The zero tolerance decree will also apply to those who use mobile phones at the wheel, the government said in launching the bill.
The new measures, unveiled by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, are contained in a bill that will require approval by both houses of parliament before becoming law.
The bill will mean an increase in penalties for drink-driving and establishes that anyone who has taken drugs and drives is committing a crime, even if they are not in a state of “psycho-physical impairment”.
Most offenders will lose their licenses for a considerable length of time, and in repeat cases, for life.
An alco-lock will be obligatory for drink driving offenders.
Salvini has pledged a “zero tolerance” approach to those caught behind the wheel under the influence of drugs, warning offenders: “I’ll take your driving licence away for up to three years”.
The changes to the highway code also impose a crackdown on new drivers, who will not be able to drive supercars (cars that offer somewhere between 500 and 900 horsepower, reach a top speed of 300+ kph, hit 0-100 kph in roughly three seconds) for the first three years, up from the current limit of one year.
The new code also includes regulations for scooters, where riders will be required to wear helmets, attach compulsory number plates to their electric transport and have insurance, and for the safety of cyclists.
There is also a measure instructing the transport ministry to revise the entire system of fines and road sanctions.
The reform comes after a string of road deaths culminating in that of a five-year-old Roman boy whose mother’s car was hit by an SUV doing over 120kph while filming a YouTube challenge.
ANSA
