Driving in Italy

Italy in Brief - History of Italy - Attractions in Italy

Driving documents
If you are renting a car, a valid national drivers license and passport are all that is required. You can also obtain an International Driving Permit at the airport.

The Auto Strada
The Auto Strada (green signs) is a 2-3 split highway and are generally toll roads costing between 1.40 € and 8.50 € depending on the distance between toll plazas. Sometimes you pay the clerk directly for the toll, sometimes collect a ticket and pay later. The Autostrada is Italy´s equivalent to the German Autobahn. Beware, drivers in fast European cars pass as if you are standing still, even when your car is moving at the speed of 120 kmh (70 miles per hour)! Stay to the right on all highways unless you want to pass.

Parking
Parking is permitted on the right-hand side of the road everywhere outside cities and towns except on highways (autostrade), at crossroads and on curves and hills not allowing full visibility. If a car is stalled blocking the road because of mechanical difficulty or for any other reason, the driver is required to warn other vehicles by placing a special triangular danger signal at least 30 meters (99 feet) behind. All cars must be equipped with this portable signal, called a triangolo.

Right of way
At a crossroads, motorists must give way to vehicles coming from their right. Street cars and trains always have the right of way from either left or right.
At a crossroads marked by a precedence sign (triangle with point downwards) or a stop sign, the motorist must give way to all vehicles coming from both left and right.

Lanes
On three-lane roads, the middle lane is reserved for passing, which must always be signaled in advance with the directional signal, which must be kept on while passing. In towns or city traffic on roads with three lanes or with three or more lanes in each direction, cars are allowed to move in parallel rows.

Gasoline - cost
Americans and Canadians will find gas quite expensive in Italy, so renting a smaller car is good advice. Service stations are open from 7:00AM to 12:30PM and from 3:00PM to 7:30PM. Gas is available 24 hours a day on motorways. Self Serve / Self Pay pumps are available in some places 24 hours a day. With a small car, 5 € will give approximately 1/4 tank of gas.

Roundabouts
When approaching roundabouts, yield to the traffic on the roundabout and to those on the right. But, most Italian drivers try to get away with anything they can. Rules such as yielding to those on a roundabout, not parking in restricted areas and others are often ignored in the absence of the Carabinieri.

Driving in the Cities
It is advised to leave your car outside the major cities as driving and parking is difficult at best. In an attempt to control the volume of cars, many of the smaller walled cities require a permit to be allowed into certain areas - like the town itself! Warning: If you happen to drive past a gate and find yourself inside the walls of a large old town, you will probably be ticketed by the Carabinieri (the traffic police) or the worse scenario--have your car towed away…(and I’ve been told it is not a pleasant experience getting your car back!)

Gravel Roads
Gravel Roads (white signs) are the true network of Italy. Gravel roads are everywhere. They may seem a little intimidating at first but soon become part of the adventure, especially at night.

The Super Strada
The Super Strada (blue signs) are the 2-4 lane roads that connect many of the small towns and villages to the Auto Strada. They are slower moving and generally wind throughout the countryside.

Speed Limits
Speed limits are seldom posted outside the towns, but can be enforced per the law. The law requires seat belts.

In cities and towns, the limit is 50km. (31.25 m.p.h.)
On other roads, maximum speeds are:
90km. (56.25 m.p.h.) for all cars and motor vehicles on main roads and local roads
110 km. (68.75 m.p.h.) for all cars and motor vehicles up to 1099 cc. on superhighways
130 km. (81.25 m.p.h.) for all cars and motor vehicles over 1100 on superhighways. Be forewarned though, cars in the fast lane of the Auto strada move much faster than 130 km/h.

Italy's roads - classification
Italy’s roads are classified as follows:

Autostrade (Superhighways) - most will charge tolls
Strade Statali (State Roads)
Strade Provinciali (Provincial Roads)
Strade Comunali (Local Roads)
On superhighways (autostrade) no U-turns are permitted, and stopping is permitted only in emergency parking areas or parking lanes.
The Italian highway code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs. Driving is on the right; passing on the left. Violators of the highway code are fined; serious violations may also be punished by imprisonment.