Italy has abandoned a proposal that would have automatically banned drivers aged 85 and older from using freeways.
The draft rules also included a 62-mile (100 km) travel limit from home and a zero-alcohol requirement for seniors.
>>> 2027 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric: 1,139 HP Family SUV Tested
Proposed Restrictions Scrapped
The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport confirmed the measures were removed from the main section of the proposed rules at Transport Minister Matteo Salvini's request.
Lingering references elsewhere in the draft will also be eliminated, according to Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.
Instead, the ministry says more thorough medical examinations are planned to ensure the safety of drivers over 85 and all road users.
The precise new procedure hasn't been finalized, but proposals submitted to Italy's Senate have included practical driving tests at ages 85 or 90 as conditions for license renewal.
Existing Rules for Older Drivers
Italy already shortens license renewal periods as drivers age.
>>> Why Your 1,000 HP EV Doesn't Always Deliver 1,000 HP
Ordinary car and motorcycle licenses last 10 years until age 50, five years between 50 and 70, three years from 70 to 80, then two years after 80, according to Auto Motor und Sport.
Medical certification of physical and mental fitness is already required for older drivers.
Other Changes in the Overhaul
The rulebook overhaul also includes tougher restrictions on smartphone use while driving and while pedestrians cross roads, although hands-free equipment remains permitted when safely used.
Other changes reportedly address driving behavior, including allowing cars to overtake on the right and motorcycles to skip lines by riding on the shoulder – a common practice already, even though technically illegal.
>>> Hyundai's Upcoming Mid-Size Pickup May Offer Hybrid or EREV Powertrain
For now, Italian seniors can continue driving on highways without the proposed restrictions.
