Italy is considering new rules that could see pedestrians fined for using their mobile phones while crossing roads, as authorities seek to address the growing risks posed by distracted walking.
Under a proposed update to the country’s highway code, pedestrians caught using their phones while crossing at designated crossings could face fines starting at €75. The proposal is aimed at people whose attention is diverted by activities such as messaging or browsing while navigating traffic.
New rules target distracted walking
The proposed measure comes amid concerns that pedestrians engrossed in their phones may fail to notice approaching vehicles, scooters or other road users.
The issue is particularly relevant in Italian cities, where narrow streets, busy intersections and large numbers of scooters can make road crossings challenging even for attentive pedestrians.
The proposed fines would send a clear message that pedestrians, like motorists, have a responsibility to remain alert around traffic.
Phone use can create risks on busy roads
Using a mobile phone while crossing can reduce a pedestrian’s awareness of vehicles and other hazards. It can also make it harder for drivers to anticipate a person’s movements.
The proposed Italian rules therefore seek to discourage behaviour that could increase the chances of collisions, particularly at busy crossings.
Debate highlights wider problem of road etiquette
The discussion around distracted pedestrians also reflects broader frustrations about everyday behaviour in public spaces.
Mobile phone use while walking is increasingly common, while electric scooters have created another challenge in crowded urban areas. Scooters being ridden on pavements can put pedestrians at risk, particularly in busy areas.
The proposed Italian measure is consequently part of a wider debate about how people should share increasingly crowded roads and public spaces.
A small fine could send a bigger message
While a €75 starting penalty may not stop every distracted pedestrian from checking a message, supporters of the measure argue that enforcement can reinforce a simple principle: attention matters when crossing a road.
Italy’s proposal could also draw attention beyond its borders as cities around the world grapple with the safety implications of smartphone use among both drivers and pedestrians.