Italy is considering a new road safety rule that could make distracted pedestrians think twice before checking their phones while crossing the street.
Key Proposed Regulations for Pedestrians
- 📱 Smartphone Ban While Crossing: Using mobile phones or electronic devices while crossing the street or walking on roads without sidewalks will be strictly prohibited.
- Penalty: A fine of €75.
- Exceptions: Using a phone while safely on the sidewalk is allowed. Hands-free devices or earphones are permitted as long as the volume does not block out surrounding environmental noises.
- 👀 The “Eye Contact” Rule (Enhanced Prudence): Pedestrians will no longer be able to blindly rely on their legal right of way. Before stepping onto a crosswalk, they must stop and verify that the approaching driver has actually noticed them and intends to yield.
- Penalty: A fine of €75 for failing to demonstrate attentive and collaborative conduct.
- 🚫 No Unpredictable Movements: To ensure drivers have adequate reaction time, sudden changes in direction, abrupt stops, or erratic movements while crossing the street will be banned (unless reacting to an emergency).
The legislative proposal aligns with recent rulings from Italy’s High Court of Cassation, which has repeatedly ruled that a driver’s legal liability can be waived if a pedestrian’s behavior on the road is deemed entirely abnormal, sudden, or impossible to anticipate.
The proposed rules remain in draft form. Industry groups and stakeholder associations have until September 13, 2026, to submit observations before the Ministry of Transport finalizes the text for target approval by October 14, 2026.
If enacted, looking down at your phone while crossing a busy Italian street will officially transition from a bad habit into a costly traffic violation.
