In Italy, fines may be introduced for pedestrians who use smartphones and get distracted from the road while crossing it. This is provided for in the draft of a new road regulation. The possible innovations are reported by Guardian with reference to the material of the Italian website Fanpage.it.
According to the draft, pedestrians can receive a fine of at least 75 euros if, while crossing the road, they are so focused on their smartphone that they almost do not notice what is happening around them. The rule will apply regardless of whether the person is crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing or elsewhere.
At the same time, headphones, headsets, and hands-free devices will remain permitted if their use does not pose a threat to safety and the person retains the ability to hear sufficiently well with both ears.
Reasons and details of the new regulation
The introduction of such a rule is associated with several rulings by Italian courts, in which careless pedestrians were found partially guilty in road accidents. The new requirements may apply not only to smartphones but also to other electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, and digital cameras.
International experience and adoption timelines
Italy is not the first to consider such restrictions. Similar rules have been in effect since 2020 in the Japanese city of Yamato. Lithuania introduced fines in 2018 for pedestrians who use mobile phones or are otherwise distracted while crossing the road. And Honolulu in Hawaii became the first city with such rules in 2017.
The regulation in Italy has not yet been finally adopted. Representatives of organizations and associations can submit their comments until September 13. After that, the final version of the document will be prepared, which is expected by mid-October.
Source: Der Spiegel
