- Italy considered banning drivers over 85 from using freeways to improve road safety.
- Seniors also faced 62-mile travel limits and mandatory zero-alcohol driving rules.
- Government scrapped restrictions but plans tougher medical checks for older drivers.
Their driving privileges had one foot in the grave for a while, but Italy’s oldest motorists can continue to enjoy the autostrada and their Amaro – though hopefully not at the same time. The Italian government has ditched proposed restrictions that would’ve automatically barred drivers aged 85 and older from freeways, limited how far they could travel from home, and required them to maintain absolutely zero blood alcohol while driving.
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The proposals surfaced during a rewrite of Italy’s road rules designed to improve safety. Under the draft, drivers reaching 85 would’ve automatically received three restrictions when renewing their licenses. Besides losing freeway access, they couldn’t venture more than 62 miles (100 km) from their home or usual residence and would’ve faced a zero-alcohol requirement.
A Way Out, With Conditions
There was an escape hatch. Seniors could’ve asked their local medical commission to reassess those restrictions, provided they granted access to electronic health records. The commission would then evaluate their physical and mental abilities and potentially loosen or remove individual limits. Anyone simply completing the standard medical examination would’ve received the restrictions automatically upon turning 85.
That plan’s now heading for the recycling bin. Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport says the measures had already been removed from the main section of the proposed rules at Transport Minister Matteo Salvini’s “express request.” Lingering references elsewhere in the draft will now disappear too, according to Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.
Instead, the ministry says “more thorough medical examinations are planned to ensure the safety of those aged over 85 and of all users.” The precise new procedure hasn’t been finalized, though proposals submitted to Italy’s Senate have included practical driving tests at ages 85 or 90 as conditions for renewal.
Tough On Seniors
Italy already shortens license renewal periods as drivers age. Ordinary car and motorcycle licenses last 10 years until age 50, five years between 50 and 70, three years from 70 to 80, then two years after 80, Auto Motor und Sport reports. And medical certification of physical and mental fitness is already required for older drivers.
The rulebook overhaul isn’t only about seniors. Italy also plans tougher restrictions on smartphone use behind the wheel and while pedestrians cross roads, although hands-free equipment remains permitted when safely used.
More Freedom When Passing
Other changes reportedly address driving behavior including allowing cars to overtake on the right and motorcycles to skip lines by riding on the shoulder – a common practice already, even though technically illegal. But for now, Italian grandparents can keep pointing their cars toward the horizon rather than circling home like they’re electronically tagged.
Do you think seniors should face age-based restrictions on where they’re allowed to drive? Drop a comment and let us know.
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