The new Highway Code introduces a series of changes related to speed limits, driving under the influence of alcohol, mobile phone use, repeat offenders, etc.
More specifically, the first and very important change in the new Highway Code concerns the criminalization of certain high-risk violations, such as:
- Using a mobile phone while driving that causes an accident
- Speeding
- Failure to yield to railway vehicles
- Running red lights
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, addictive substances, or other prohibited substances
- Driving without a license
- Not wearing a seatbelt
The use of a mobile phone while driving is now taken very seriously by the law, with penalties structured as follows:
- Fines up to €4,000 on the second offense
- License suspension for up to 8 years
- Criminal charges if the behavior causes an accident
Similarly, driving under the influence of alcohol is now punished depending on the level of the offense (moderate or severe), with license suspension for:
- Up to 10 years, and
- A fine ranging from €1,000 to €4,000 respectively
In cases of severe intoxication, mandatory immobilization and impoundment of the vehicle is imposed, and criminal prosecution is activated.
In cases of not wearing a helmet or seatbelt:
- A fine of €350 is imposed,
- License suspension for 30 days,
- A fine of €1,000 and license suspension for 6 months if the violation is repeated a second time,
- A fine of €2,000 and license suspension for 12 months if the violation is repeated a third time,
- A fine of €350 is imposed on the passenger not wearing a helmet or seatbelt.
Violation of a STOP sign results in:
- A fine of €350,
- License suspension for one month,
- A fine of €1,000 and license suspension for 6 months if the violation occurs a second time,
- On the third offense, the fine increases to €2,000 and the license is suspended for one year,
- In case of an accident, the provisions of the Penal Code regarding dangerous driving apply.
Running a red light:
- Fines start at €700 and the driver’s license is immediately suspended for 2 months,
- Fines can reach up to €4,000 with license suspension for up to 8 years,
- If the driver causes a fatal accident, the penalties under the Penal Code apply.
Driving without a license:
- A fine of €1,000 and removal of the vehicle’s license plates for one month,
- Imprisonment of up to 2 years is possible,
- On the second offense, the fine increases to €2,000 and the license is suspended for 4 years,
- On the third offense, the fine increases to €4,000 and the license is suspended for 8 years,
- In case of an accident, the Penal Code provisions for dangerous driving apply.
New speed limits introduced by the new Highway Code:
- A new speed limit of 30 km/h in residential areas,
- The maximum allowed speed within residential zones is set at 30 km/h,
- On one-way streets with at least two lanes separated by longitudinal markings, and on two-way streets with at least two lanes per direction separated by longitudinal markings, as well as on two-way streets with a dividing island, the maximum allowed speed is set at 50 km/h.
