by InTrieste
As revelers filled the streets for the annual Muggia Carnival, authorities launched an intensified crackdown on drunk driving, reinforcing Italy’s strict stance on road safety. Over the weekend, the Polizia di Stato implemented an extensive series of sobriety checks, resulting in multiple violations and the suspension of several driver’s licenses.
The sweeping operation, ordered by Trieste’s Police Commissioner, began late Saturday night and continued until dawn on Sunday, March 2. Three highway patrol units were deployed along key roads leading into Muggia, a popular coastal town near Trieste, and on surrounding highways. Officers conducted breathalyzer tests on 61 drivers, uncovering five violations of Italy’s Highway Code.
Among the offenders:
- Two drivers registered a blood alcohol level between 0.51 and 0.8 grams per liter, exceeding legal limits. One of them, a newly licensed driver, will lose all their points under Italy’s strict penalty system, which imposes doubled fines and harsher sanctions on inexperienced motorists.
- Two others were found with levels between 0.81 and 1.5 grams per liter, a more serious offense under Italian law.
- A final case involved a newly licensed driver with a blood alcohol level of up to 0.5 grams per liter, despite legal requirements for zero tolerance among novice drivers.
As a result of the operation, four licenses were revoked, and a total of 60 points were deducted.
Authorities emphasized that the campaign is not merely about punishment but about preventing life-threatening accidents.
“The goal is not to list reckless behaviors but to keep public awareness high,” the Traffic Police said in a statement, referencing recent updates to Italy’s Highway Code that impose even stricter penalties for intoxicated driving.
Experts warn that even small amounts of alcohol can significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, slowing reaction times and reducing depth perception. It can cause double vision and impair peripheral awareness, further increasing the risk of accidents.
“No celebration justifies such reckless behavior,” the statement continued. “Driving is a serious responsibility. Safety is a serious matter. Never drink if you need to drive.”
The Muggia Carnival, known for its elaborate masks and festive parades, draws thousands of attendees each year. But authorities remain concerned that the revelry too often spills over into dangerous driving habits. As Italy strengthens its enforcement measures, officials hope to set a precedent that will deter future violations—and ultimately save lives.
