Starting with Italian Ministerial Decree no. 223 of 18/2/92 and subsequent modifications and updates in 15/10/96, 3/06/98 and 11/06/99 by Italian Public Works Minister, barriers became more and more important, acquiring a classification linked to their use and destination, as follows:

1. Side barriers on embankments;
2. Side barriers on bridges and viaducts;
3. Median safety barriers.

With reference to the type of installation:
1. Highways and major arterial roads;
2. Secondary out of town roads and main urban roads;
3. Urban roads in residential areas and local roads.

With reference to the type of heavy traffic on the road, the average daily traffic (ADT) will be of type I, II or III.

Road barriers have to be compliant with gradual crash absorption test described by the law. The aim to avoid the barrier overlapping by containing the vehicle within preset parameters is the other basic element.

Beyond these requirements, CAR decided to go further developing a three beam barrier which allows a higher retaining function in extreme situations – (besides the double corrugated traditional barrier, used where speeds are low and the impact is not devastating.)

Retaining classes according to Italian D.M. 03/06/1998