Driving In Italy

Car Hire in Italy

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The motorway network in Italy is excellent but subject to heavy tolls in comparison with other countries. However you do not have to use the toll roads as there is an equally good network of state roads (strade statali) to get you around.

As a tourist, you may wish to avoid the motorways altogether and use the provincial roads (strade provinciali) to enjoy the real Italian countryside.

Toll Information

Tickets for the autostrade can be obtained as you enter the expressway system and paid when exiting. Tolls (except in Sicily) can be paid with cash or a Viacard.

Viacards cost around €25 and can be bought from tollbooths, fuel stations, some banks, tourist offices, and tobacconists. These are accepted on all routes except the A18 and A20.

Speed Limits

Speed limit on motorways: 130kph/81mph
Speed limit in towns: 50kph/31mph
Speed limit on major roads: 90kph/56mph

If you are towing a caravan or trailer, you are legally limited to 70 kph (44 mph) outside built-up areas and to 80 kph (50 mph) on expressways.

Parking

Generally, parking is on the right side of the road. Blue zones are for a limited time and in these zones your vehicle must display a parking disc. These can be obtained at fuel stations, tourist offices, and motor club offices.

Parking discs should be used at the following times: from 09.00 to 14.30 hrs and from 16:00 to 20:00 hrs - Monday to Saturday (except holidays).

Parking meters are in operation in most towns and cities and you will see these located near the area where you wish to park.

Requirements

You must carry a warning triangle in your vehicle.
Seatbelts must be worn in the front and back seats. You will be fined for not wearing one.
Drive on the right hand side of the road and overtake on the left.
Children under 12 years must sit in the back unless they have a booster seat.
You need to carry your driving licence - photocopies are not accepted
You must have the insurance certificate (Green Card) in the car.
The vehicle registration/ownership papers should be in the car. If you are not the owner, you must have proof of permission to drive the car. Hire companies give you this proof when you rent the car. Remember to carry these papers with you.

Traffic Fines

For any motoring offences, the Italian police are empowered to take away your licence and to collect fines on the spot. For foreign-registered vehicles and hire cars, police can collect 25% of the maximum fine on the spot. If you contest your fine, you must give a deposit of half the maximum amount in cash.

Documentation

To thwart car thieves, police are increasingly subjecting foreign-registered vehicles to spot checks. To pass such a check, drivers must present vehicle and personal identification documents, including written permission from the owner if it is a borrowed vehicle. Vehicles that don't pass the inspection may be confiscated.