Italy introduces mandatory alcohol interlocks for recidivist drink-drivers

Italy has now made it compulsory for drivers convicted of repeated drink-driving offences to install an alcohol interlock device on their vehicle in certain circumstances, following the adoption of a new implementing law. The changes are part of broader reforms under the new Codice della Strada.

All drivers convicted with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.8 g/l must use the device for two years, after a licence suspension of between six months and a year.

For BAC over 1.5 g/l, the requirement rises to three years of use, following a licence suspension of between one and two years.

Only authorised workshops may install the device, with tamper-proof sealing and a valid calibration certificate required which will need to be reissued annually. 

There will be penalties for failing to install the device, tampering, alteration or bypassing. 

ETSC welcomes Italy’s move to adopt alcohol interlocks for high-risk offenders, a measure proven to reduce repeat offences and prevent crashes. However, the council stresses that interlocks alone are not always enough.

“We know that many convicted drink drivers also struggle with alcohol dependency,” said Antonio Avenoso, ETSC’s Executive Director. “That’s why we prefer schemes such as Belgium’s, where the interlock is combined with regular meetings with a counsellor. Rehabilitation and psychological support are vital to achieving long-term behaviour change. Italy’s new law is an important step forward – but pairing it with supportive measures would make it even more effective.”