Phones while driving, Salvini: 72,422 licenses withdrawn. This is when the suspension kicks in

«There have been 72,422 licenses withdrawn for using cell phones while driving since the new highway code came into force». The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, said this during the presentation of the Dekra 2026 Report on road safety.

"Being the Minister of Transport is not always electorally satisfying, but at least those 72,422 will think about it before using their smartphone while driving again" commented the deputy prime minister.

The new Highway Code came into force on 14 December 2024: according to the numbers provided by Salvini, there were 105 licenses suspended for using a telephone while driving.

The new rules have increased the fine for drivers who drive with their cell phone or smartphone: ranging from a minimum of 250 euros to a maximum of 1,000 euros.

The automatic one-week suspension of your "driving license" is triggered if you are caught with your phone and you have at least 10 points on your license. This also applies to anyone caught without seatbelts or on the wrong side of the road.