Overview

• Drivers convicted of blood alcohol levels at or above 0.8 ‰ must install interlocks for two years, rising to three years for readings of 1.5 ‰ or more.
• Offenders bear installation costs of around €2,000 and face fines up to €638 or license suspension if caught driving without the device.
• Devices prevent engine starts when breathalyzer measurements exceed 0.5 ‰ and can only be installed in authorized workshops to reduce tampering.
• Experts warn that about one-fifth of Italy’s vehicle fleet is over 20 years old and may be incompatible with electronic interlock systems.
• The German ADAC has labeled the measure disproportionate, citing data from the USA and Europe that show limited accident reductions with similar mandates.