Italy updates driving laws to combat distraction and touchscreen use

New updates to the Italian Highway Code, introduced in 2026, have increased penalties for distracted driving caused by the use of smartphones, tablets, and similar electronic devices. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has identified mobile phone use as a leading cause for the revocation of driver's licenses.

While Article 173 explicitly prohibits the use of handheld devices during transit—except when using hands-free systems or earpieces—the rise of multifunctional touchscreens in modern vehicle cabins presents a new challenge. These integrated displays are increasingly used to control essential functions such as navigation, music, climate control, and driving modes.

Although an integrated touchscreen is not an automatic violation, the ACI notes that prolonged interaction with menus or excessive searching while driving can be classified as dangerous conduct under general principles of prudence. This creates a tension between technological convenience and road safety regulations.