Italy Proposes Fines for Pedestrians Using Phones While Crossing Roads

Pedestrians in Italy may soon face financial penalties for using mobile devices while crossing the road. The proposed measure aims to curb the rising number of accidents caused by distracted walking in urban environments.

According to reports from The Independent and The Guardian, the Italian government is considering a draft update to the national highway code. Under these proposed rules, pedestrians found using a mobile device while on the roadway could be fined €75 or more. The regulation is designed to apply to any pedestrian on the road, regardless of whether they are using a designated pedestrian crossing.

The Rise of the 'Smombie'

This legislative push is part of a broader global effort to regulate "smombies"—a portmanteau of "smartphone" and "zombie"—referring to individuals so absorbed in their screens that they become oblivious to their surroundings. As smartphone penetration has increased, city planners and safety officials have noted a corresponding rise in pedestrian-vehicle collisions, often attributed to the cognitive distraction caused by mobile apps and messaging.

A Shift in Liability

The move signals a significant shift in how urban safety and liability are viewed, moving more responsibility toward the pedestrian. Historically, the burden of avoiding collisions has fallen primarily on drivers. However, by codifying the danger of distracted walking, Italy is mirroring safety trends already established in other jurisdictions. For example, South Korea and several cities in the United States have already implemented similar warnings or regulations to protect pedestrians from their own digital distractions.

Future Outlook

While the measure is currently part of a draft update, its implementation would mark a strict approach to urban mobility. Observers will be watching to see if the law is formally adopted and how authorities intend to enforce such fines in busy city centers. It remains to be seen if financial penalties alone will be sufficient to change pedestrian behavior or if Italy will supplement the fines with infrastructure changes, such as the ground-level LED signals used in other "smombie-prone" cities.