Italy’s Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said 72,422 driving licences had been withdrawn for phone use behind the wheel since the revised Highway Code came into force on December 14, 2024. He cited the figure at the presentation of the 2026 Dekra road safety report, adding that the measure could make drivers think twice before using a smartphone on the road.
According to the figures Salvini presented, the number of licence suspensions averages 105 a day. The revised rules increased fines for using a mobile phone while driving to between €250 and €1,000.
A one-week automatic suspension applies when a driver is caught using a phone or other listed devices, including laptops, tablets and headphones, if they have at least 10 points on their licence. The same suspension applies to drivers caught without a seat belt or driving the wrong way. If a driver has fewer points, the suspension lasts 15 days.
For repeat offences, the fine can rise to €1,400, the suspension can extend to three months, and drivers lose between eight and 10 licence points.
Sources: Il Sole 24 Ore Italia.