Main Driving Rules
-
in Italy you must drive on the right; the left lanes are reserved for overtaking. The vehicle to be overtaken must keep as far to the right as possible
-
driving on the emergency lane is forbidden, since this is reserved for rescue and emergency vehicles and emergency stops
-
headlights should be switched on and dipped at all times of day or night when driving on motorways and dual carriageways outside towns
-
mobile cellular phones may not be used when driving unless using a hands-free system
-
in towns and developed areas, priority is given to traffic joining from the right, unless otherwise stated
-
You have to know that along the main roads in town you can often speed traps.
To check them
visit this website where the council publish them weekly.
 |
TIP:
Gas stations are not open 24h a day but most of them offer a self-service working with credit card or cash.
|
Driving License
Italians can drive mopeds after the age of 14 and cars after the age of 18. The Italian driving licence is valid for 10 years up to the age of 50. After that, it must be renewed every 5 years and after age 70, every 3 years.
EU citizens who are resident in Italy, and who have the new style, credit card licences, may continue to use them in Italy as in their country of issue.
EU citizens who are resident in Italy and who have the old style licence, must get them authenticated within 12 months, or convert to an Italian licence.
Non EU citizens who are resident in Italy must take a driving test and obtain an Italian licence within 12 months. This includes citizens from the US, Canada and Australia as there is no reciprocal agreement between Italy and these countries.
Driving without a valid licence can result in a large fine or worse still, can invalidate your car insurance in the case of an accident.
If in any doubt, visit your local 'Automobile Club D'Italia' (ACI) for details
Rules & Regs
There are frequent roadside checks in Italy. If stopped, the police will expect you to be carrying the following documents:
• Italian ID card or some other proof of identity
• Valid driving licence or a receipt showing that it is currently in the process of conversion
• 'Bollo' receipt (car tax)
• Valid insurance disc displayed in car windscreen
• 'Libretto' (logbook) with an up to date 'Revisione' if car is over 4years old
In addition it is necessary to carry bright yellow luminous jackets which are available from any petrol station. If you have an accident or need to stop on an autostrada, you must wear them if you leave the car.
Your dipped headlights should be used on all major roads and autostrada. As there is considerable confusion as to when you need them most Italians have their lights on all the time.
Your driving licence, ID card, and libretto should all show your current address and you can be fined if they are not correct.
In some areas it is necessary to carry snow chains during the winter months. Signs at the side of the road will advise you if this is required.
Autostrada
Motorway (highway or freeway road network) signs are green with a white text.
Roads are named with the prefix A and are numbered from 1: the
A1 is the
Autostrada 1.
Autostradas have a speed limit of 130 Km/h. The motorway toll system (
pedaggio) charges for each journey. Normally a ticket is dispensed at the start and paid for on leaving the motorway. There is a fixed charge per kilometer (the rate varies depending on the vehicle type). Motorways have emergency telephones located approximately every two kilometers. These connect directly to breakdown service supplied by the
ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia).
The
Autostrada.it website has information about the length, cost and facilities available for each journey, as well as about traffic conditions and estimated journey times.
If you travel a lot on highways, it's easier to have Telepass Family (kinda EZpass) if you don't want to stop at toll gates. To get it it's sufficient to have a bank count on which they will charge your passage fees.
For details
www.mototouring.com.