Italy proposes Highway Code reforms regarding PEC and driving distractions

The Italian Ministry of Transport is drafting reforms to the Highway Code (Codice della Strada) that could significantly change administrative procedures and safety regulations for drivers.

One major proposal involves the mandatory use of Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) for vehicle-related tasks. Starting as early as 2027, motorists may be required to use a personal PEC for vehicle inspections, registrations, ownership transfers, and reporting thefts. This digital requirement would be linked to the national index of digital domiciles.

Additionally, the reform aims to combat driving distractions, which Istat identifies as a cause for nearly one in six accidents in Italy. The proposal introduces specific sanctions for various distractions, including the use of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and headphones. While current penalties for electronic device use range from 250 to 1,000 euros, the new framework seeks to define precise behaviors that reduce driver attention, including interactions with modern onboard electronic systems.