In these hours a message is going around on WhatsApp that warns of the entry into force of the new traffic code 2019, but it is a hoax
On March 19, the new traffic code 2019 comes into force and the penalties will be more severe for those who will be used the smartphone while driving. This is the gist of the message that in these hours is going viral on WhatsApp and announcing the news of the new Highway Code 2019. The message would also be useful, if it were not that it is a hoax, as witnessed by the guys from bufale.net, a portal specialized in unmasking fake news published on social networks, websites and WhatsApp.
This is not the first time that on the application becomes viral a message-fake on the new highway code. Already last August, some users had tried to give false information, posting within WhatsApp groups a message informing of the entry into force of a new highway code. This is a fairly common dynamic within the messaging application. In the groups start the Chains of St. Anthony that within a few days pass from one chat to another, until they become viral and create alarmism. You do not have to worry, today no new Highway Code 2019 has come into force.
New Highway Code 2019 in force from March 19: the message-bufala
“Let’s be careful. As of next Tuesday, the new highway code will come into force. Today was approved the heaviest article, and it is right so: whoever will be caught driving the vehicle, even if it is stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, with the cell phone or other devices the sanction is as follows: “immediate withdrawal of the license” and a “fine from 180 €uro up to 680 €uro”. So let’s all be very careful, let’s get organized with hands-free kits and if we wear earphones remember that one ear must remain free. The fact of having the phone in your hand and talk through the speakerphone of the same, also involves the penalty. To which will be added the sanction driving with one hand from €161 and 5 points less. Make turn handcuff!”
This is the text of the fake news that is circulating in these hours on WhatsApp. The message is very credible, because it takes up a theme much debated in recent weeks on television. A new law is being discussed in Parliament that should make harsher penalties for those who use smartphones while driving. But as of yet, no law has been passed. Moreover, the message says nothing new: there is already a fine in the Highway Code for those who use a smartphone behind the wheel without using earphones. The sanction ranges from a minimum of 161 euros to a maximum of 647 euros. Rest assured, from March 19 (today) no new traffic laws will come into force.
When you get messages of this type, be wary. And use sites like bufale.net to check if it’s fake news.