Drive in Italy

Here are the practical info, and everything you need to know, to drive in Italy without problems.

As always, it is recommended to follow some basic and universal rules. Always respect speed limits. The controls are quite frequent. A fundamental principle for safety and, also, for your pockets; avoid heavy fines. To those who exceed the speed limits of more than 40 km/h, THE LICENSE WILL BE RETIRED! If you have drunk alcohol, DO NOT DRIVING. For no reason. In the event of an accident, YOU MUST ALWAYS STOP and provide assistance; it is important, however, not to hinder circulation

BASIC RULES TO DRIVE IN ITALY

In Italy you drive to the right and overtake on the left. Always respect the safety distance. Always give priority to pedestrians who cross or are about to cross a road; even if there are no pedestrian crossings on the ground.

The infrastructures are quite efficient. Motorways and National Roads are extremely practical and modern. With the due exceptions, regarding the South Italy that, only lately, is making improvements. The Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway is a clear example of this.

DOCUMENTS TO DRIVE IN ITALY

Driving license, registration certificate and valid insurance certificate. If you are driving a vehicle that is not your own, we recommend that you take a DELEGATION TO CONDUCT. This is a delegation of the vehicle owner with an authenticated signature. It is not mandatory.

VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

To drive in Italy it is mandatory to have, in your car, a safety kit. This includes a triangle and a warning jacket to wear when leaving the car. The triangle must be exposed in the event of an accident. The seat belts must always be fastened on all the seats of the car. Having a flashlight, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher is not mandatory but particularly useful for safety.

ROADS AND SIGNS

Major highways and main roads are particularly extensive and modern. The network is developed from north to south and allows you to reach the great Italian cities and the main destinations.

With regard to signage, this could lead to confusion with the European network. In fact, Italian motorways are identified by a green sign and a letter A, followed by the numbers. The freeways, on the other hand, are identified by a blue sign, although they are quite similar to the motorways. Both, in fact, always have two carriageways and at least two lanes in each direction. In addition to some technical differences, the motorways are tolled while the extra-urban trade is free.

Urban streets, on the other hand, do not have specific road signs. They are medium-slow sliding roads, where they can transit all vehicle categories, both motorized and non-motorized.

MOTORWAY PEDAGE

Almost the entire Italian motorway network is paid. On some routes, you pay based on distance; on others, however, a pre-established payment is envisaged. With a few exceptions, at the toll booths you can pay conveniently in cash or using your credit card. You will have to line up according to the type of payment to be made. There is also a prepaid solution, called VIACARD. Available in cuts from 25, 50 and 75€, it can be used in all automatic toll booths. At each step, the credit is deducted from the balance.