Alcohol Lock Decree Signed by Salvini: All the News for Drivers

Minister Matteo Salvini has signed the decree that introduces the obligation of the alcohol lock , a device that prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects a blood alcohol level higher than the permitted limit. This innovation represents an important step forward in the new Highway Code, aimed at improving safety on Italian roads and reducing accidents caused by drunk driving.

Let's find out how the alcohol lock works and what are the main innovations provided for by the decree.

High costs and uncertain controls: the first critical issues of alcohol lock reported by experts

The problems related to the alcohol lock emerged immediately and, in fact, had already been anticipated in the previous months by experts in the sector, in particular experts and body shops. The first obstacle concerns the costs : purchasing and installing the device involves an expense of approximately two thousand euros for each vehicle . Added to this are the recurring costs for the disposable mouthpieces needed for each use and those related to the calibration and mandatory periodic maintenance.

The Italian Association of Appraisers (Aiped) also expressed doubts, especially regarding the control and revision procedures. According to the association, the installation and removal methods of the device are not subject to verification by the civil motorization offices, creating potential critical issues that could lead to legal disputes and appeals by motorists.

Finally, there is a practical and behavioral problem: the assumption is that the driver forced to use the alcohol interlock undergoes the test before driving. However, it cannot be excluded that someone could try to evade the control , for example by having a passenger blow into the mouthpiece in their place. Although this practice, if discovered, entails sanctions for both the driver and the accomplice, it still represents a weak point of the law.

Minister Matteo Salvini has signed the decree introducing the mandatory use of the alcohol lock , a device that prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver fails a breath test. However, the measure immediately presents some critical issues that deserve attention.

The alcolock, one of the innovations of the new Highway Code that came into force last December 14, works like a breathalyzer connected directly to the car's ignition system: before driving, the driver must blow into a special instrument. If the presence of alcohol is detected in the exhaled air, the engine will not start , while it will only start in the absence of alcohol.

Installation is mandatory for anyone who has been fined for driving with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.8 g/l, a measure designed especially for repeat offenders, who may only drive vehicles equipped with this device, as specified in Article 186 of the Code.

The decree stipulates that the alcohol interlock can be installed on various categories of vehicles, including those for the transport of goods, and must comply with European standards. Manufacturers are required to provide detailed instructions for installation, use and maintenance, while authorised installers must apply a tamper-proof seal. During roadside checks, the driver must show the original declaration of installation and the valid calibration certificate of the device. The Ministry of Transport will publish the list of authorised installers and compatible vehicle models on the motorist's portal.

Anyone who does not comply with the usage regulations risks fines ranging from 158 to 638 euros , suspension of the driving licence from 1 to 6 months and doubling of the fines in the event of alteration or absence of the device.