of the driving licence and suspension for three years, even in the absence of obvious alterations.
News also for scooters that will have to comply with stringent obligations, among which mandatory license plate, helmet and insurance.
