Driving in Italy sounds like a nightmare to me—those narrow, cobblestone streets packed with scooters everywhere. I already struggle with driving in Los Angeles, a city built entirely around cars. If I tried to handle Italian roads, I’d probably end up taking out a pedestrian or two. The modern world moves too fast for Europe’s ancient streets, so Italy is doing the only logical thing: considering a ban on texting while crossing the road. The government’s latest draft of its highway code proposes fines of €75 or more for anyone caught sending a message, updating their LinkedIn, finishing Wordle on the fifth try, or doing anything else on their phone that might make them miss an oncoming car. I’m sure plenty of people will risk the small fine to send that text, but at least it sends a message that paying attention to traffic actually matters.
Distracted pedestrians aren’t just an Italian problem, though. When I’m turning right on a red light, there’s almost always someone shuffling toward the intersection, thumbs glued to their iPhone, completely unaware that I’m about to drive into the space they’re occupying. It’s not just dangerous—it’s incredibly annoying. I have to watch out for both of us, like I’m some kind of guardian angel deciding whether you, the clueless phone zombie, live or die. Sure, there’s a brief thrill in having that power over our shared safety, but I’d rather be thinking about dinner plans than how long to wait before honking at the oblivious fool blocking my turn.
I applaud Italy for thinking ahead. Honestly, I think we should criminalize more everyday annoyances. Like…
Using a ringtone
Can someone explain why anyone still keeps their ringer on? We’re way past the days when you could spend a dollar on that Crazy Frog song to impress your friends with every call. Now it’s just noise pollution—bleeps, bloops, pings, and plops cluttering our ears. When AMC Theaters tells a full auditorium to silence their phones before a movie, all I think is: “Unless they’re an on-call heart surgeon, their phone should always be on silent.” Fine amount: $200
Interrupting me mid-sentence
I know I talk a lot—it’s part of my job as a writer, so rambling comes naturally. Sometimes I wish it didn’t. But most of the time, what I’m saying is important and you should be listening, not waiting for your turn. I just sat through your long-winded take on gender roles in Christopher Nolan’s films. I respected you, even if I didn’t want to. Either let me finish or pay up! Fine amount: $200
Not pushing in your chair at a restaurant
Do you want the server at your favorite Olive Garden to break their leg because you left your chair blocking the aisle? If that’s how you treat restaurant workers, I’m ready to go outside and bang pots and pans like it’s lockdown again, just to thank everyone carrying shrimp scampi who has to dodge rude customers. When you get up from the table, push in your chair. It takes two seconds and could save a life—and a plate of delicious pasta. Fine amount: $250
Riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk
Let me remind everyone that scooter companies like Lime and Lyft explicitly say not to ride on sidewalks. The sidewalk is called a sidewalk because, like Nancy Sinatra’s boots, it’s made for walking. Motorized vehicles don’t belong there, especially ones that can pick up real speed.Use the bike lane, for heaven’s sake. Or take the bus. Or do anything else, honestly. It’s way too risky to be zipping around on a scooter while everyone else is just trying to get things done. What if I’m distracted, checking my phone and texting? Shame on you, scooter guy. Fine: $500.
Dave Schilling is a writer and humorist based in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Italys proposed ban on looking at your phone while crossing the street including the broader implications
General The Law
1 Wait is Italy actually banning phones while crossing the street
Yes but its not a done deal yet The Italian government has proposed a law that would fine pedestrians for using smartphones while crossing a road Its part of a larger highway safety bill currently going through parliament
2 What exactly is the fine if I get caught
Under the current proposal the fine would range from 25 to 100 If you cause an accident while distracted the fine could go up to 250
3 Does this mean I cant even look at my phone if Im standing on the curb
No The ban applies specifically to crossing the street If you are standing still on the sidewalk checking your map you are fine The moment you step into the crosswalk with the phone in your hand you are in violation
4 What about wearing headphones or AirPods
The proposed law specifically targets electronic devices that distract you While the text mainly focuses on phones wearing headphones that block out traffic noise is likely to be considered just as dangerous and could fall under the same penalty
5 How would they even enforce this
Police officers on foot patrol or at intersections can simply issue a ticket if they see you doing it In some cities they may use body cameras to have proof of the violation
The Why Stop There Angle
6 Why stop at phones What other distractions are just as dangerous
Thats the exact argument for this law If you are crossing the street anything that takes your eyes or ears off the road is a risk This includes eating a sandwich reading a book applying makeup or even having a loud conversation on speakerphone The law is meant to target the behavior of distraction not just the device
7 Are there other places in the world doing this
Yes Honolulu Hawaii was the first major US city to ban it with fines starting at 35 Several cities in China Japan and Germany have also experimented with texting lanes or similar fines
