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Italy proposes fines for pedestrians using phones while crossing roads

Created at 24 Aug · 11:51 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Italy's updated highway code may impose fines of €75 or more on pedestrians using mobile phones or other electronic devices while crossing roads, aiming to enhance road safety by reducing distracted walking incidents.

Key Numbers

€75minimum fine for distracted pedestrians
2018year Lithuania imposed similar fines
2017year Honolulu enforced similar rules
2020year Yamato City, Japan followed suit
€2,588maximum fine for repeat mobile phone driving offenders

Who's Involved

Matteo Salvini
Italy's transport minister who requested removal of age-based driving restrictions

↳ Why This Matters

The proposed fines highlight a growing global concern over distracted walking and its contribution to road accidents, potentially influencing similar legislative efforts in other countries and impacting pedestrian behavior.

Key facts

  • Italy is updating its highway code to penalize pedestrians distracted by mobile phones while crossing roads.
  • Fines for this offense are expected to be €75 or more.
  • The measure includes other electronic devices like laptops and tablets.
  • Hands-free calls and emergency phone use are still permitted.
  • Pedestrians must ensure drivers see them before crossing.
  • Stricter penalties for drivers using mobile phones are also proposed.

Italy is set to introduce stricter regulations for pedestrians under an updated highway code, targeting those who use mobile phones or other electronic devices while crossing roads. The draft legislation, expected to be approved by mid-October, proposes fines starting at €75 for such distractions, aiming to improve road safety and reduce accidents. This move follows several court rulings that have held careless pedestrians accountable for accidents.

The new rules will encompass devices like laptops and tablets, but will allow for hands-free phone conversations and emergency use. Wearing earphones is permitted as long as adequate hearing is maintained in both ears. The regulations specifically apply to crossing roads, not to walking along pavements. Pedestrians will also be required to ensure drivers see them and intend to stop before they begin crossing, and to proceed without undue delay.

Italy is not the first to implement such measures; Lithuania introduced fines for distracted walking in 2018, and Honolulu and Japan's Yamato City enacted similar rules in 2017 and 2020, respectively. The updated Italian highway code also includes provisions for harsher penalties for drivers caught using mobile phones, with potential fines up to €2,588 and license suspension for repeat offenders. A controversial proposal to restrict drivers aged 85 and above was removed from the draft following public backlash.

Frequently asked questions

The proposed fine is €75 or more for pedestrians using mobile phones or other electronic devices while crossing roads.

Yes, hands-free phone conversations, emergency use, and wearing earphones (provided hearing is not impaired) are permitted.

No, the measure does not apply to pedestrians walking along a pavement.

The code proposes tougher penalties for drivers using mobile phones and previously included, but now removed, restrictions for drivers aged 85 and above.

What Happens Next

01The draft highway code is expected to be approved by mid-October.

How It Developed

Italy's transport ministry is updating its highway code to address distracted pedestrians.
The draft code includes fines of €75 or more for using mobile phones or other electronic devices while crossing roads.
The measure aims to reduce accidents caused by pedestrians distracted by their phones.
Italian courts have previously assigned blame to careless pedestrians in accident rulings.
Hands-free phone conversations and emergency use are permitted, as is wearing earphones if hearing is unimpaired.
The rule applies to crossing roads, not walking on pavements.
Pedestrians must ensure drivers see them and intend to stop before crossing.
Similar measures have been implemented in Lithuania, Honolulu, and Japan's Yamato City.

Sources

T1
Distracted Italian pedestrians who cross road while on phone could be fined under new codeThe Guardian

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