New proposals for the highway code: driving license at 17 and helmet requirement

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (Mit) is preparing a series of amendments to the highway code, aiming to enhance road safety and protect vulnerable users. Among the proposals under consultation is the possibility of obtaining a category B driving license starting at 17 years old, a measure that could attract the attention of many young drivers.

Additionally, the Mit has proposed a helmet requirement for powered bicycle riders, including those models used by riders for deliveries. This rule aims to ensure greater protection for cyclists, in light of the ongoing discussions about the number of accidents involving bicycles.

Another point under discussion is overtaking on the right, which could be reassessed to improve traffic flow and safety. The new rules also extend to the use of the emergency lane on highways for motorcyclists, allowing them to maneuver more freely in congested situations.

The Mit has sent over 15 proposals to more than a hundred operators and associations, covering a range of topics from fines for traffic violations, which could become more proportionate and less burdensome, to restrictions for uninsured vehicles.

Some of these changes may also include a requirement for identification badges for powered vehicles. These measures are designed to address safety issues and improper behaviors on the road more effectively.

The proposals are currently under consultation, and the Mit is awaiting feedback from various stakeholders to proceed with potential legislative changes. The new regulations aim to provide greater protection for all road users, particularly the most vulnerable.