Rules and penalties for driving against the flow of traffic
Driving the wrong way is one of the most dangerous and serious offenses under the Italian Highway Code, as it can cause head-on collisions with often fatal consequences. But what exactly does the law say, and what penalties are imposed? Let’s take a closer look at this violation.
Wrong-way driving: penalties based on severity
In the case of driving against traffic, Italian law distinguishes between two types of violations of differing severity: driving the wrong way on a two-way road and driving the wrong way on a one-way street. The penalties vary accordingly.
In the first case, on two-way roads, the offense is considered less serious but still dangerous. It is usually applied to drivers who fail to keep to the right or do not use the right-hand side of the carriageway. Article 143 of the Highway Code establishes an administrative fine for wrong-way driving on such roads ranging from €143 to €573, plus a deduction of 4 points from the driver’s license. The penalty increases if the offense occurs on a curve, near a hillcrest, or in poor visibility conditions: in such cases, the fine ranges from €300 to €1,200, with an 8-point deduction and license suspension from 1 to 3 months.
Far more serious is wrong-way driving on a one-way street. Article 143 of the Highway Code establishes an administrative fine ranging from €327 to €1,309 and a deduction of 10 points from the driver’s license. Naturally, additional penalties may apply if aggravating circumstances occur, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Wrong-way driving on highways and expressways
The situation becomes even more critical when wrong-way driving occurs on a highway or expressway. The offense applies to those who enter a lane in the opposite direction of travel, drive a stretch of highway against traffic, or make a U-turn on a highway or expressway.
According to Article 176, the Highway Code establishes an administrative fine ranging from €2,046 to €8,186 and revocation of the driver’s license for those driving the wrong way on highways and expressways. The same fine applies to those making a U-turn on highways and expressways, for which a suspension of the license from 6 months to 2 years is also provided. The only difference is that license revocation is an additional penalty applied exclusively in cases of wrong-way driving, while a U-turn results only in suspension.
In both cases, revocation and suspension are ordered by the Prefect, and in the event of revocation, the driver cannot reapply for a new license for two years.
Wrong-way driving: camera detection and appeals
Many people, after receiving a fine for wrong-way driving, wonder whether it is possible to appeal. The answer is yes, but the chances of success largely depend on the evidence available. The violation can be detected directly by police officers, by stopping the vehicle at the time of the offense, or through the use of electronic devices.
In the latter case, detection systems such as road surveillance cameras or Tutor systems must be approved and certified to provide valid evidence. Another possible basis for appeal arises if it can be proven that road signs were unclear or missing. If you decide to file an immediate appeal against a wrong-way driving fine, you must submit your case to the Prefect or the Justice of the Peace within the time limits stated on the penalty notice issued by the authorities.
