Attention drivers! Open windows in Italy can be expensive!

Attention drivers! Open windows in Italy can be expensive!

Holidaymakers traveling to Italy should be prepared for strict traffic regulations and high fines. A current case from Vicenza clearly illustrates this: a man received a fine of 42 euros for leaving the side window of his parked car slightly open. Police considered the open window a security risk, in accordance with Article 158, paragraph 4 of the Code of the Road, which requires vehicles to be secured to prevent unauthorized access. Safety precautions include, in particular, closing all windows completely.

In Italy, fines for traffic violations can vary greatly, from small amounts to high penalties. An open window can cost between 42 and 173 euros, depending on the assessment of the risk situation. The maximum penalty is not excluded in heavily touristed or high-risk areas. Leaving car keys behind is also considered a misdemeanor because they can potentially contribute to theft or vandalism.

Strict penalties for traffic violations

The spectrum of traffic violations in Italy ranges from simple administrative offenses to serious violations of the law. In addition to the open window, other violations can also result in large sums of money. An overview of some relevant fines:

• Keine Warnweste: ab 38 Euro
• Handyverstoß: bis 1.000 Euro, bei Wiederholung bis 1.400 Euro und 3 Monate Führerscheinentzug
• Parkverstoß: ab 40 Euro
• Rotlichtverstoß: ab 170 Euro
• Alkohol am Steuer: bis 6.000 Euro und mögliche Freiheitsstrafe bei hohen Promillewerten

Penalties for speeding are also significant, ranging from 41 euros for speeding up to 10 km/h to 3,287 euros for speeding by more than 60 km/h. For comparison: In Germany the penalties are generally somewhat more moderate, which makes Italy unpredictable, especially for tourists.

Rules for drivers in Italy

The basic traffic rules include the maximum speed on motorways of 130 km/h for cars and 100 km/h for mobile homes. In urban areas you are not allowed to drive faster than 50 km/h. An alcohol limit of 0.0 per mille applies, especially for novice drivers.

Another important point is that fines from Italy can also be enforced in Germany, thanks to an EU enforcement agreement. Anyone who does not pay a fine within 60 days will see the amount doubled. For payments within five days there is a discount of 30 percent on the original amount.

Given the complexity and amount of fines in Italy, it is advisable to find out exactly about the local traffic regulations before traveling. Vacationers should ensure they comply with all regulations to avoid unpleasant financial surprises. Because in Italy, safety is very important - even if it means being asked to pay for an open window.

In summary, the rules and fines that apply in Italy show that it is important to be careful and follow the rules even on vacation.

For further information on specific traffic rules and fines in Italy, it is worth taking a look at the detailed regulations: FR.de reports and Bussgeld-Info.de offers additional details.