Among the innovations contained in the draft law on road safety and delegation to the reform of the Road Code, which caused heated discussion there is an introduction of alcohol lock. But what exactly does the text proposed by the Government suggest, which, we recall, will then have to be approved by the Parliament? How does this device work?
First, there is one important thing to remember. From the alcohol castle we’ve talked about this several times in the past because this is nothing new. In fact, from July 6, 2022, new approved models must be pre-qualified for alcohol blocking. In short, they must be equipped with a kind of interface that simplifies the aftermarket installation of these devices, which, in any case, have been in use for some time in other European countries.
On the other hand, installation on older vehicles will be clearly more difficult.
Minister Salvini repeatedly called the bill “zero tolerance measure“. The new text provides for affixing on licenses driver convicted of driving with BAC code 68what does the assignment entail absolute ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages while driving.
In short, there is an absolute ban on drinking alcohol before driving for 2 or 3 years, depending on the crime committed. Years are counted from the moment the license is returned after a guilty verdict. Therefore, for these people there comes the obligation to install an alcolock.
Holders of a driving license issued in Italy with an Union code referring to “RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE – code 68 Without alcohol” in accordance with Annex I to Directive no. 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 may only drive motor vehicles of international categories M or N on national territory if a device is installed and functioning on these vehicles to prevent the engine from starting when the driver detects the level blood alcohol level is above zero. By decree of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, to be adopted in accordance with paragraph 3 bis of Article 75, within six months from the date of entry into force of this provision, the characteristics of the blocking device, the methods of installation and the workshops authorized to assemble it. Each device must be provided with a seal to prevent alteration or tampering after installation.
So this device will have to install at your own expense. technical features, however, has not yet been specified. As you can read in the body of the message, you will need special decree of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. This regulation will also specify installation methods and authorized workshops.
It is important to note that each device must be equipped with a seal which prevents it from being tampered with after installation. How does an alcohol lock work? Simplifying as much as possible it’s a breathalyzer connected to the car’s ignition system. Therefore, the driver will be required to blow into it. If the device detects the complete absence of alcohol from the driver, then the car can be started. Otherwise, the car will not be able to start.
The procedure must be repeated each time the vehicle is started. The alcohol lock can be set to a specific blood alcohol level. For persons convicted of driving while intoxicated, it is set at 0 g/l. For the “evil” is provided for doubling the fines, as can be read in the text.
Except as provided in Article 186, the holder of a driving license with a Union code relating to “RESTRICTIONS ON USE – code 68 No alcohol” referred to in Annex I to Directive no. 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 who travels on roads under conditions other than those specified in the same code, is subject to the sanctions referred to in paragraphs 3 and 5. The same sanctions are double, they apply when the holder of an Italian driving licence, bearing the same Union code, travels within the national territory in a vehicle without the locking device referred to in paragraph 3 ter or with a modified, counterfeit, inoperative device or from which the prescribed seals have been removed, affixed during installation.
It remains only to wait for the approval of all the innovations that the Government intends to introduce to improve road safety. At this point, it will be necessary to wait for the relevant ruling in order to understand the exact technical requirements for these devices. There are actually a lot of doubts that need to be cleared up, starting with what happens if the car is not alcohol lock compatible.
[Immagine: ACS]
Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.