HomeCar marketA decree banning alcohol will be issued soon
A decree banning alcohol will be issued soon
Alcolock: decree to be implemented in Italy
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has notified the European Union of the introduction of a decree that will make it mandatory for drivers convicted of drink driving to install an alcohol lock. The device, already adopted in a number of European countries, prevents the car from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol level is above zero.
What is an alcohol interlock and how does it work?
A breathalyzer is a device that is connected to the car’s ignition system. Before starting the engine, the driver must blow into the device. If the alcohol concentration is detected above the established limit (in Italy, for those who have the right to do so, this is 0 g/l), the engine will not start. The device must be approved in accordance with standard EN 50436 and installed by authorized workshops.
Who must install it?
The obligation applies to drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol level exceeding 0.8 g/l. The duration of the obligation varies depending on the rate detected:
BAK
Duration of the obligation to block alcohol
0.8 – 1.5 g / l
2 years
> 1.5 g / l
3 years
During this period, the driver is allowed to drive only vehicles equipped with alcohol interlock.
Costs and fines
The estimated cost of installing an alcohol interlock is around 2,000 euros, paid by the driver. To this should be added the costs of maintenance, periodic calibration and disposable mouthpieces.
Anyone who drives a vehicle without an alcohol interlock, even if it is mandatory, risks a fine of between 158 and 638 euros and a suspension of their driving license for 1 to 6 months. In the event of unauthorized interference with the device, the fines are doubled.
International experience
The alcohol interlock is already used in several European countries. In Sweden, for example, it is mandatory for public transport and is used as a rehabilitation measure for drivers who have been fined. In Finland, recidivism among alcohol castle participants has fallen to 5.6 percent, compared to more than 30 percent among those who did not participate.
Next steps
The decree is currently undergoing approval by the European Union. If no comments are received by June 18, the requirement to install alcohol locks could come into force as early as July 2025.
The introduction of alcohol interlocks is an important step in the fight against drunk driving, aimed at improving road safety and reducing the number of accidents caused by alcohol consumption.
