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From now on, anyone caught drink-driving on Italian roads will have an alcohol lock fitted to their car at their own expense - regardless of whether they are a local or a holidaymaker.
The days when a fine and a temporary driving ban were the only consequences for drink-driving are over in Italy. Since 25 February 2026, a stricter road traffic code has been in force that gives alcohol offenders a technical ultimatum: the alcolock.
A „blowing force“ for the ignition
The principle is simple: an Alkolock is a measuring device that is directly coupled to the vehicle's ignition. The engine only starts when the driver takes a breath test that does not detect alcohol
Anyone caught with more than 0.8 per mille will not only receive a hefty fine and have their driving licence revoked. In addition, the installation of this immobiliser is ordered for a period of two years (alternatively, the driver is no longer allowed to drive in Italy).
The costs of around 2,000 euros must be borne by the driver. Drivers who exceed the 1.5 per mille mark are even allowed to use the technology for three years. If a vehicle is used that does not belong to the driver, the duration of the driving licence withdrawal is doubled. There are only exceptions for vehicles that are more than 20 years old, where it is often not technically possible to install the technology.
The device determines who drives
As the device is permanently installed in the car, family members or partners must also blow into the tube before driving off. The car becomes a guaranteed „alcohol-free zone“. Attempts to circumvent the technology are punished draconically - with a fine and a further six-month driving ban.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini justified the tough course with traffic statistics: Every year, up to 3,000 people lose their lives on the roads in Italy, with alcohol being one of the most common factors.
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