Highway Code: several new features including stricter rules for the use of electric scooters

The news related to Traffic laws, which come into force from November 10, 2021 (during the day, ed), cover multiple topics including the use of electric scooters.

Various topics

Among the innovations affecting the two-wheel sector, we highlight the possibility of carrying out a taxi service also with bicycles and motorcycles and the Municipalities will be able to regulate this type of service.
Always talking about two wheels, the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle is introduced in the event that he transports another person without a helmet.
Fines for those who throw waste from their vehicles onto the street have been increased. The fines double, varying from a minimum of 216 to 866 euros compared to the previous figures of 108 to 433 euros, just as they can vary from 56 to 204 euros in the case of throwing a cigarette butt or a card while moving. Moving on to sanctions on the use of the telephone while driving, the provisions are also extended if tablets or other portable devices are used.
The regulation of the obligation to give way to pedestrians also changes, allowing not only those who have already started to cross the pedestrian crossing, but also those who are about to do so.
As mentioned, we also talk about electric scooters among the various topics that range from the introduction of "pink parking" for pregnant women and couples with young children up to two years old, to the increase in fines also for those who use parking spaces intended for disabled people without permission, who will be able to park for free even on the blue lines if reserved spaces are not available. It is also forbidden to park in the spaces reserved for parking, stopping and charging electric vehicles.
Returning to the use of electric scooters, the rules deal in particular with safety and parking regulations. In order to avoid the so-called wild stops, speaking of the operators involved in rental services, they must include the acquisition of a photo at the end of the rental to verify the position of the vehicle. Apart from moving electric scooters by hand, it is not possible to circulate or park them on the sidewalks. Parking is possible in areas designated by the Municipalities and in the stalls intended for bicycles and mopeds.
An acoustic signal and a speed regulator are mandatory, the maximum limit remains 6 km/h in pedestrian areas and drops to 20 km/h at most, from the previous 25 km/h. The helmet remains mandatory for minors and the vehicle will be confiscated for anyone riding a scooter with a tampered engine. Furthermore, from July 2022, electric scooters must have directional indicators, brake lights and brakes on both wheels. When traveling in the evening and at night, reflective jackets and position lights must be used.

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