New highway code, latest news 12 November 2024 7.58pm
The new Highway Code is approaching the final green light, expected as early as next week. With the rules established for electric scooters, it will become mandatory to have a helmet, license plate and insurance. And it will no longer be possible to circulate on cycle paths and in pedestrian areas. Here are the main changes.
The new Highway Code is about to become law: after almost a year and a half of debate – the first version of the text was approved in June 2023 by the Meloni government – the final green light from the Senate is approaching. The Environment Commission’s proposal arrived in October and discussion in the Chamber should begin next week, with final approval. One of the aspects that will change the most will be the use of electric scooters: those who have one, and even those who rent one, will have to pay attention to a series of new limits and obligations to respect. You must wear a helmet, have a license plate and take out insurance; However, driving on cycle paths and pedestrian areas is prohibited.
Where electric scooters can go and where it will be banned
First, circulation. Electric scooters will not be able to get out of urban centers – which however should not limit their use too much, given that they are usually used for travel within a built-up area. But above all, pedestrian zones and cycle paths will be prohibited.
In fact, the new Highway Code provides that scooters can only circulate on urban streets where the speed limit goes up to 50 kilometers per hour. No cycle paths, as mentioned, and no pedestrian areas. Unlike the previous ban, this could significantly change the way scooter users get around. Today, in fact, it is not uncommon for those who ride a scooter to use partly the road, partly the cycle paths (perhaps to avoid the proximity of cars and other motor vehicles) and the areas reserved for pedestrians.
New Highway Code, first yes in the Senate: what’s new, what’s changing and when it will be approved
The new rules on helmet, license plate and insurance
Then there is the chapter that concerns the equipment of those who drive a scooter. So far, only minors have been allowed wear a helmet. With the new Code, it will be necessary for everyone. The question of compulsory helmets for passengers does not arise: it will in fact remain forbidden to transport other people besides the driver on the scooter.
Finally, two aspects that will especially interest those who own their own scooter, and not those who rent one: the targa and insurance. As regards the first, it will become mandatory for the vehicle to have an “identifying mark”, a plasticized adhesive plate that cannot be removed and which is printed by the State Printing Institute.
This does not mean that from the day after the approval of the law, those who drive without a fine will be able to receive a fine. There will be a transition periodin which both scooter manufacturers and sellers, as well as current owners, will have to adapt. But how long this period will last is not yet clear. This will be established by the Ministry of Transport, with a specific decree that will arrive in the following weeks.
As regards theinsurancethe obligation will be a civil liability policy (RC). Other insurances may also be added to this, for example against accidents or theft, but they will not be mandatory. Again, it may take some time to adjust to the newness. For example, it is not certain that today all insurance companies are ready to provide a liability insurance policy for scooters (which instead they will be obliged to do).
