"Officer, I just brushed my teeth a little while ago": a €6,000 fine | It's better to walk around with dirty teeth from now on.

A €6,000 fine just for brushing your teeth before driving. Today, it's probably better to drive with dirty teeth than take risks.

The Highway Code strikes again, imposing a hefty €6,000 fine simply for brushing your teeth before driving. Is it possible that oral hygiene can be so dangerous as to warrant such a hefty fine? In fact, the measure can be understood by starting with the purpose behind the Highway Code amendment.

Last December, new road regulations came into force, aimed at making the roads much safer.

The measures were targeted to ensure that those who commit violations are properly punished. Given that the Italian penalty system aims to prevent violations from being committed, sometimes even repeatedly, one of the changes is precisely the increase in fines.

But let's try to understand what's happening.

New Highway Code and new amendments

The new Highway Code came into force on December 14th, but further changes are being implemented in recent weeks. A clear example of this is the introduction of the alcohol interlock, a device designed for repeat offenders caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Specifically for these offenders, in addition to significantly higher fines, this device prevents the car from starting unless the blood alcohol level is zero.

This is all due to increased attention to preventing behaviors such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, highly dangerous behaviors that can put one's life and the lives of others on the road at risk.

Here is the very salty fine

€6,000 is the maximum fine for those caught driving after drinking alcohol. Some mouthwashes we use for our teeth can give false negatives due to traces of alcohol, but obviously, repeating the test will clearly show a negative result. Driving under the influence of alcohol is very dangerous, given its ability to impair the ability to recognize dangers and intervene.

This is why, in amending the Highway Code, much attention was paid to this action, which can truly put everyone on the road at risk.