Strict traffic fines take effect in Italy

[unhappycamper]

Strict traffic fines take effect in Italy
By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Friday, May 2, 2008

Those fond of life in the fast lane in Italy might want to ease up on the accelerator a bit.

Not only is gasoline more expensive these days, but also a new set of Italian fines for speeding has gone into effect, and some Americans have already had their wallets emptied.

In a few cases, Americans who couldn’t pay their fines on the spot — as the law requires — had their vehicles impounded until they could pay.

“It’s happened,” said Gianni Vignaduzzi, operations liaison officer for the 31st Security Forces Squadron.

The changes were introduced late last year and went into effect recently. They also include higher penalties for talking on a cell phone while driving and for drinking and driving.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54492

[hobbit709]

1. Damn. Back in 1971

I paid 5000 lire when I was clocked at 180km/h in a 60 zone. That was when it was 580 lire/dollar.