The rules of the road have changed, and today drivers must contend with much stricter regulations than in the past. What was initially touted as one of the most important reforms of recent years is now a consolidated reality, affecting millions of drivers, motorcyclists, and micromobility users.
The legislator's stated goal is to increase road safety , reduce the number of accidents, and combat behaviors deemed particularly dangerous. For this reason, heavier penalties and new obligations have been introduced that affect various categories of road users.
However, many drivers continue to underestimate certain behaviors that can be very costly today. In many cases, in addition to fines, license suspension and the loss of points are also punishable, with consequences that can severely impact daily life.
Particular attention has been paid to the main causes of accidents, such as distracted driving and the improper use of electronic devices. At the same time, significant changes have also been introduced for e-scooter and motorcycle riders and for newly licensed drivers.
But what is the obligation that can lead to fines of up to €1,000, and what are the rules every driver should know in 2026? Let's look at it on the second page .
Among the most significant changes in the new Highway Code are the penalties for using a smartphone while driving. The law considers this behavior one of the main causes of accidents and has introduced particularly severe measures.
For the first offense, the driver risks a fine of between €250 and €1,000, as well as the deduction of five points from their license. This also includes the suspension of their driving license for a period ranging from fifteen days to two months. Repeat offenses result in even more severe consequences, with fines of up to €1,400 and suspensions of up to three months.
The reform also strengthened measures against drunk driving . Penalties vary based on the blood alcohol level detected and can include fines of thousands of euros, license suspension or revocation, and, in the most serious cases, even criminal prosecution. Some drivers are required to install an Alcolock, a device that prevents the vehicle from starting if the presence of alcohol is detected.
Significant changes also affect new drivers, who for the first three years after obtaining their license must comply with more restrictive limits on the power of their vehicles. Meanwhile, the micromobility sector has been affected by new regulations that impose specific requirements for electric scooters, including helmets, identification tags, and insurance coverage.
The reform also introduces more precise rules for speed cameras, establishing criteria for their positioning and preventive reporting. This is a set of measures aimed at making traffic safer and making all road users more responsible . For drivers, knowing and respecting these rules has become essential not only to avoid heavy fines, but also to contribute to greater road safety.
