Cannabis and the New Highway Code 2024: What Changes? Cell Phone Use While Driving, Speed ​​Limit, Drunk Driving and Drugs: All the News

The new Highway Code has introduced significant changes to ensure greater road safety, especially for those who drive under the influence. Emphasis has been placed on the use of drugs and alcohol, with more severe penalties and new rules to prevent dangerous behavior. Let's examine in detail the new features of 2024 and the implications for those who drive after taking substances.

What are the main new features of the new Highway Code? Severe sanctions for those who drive under the influence of psycho-physical drugs

The new Highway Code 2024 was approved with 83 votes in favor , bringing important changes in several areas. Among the main changes:

1. Stricter rules for those driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol .

2. Introduction of alcohol lock for repeat offenders.

3. Heavy fines and extended license suspensions.

4. New rules for scooters and new drivers.

The changes are not limited to stiffer penalties, but include technological tools such as the alcohol lock, which prevents the engine from starting if the detected alcohol level exceeds the permitted limit.

What changes for those who drive under the influence? Heavy fines for those who use drugs and alcohol while driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has been subject to a significant increase in penalties. The new Highway Code provides:

• Suspension of the driving license from 6 months to one year for those found in a state of psycho-physical alteration due to substance use.

• Fines between 800 and 3,200 euros in case of repeat offences.

• In the event of a road accident , the penalty increases to up to 7 years of suspension.

The aim is to discourage dangerous behaviour that puts the lives of drivers and other road users at risk.

What role does the alcohol lock play in the new highway code?

The alcohol lock , one of the major innovations of 2024 , is a mandatory device for repeat offenders of drunk driving . This device, installed directly in the vehicle, prevents the engine from starting if the driver exceeds the permitted blood alcohol limit .

• It will be imposed on anyone who has had their license suspended for driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit.

• The installation and maintenance of the device will be the responsibility of the driver.

The alcohol intercom represents a technological deterrent to reduce cases of drunk driving and prevent recidivism.

What are the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs?

Driving under the influence of drugs is considered one of the most serious violations in the new Highway Code . Anyone found under the influence of drugs risks:

• Fines between 573 and 2,170 euros .

• Suspension of driving license from 3 to 6 months .

• In case of repeat offences or aggravating circumstances, the driving licence may be revoked .

The introduction of mandatory drug testing during roadside checks is an additional measure to identify drivers under the influence of psycho-physical disorders due to substance use .

How do drug tests work in the new highway code?

The new Highway Code requires the use of more frequent and thorough drug tests . These tests, carried out directly on the road, are used to verify the presence of narcotics in the blood.

• If the test is positive, the driving licence will be immediately suspended for 6 months to one year .

• Drivers will undergo medical tests to assess their fitness to drive .

• Repeat offenders carry even more severe driving penalties .

This measure represents a further crackdown on those who drive under the influence of drugs.

What are the new rules for scooters?

The scooter is one of the most used means of transport in cities, but it is often associated with accidents. The new 2024 highway code introduces specific rules to increase safety:

1. Helmets are mandatory for all drivers, regardless of age.

2. Mandatory insurance for private vehicles.

3. Fines of up to 1,000 euros for those who drive without respecting the new rules.

These rules are designed to reduce risks and make scooters safer for everyone.

What does the new highway code provide for those who drive while using a cell phone?

Using a cell phone while driving is one of the main causes of distraction while driving. The new highway code introduces more severe penalties for those who put their own safety and that of others at risk while driving :

• Fines from 800 to 3,200 euros .

• Suspension of driving license from 15 days to 2 months .

• In case of repeat offenders, penalties may also include revocation of the driving licence .

These measures aim to raise awareness among drivers of the importance of avoiding distractions such as using mobile phones while driving.

How do the rules change for new drivers?

New drivers are subject to more restrictive rules in the new 2024 Highway Code . Among the new rules :

• Absolute ban on alcohol consumption before driving.

• Reduced speed limits on motorways and main extra-urban roads .

• Zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use.

Violation of these rules entails heavy fines and suspension of the license , confirming the intention to educate young drivers to be responsible.

What are the consequences of driving the wrong way?

Driving against the flow of traffic is one of the most dangerous violations. The new highway code provides for severe penalties:

• Fines between 2,170 and 3,200 euros .

• Suspension of driving license from 6 months to one year .

• In the event of an accident, the revocation of the license is automatic.

These sanctions reflect the need to prevent behaviors that endanger the lives of other road users.

What are the rules against abandoning animals?

Animal abandonment has been included in the new Highway Code , with severe penalties for offenders. The new rules include:

• Heavy fines for abandoning animals on public roads.

• Introduction of awareness campaigns to prevent the phenomenon.

• Collaboration between local authorities to ensure the competence of the same authority in animal recovery areas.

This addition to the code demonstrates a growing commitment to animal welfare and road safety.