This new rule punishes drivers who abuse air conditioning, the fine exceeds 200 euros

A new regulation in the Highway Code exposes motorists to a hefty fine if they use the air conditioning too much to cool their car.

Getting fined for using the air conditioning in your car should come as a surprise to more than one driver! Especially since the intense heat currently hitting France is forcing a large number of drivers to use the air conditioning to cool off while traveling. It must be said that temperatures inside a car can easily exceed 40 degrees, especially if it has been sitting in the sun for several hours. But in a neighboring country, popular with the French, a new law recently came into force to punish anyone who overuses the air conditioning in their car.

In France, the Highway Code stipulates that it is forbidden to leave your vehicle's engine running while stationary. This means, by default, that using the air conditioning is also prohibited. But the fine is significantly lower than that practiced near our borders, since it's a Class 4 fine, meaning a total of 90 euros to pay. So, it's worse in one of our neighbors...

Near us, several new offenses have been added to the Italian Highway Code since the beginning of the year. Among them, one specifically concerns the use of air conditioning. Article 157 now provides for a fine for anyone leaving the air conditioning running while their vehicle is stationary, even for a very short time. This applies in parking lots, in areas where goods are loaded or unloaded, and even for people who briefly double-park, in front of a bakery or tobacconist's, for example.

It is now imperative for motorists driving in Italy to remember to turn off their vehicle's cooling system whenever they stop for a few moments. Especially since law enforcement is carrying out more and more checks and the fine is particularly steep. From a minimum of 223 euros, it can climb to 444 euros in the event of late payment. Enough to put off leaving the air conditioning running while stationary to avoid a little sweat.

This new measure was not voted by the Italian authorities to make car journeys unbearable for citizens in hot weather, but to reduce CO2 emissions as much as possible and comply with the European Union's environmental directives.