Before traveling, check with the car rental company to see if any updates have been made to Italys car seat laws. Small cars, like SUVs, are fuel-efficient, making them the bestsellers in car rental companies in Italy. Thankfully the rental car companies will provide you with these items which they did for mine. For seniors 60 years old and above, they have to pay for a senior drivers fee. There's absolutely nowhere to park. However, you cant overtake on level crossings, at intersections, on the brow of the hill, at bends, and when theres low visibility. Buon viaggio! The International Driving Permit is just a translation of your country driving license, and is intended to ease and speed police controls. The narrow lanes and plentiful curves mean youll be driving slowly. If you drive in the ZTL without permission, youll have a nice fine waiting for you on your arrival home (or months later!). Unless you have a driving license issued by a EU country, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Italy. Known as the most popular bridge in Venice, Ponte di Rialto offers a stunning view that would surely make your photos stand out from the rest. Cinque de Terre is a beautiful coastal region that you should visit at least once. Can foreigners drive in Italy?Foreigners can drive in Italy with the appropriate documents. On the Autostrada, there are yellow call boxes approximately every 2 kilometers that can be used to call for assistance. Luckily, they often speak with their hands, so directions are easy to follow. Meanwhile, his/her accomplice is reaching into your car (even opening up your passenger door) to grab a purse, wallet, or any other valuables youve left within reach. If your average speed is above the limit (with the 5% leeway), youll be fined. Pro Tip: To avoid kicking your vehicle into top gear, put it on cruise control instead. katsgoneglobal.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. Italy fully adopted right-hand driving in the mid-1920s. Pro-tip: Read your rental agreement very carefully. Accessed September 20, 2022. Pro Tip: If youre not comfortable with high speeds, flashing beams, then stay clear of the left lane because it is common practice for tickets to be issued for driving in the left lane if youre not passing a car. For tourists coming from countries that are EU members, you dont have to present an IDP since your driving license already grants you the privilege to drive on Italys roads. While some of the rules are similar to driving laws in the U.S., some, like the Zona Traffico Limitato, are particular to Italy. If there is a sign showing with a police officer with a hand raised or orange autovelox boxes this indicates that there will be speed traps and check points. They also need to go to the police station of the city they live in for a simple declaration of their presence. Headlights must be on while driving outside of urban areas. Driving in limited traffic zones in Italy without a permit is strictly prohibited and may result in fines if youre caught driving in the traffic zone. You must have an International Driving Permit. hello@internationaldriversassociation.com, Toptravel PTE. Driving Time 13 hours. Youll experience a relaxing getaway right in the city, where youre with your loved one or by yourself. Europe - Driving in Italy? illustration-museum Places of Culture. The well-maintained highways and well-marked roads make driving in Italy safe. When to book your car rental 3. Italians are friendly and would gladly give directions to reach your destination. If your driver's license is from the U.S. or other countries outside the European Union, you should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your local license. Ciao and welcome to Mom in Italy. What to do if you need to park at your hotel in the center? Its not awful but make sure to read the fine print and know exactly what comes with your rental. Reading this guide is essential to ensure you live the best time of your life while in the country. If you cant help drinking a glass of wine, its best to let another person drive for you or call a cab service. Below is the list of things you can do in Capri island. There are three ways to pay for the tolls: Depending on how you would like to pay, look out for the following signs: You will generally find that the entrance and exit ramps for the motorways in Italy can be very short or have quite tight corners so be careful when approaching these. Its best to check with your hotel where the best places to park and how to pay for parking as they will have the insider knowledge. Don't miss my other articles in this series: Driving in Italy 101 and Italian Driving Laws & Rules of the Road. Turns out when the attendant fills up your car you get charged extra 16 cents per litre or gallon (I cant remember). Youll need to choose credit card or cash payment. Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road. The majority of cars in Italy are standard stick shift. Good To Know: One of the most important things to know about navigating Italian roads is that Italian road signs dont use north/south/east/west indicators (like Interstate 5 in the US has northbound and southbound directions). If youre venturing into nearby Basilicata to seeMateraand itssassi, youll want to have a car. An overhead camera takes a photo of your license plate as you pass under it. Aside from a fun photo opportunity, you can also climb the tower to see the breathtaking view of the whole city. Palazzo Vecchio, meaning new palace, houses awe-inspiring artworks, frescoes, and Dantes infamous death mask here. Want to sit back and relax on your Italian vacation? The processing of the permanent residency permit may take up to three months. The position of the steering wheel can be confusing when driving in Italy if youre from the UK and other right-side driving countries. Drinking and driving in Italy is illegal. If youre staying for more than six months, you need to obtain an Italian driving permit to drive in the country. It's easy to see why tourists fall in love with this part of the country no one seems . Parking can be quite challenging in Italy, especially in city centers and historic towns. Drinking wine in Italy is definitely alluring especially with lunch or dinner. The Leaning Tower of Pisa may not have many activities to offer, but youll surely find yourself collecting fun and quirky photos and memories. THERE'S MORE TO PLANNING YOUR ITALIAN VACATION THAN KNOWING THE RULES OF THE ROAD. If you booked your rental online, you need to present the receipt of your rental, too. The good news is that most cars get much better gas mileage here than what youre probably used to in your home country. In rural areas, roads are often narrow and often have no guardrails. When driving on main roads outside built-up urban areas the speed limit varies between 90kmph and 110kmph. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Piazza di S. Bernardo. Also, dont follow your GPS blindly the ZTL may not be marked on its map. If you dont, you risk not finding them attached to your car when you return. Autostrada signs are green. If youre tired of visiting museums and want to change a bit of scenery, visiting the Camposanto will surely give you a different perspective. Several fun activities await you on the island, including a boat tour to the Blue Grotto Cave, a hike on Monte Solero, and the lively beach parties on the island. Regulatory Framework Local Regulation: Theres no reason to panic when this happens as police officers in Italy are polite and professional. Hiking is common when you visit Cinque Terre, but its definitely worth the sweat and energy. Before driving in Italy in winter, ensure the snow chains are approved and the right fit for your tires. Double check when you pick up the car just in case. The Dolomites YES (but not required)The Dolomites area has an amazing public transport system, and you could visit car-free, but I prefer the freedom a car offers here. Tour Club Italianos regional maps (1:200,000 scale), for example Tuscany, Kompass maps for smaller areas (1:50,000 or 1:25,000 scale), for example Chianti, Global maps for smaller areas (1:25,000 or 1:7,500 scale), for example Capri island. Trams and buses always have the right of way in any situation. Follow A12/E80 to SP566dir in Carrodano. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are mandatory for all car rental companies to protect you from liability resulting from damage by collision and theft. You can also buy your own GPS device or use a GPS app on your smartphone like Google Maps or Waze. These zones are generally limited to residents and taxis and are monitored by cameras. Ah parking in Italy can be a nightmare in certain areas especially the big cities. Personally, as long as its not city driving its well worth getting a car in Italy to explore the towns and regions. Driving lessons in Italy dont begin until youre 18, and theyre obligatory for any Italian who wants to cruise the Bel Paese. Please see ourDisclaimerfor more information. Plan appropriately and have a designated driver or take a taxi or public transport. The IDP is not a license, requires no test, and is basically a translation of your driver's license. Nonetheless, car rental companies can still refuse to rent a car to you, even if your age is qualified, if you have a bad driving record. You can reach the main cities (Catania, Palermo, Siracusa) by train, but they are often delayed and crowded. Copyright 2015 2022. The general standards of driving should be fervently adhered to avoid cutting your trip short or accidents. Youll almost always see a sign that says controllo elettronico della velocit.. In built-up areas the limit is then between 50kmph and 70kmph. Youll need to follow the same procedure as acar breakdown, but call the Italian police at 112. Instead of the Highway Code and a strict adherence to white lines and red stop signs, the rules of the road on this gorgeous southern Italian island instead appear to have been passed down from generation to generation, understood but not shared, and perhaps really only made to be broken or creatively challenged. To avoid kicking your vehicle into top gear, put it on cruise control instead. Rural roads are narrow and have no guardrails but well-marked with road signs and streetlights. Italys economy in the past centuries relied heavily on the agricultural sector. Your car will stop working and youll need to have the tank drained before you can continue your vacation. Speed limits in Italy are strictly enforced, and being a foreign driver who "doesn't know any better" won't get you out of paying hefty fines. Sistema Tutor is a new system used on some stretches of the autostrada. Move to the side of the road, and completely off the road if possible. You can also rent a car in Italy for a pleasurable driving experience. Its better not to drink even a glass of alcohol if youre driving if you dont want to get in trouble. Read your rental agreement very carefully. Although its a country with the tastiest wine, you cant drive while under the influence of alcohol. So do not think that if you are stopped by the police, and do not have all the documents in order, you will escape just because you are . illustration-information General Information. In Italy, Google Maps maps/directions tend to be more reliable than maps/directions from GPS devices. What do I do if I lose my Autostrada ticket before I exit?When you exit the Autostrada and arrive at the barrier to pay, push theaiuto(help) button to speak with an operator. If you have car trouble, turn on your flashing emergency lights. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn a commission, see myAffiliate Disclosurefor more details. Enter your info & email address and you'll be the first to know when the 2021 dates are open for booking! Recently, a woman in my town put her purse in her trunk before leaving her house, drove to a recreation area, and parked in a large lot with people around. This will save you a lot of time, help you avoid the unnecessary embarrassment of getting lost and fumbling over your non-existent Italian. Driving in Italy is not so different to driving in the USA, as long as you have an International Driving Permit and an understanding of the basic rules. Be aware of the speed limits when driving in Italy. Over 30 Years Combined Italian Travel, Food & Wine Expertise. Zipping down those countryside roads youll have to watch out for the orange boxes that will take a photo of your rental car slap you with a speeding ticket if you didnt follow the rules. Otherwise, those nasty fees would have definitely stung me. Slight left toward Via Cristoforo Colombo. The age requirement can also affect the options you can choose from. This guide is packed with information you need to know about Italy, from driving dos and donts and driving situations to rental cars and top destinations. Since big cities have heavier traffic, smaller vehicles are enough to get you from one tourist spot to another. Gas is expensive. Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road (the same as the U.S. and much of Europe). Keep in mind that Italians practice self-managed yielding at intersections without signs. Youll also find self-service pumps in several locations for your convenience. The roads in town are narrow and usually packed with traffic. Ive been driving here for almost 20 years as a travel guide, tourist, and resident. Before you put the key in the ignition, youll want to be familiar with the main Italian road signs. Europe - Driving in Italy - What are your stories of driving in Italy? And if you do happen to make your way into the passing lane, dont be surprised to find aggressive Italian drivers flashing you with their high beams. If youve been a resident in Italy for more than one year, youll need to get an Italian drivers license to drive legally in Italy. The mainland is 1,185 km (736 mi) long and 381 km (237 mi) wide, while Sicily covers 25,708 sq km (9,926 sq mi) of surface area. Good To Know: UK cars must have a UK identifier (on a sticker or on the license plate) and headlamp beam deflectors. Driving in Italy can be smooth and easy, but its inevitable to encounter difficulties and challenges on the road. Where to rent your car in Italy 4. U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy. Pro Tip: Always carry cash. Car insurance is mandatory in Italy, so car rental companies provide certain types of car insurance to their clients, depending on your rental agreement. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Autostrada highways are designated with an A in front of a number (such as A1, the major autostrada that connects Milan and Rome) and signs pointing toward them are green. Tourism in Italy is quite literally booming. Remote villas and accommodation may not have public transport options. Remember to remove your luggage and valuables from the car. ", Reflective safety vest (required to have in car), Reflective triangle (required to have in car). Before you go: Applying for an International Driving Permit. You also need to consider if their pick-up locations are easily accessible, so you dont have to waste an hour or two trying to find their location on the GPS. As I write this, its 1.80/liter in my town, more than $8/gallon! Child seats protect your children in case of car accidents. Now that youve visited the most impressive structures and charming villages, its time for you to visit this fun-filled island with your friends and family. Most of these stations take credit cards and payment can be made by downloading an app (similar to Easy Park). The legal drink driving limit in Italy is 0.05%, so watch how many vinos you have at dinner. Paying for tolls on the highway is easy, but knowing which lane to enter is key. This will save you the dreaded high cost of roaming charges. Read more: 20 Best Things To Do In Italy. Id be honoured if youd say, Thanks! with a 3 coffee on Ko-fi. Car rental companies 2. 2. Keep right all the time unless you need to pass. This isnt much more than a glass or two of wine. Ltd. All rights reserved. Turn right onto Via Francesco Paolo Remotti. I totally recommend that you get some sort of map or navigation as the roads or routes to get to places arent that straightforward. Be aware of the speed limits when driving in Italy. I may have hit a sign with our rental car (whoops) thankfully it was exactly where there was damage on the car previously and no one was the wiser of my minor accident. If you really want to go somewhere not accessible by public transport, hire a taxi for the trip. In 2018, there were 3,325 road fatalities recorded in Italy, showing a 1.6% decrease compared to the 2017 statistics. So, if youre getting on the Autostrada in Florence, you can choose to go toward Bologna or Roma (vs. North or South).