Driving in Italy

Italy's roads are classified as follows:

Autostrade (Superhighways) - most of which charge tolls
Strade Statali (State Roads)
Strade Provinciali (Provincial Roads)
Strade Comunali (Local Roads)

Highway Tolls:
Almost all autostrade (except some of those south of Naples) are toll roads. The easiest way to pay tolls is to use a major credit card. When you get to the exit ramp, look for the lanes with a large sign showing the pictures of the various credit cards. Insert the toll ticket first (with the arrow pointing forward), then your credit card (with the hologram out). If the machine "talks to you," it's telling you to turn your card around the other way. To get a receipt, push the red button after you retrieve your credit card.

Breakdown Services:
In case of breakdown on any Italian road, dial 116 at the nearest telephone. The nearest ACI office will be advised to come to your assistance. On superhighways, use the emergency telephones placed every 2 km.

Motorcycles:
Motorcycles require the same documents as automobiles. A driving license or a motorcycle driving license is required for motorcycles over 49 cc. Crash helmets are compulsory and must be worn at all times when driving a motorcycle.

The Italian Highways Association has an good web site showing major highway routes between all points in Italy. It even shows you how to calculate your own tolls.

Almost all autostrade (except some of those south of Naples) are toll roads. The easiest way to pay tolls is to use a major credit card. When you get to the exit ramp, look for the lanes with a large sign showing the pictures of the various credit cards. Insert the toll ticket first (with the arrow pointing forward), then your credit card (with the hologram out). If the machine "talks to you," it's telling you to turn your card around the other way. To get a receipt, push the red button after you retrieve your credit card.

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.

Speed limits:
In cities and towns, the limit is 50 km. (31.25 m.p.h.)

On other roads, maximum speeds are:
90 km. (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 cc. on superhighways

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.

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 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.

Passing:
Passing must be on the left. Passing on the right is allowed when the car ahead has signaled a left turn and has moved to the center of the road, or where travel in parallel rows is permitted.

Flashing High-Beams:
A good rule of thumb when driving on the autostrada: Always travel in the right- hand lane. Use the left lane only to pass and afterwards return immediately to the right. Otherwise, you risk being suddenly approached by drivers flashing their high-beams who are quite comfortable traveling at very high speeds in the left lane. The first time this happens, will be enough for you to remember the rule.

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.

High-beam headlights: can be used only outside cities and towns and when no vehicle is approaching; otherwise use only low-beam. When a stationary vehicle is not clearly visible, parking lights must be kept on.

Seat belts are compulsory!

The Automobile Club Italiano (ACI) is the equivalent of the AAA in the USA. It has offices throughout Italy.
The main office:
ACI
Via Marsala 8
00185 Roma
tel. 011-39-6-49981
fax 011-39-6-499-8234

If you are renting a Vacation Home in Italy and renting a car:

The best maps are the Michelin Map Series.

Michelin #430 Central or #431 South Italy Road Map
From the Michelin Road Maps series.
Map scale 1:400,000
Folded map - 4 3/8" x 9 3/4"
MM0430 Michelin 430 Central Italy Road Map $8.95
MM0431 Michelin 431 South Italy Road Map $8.95

A more comprehensive map of Italy is the Green Michelin Road Atlas. Spiral bound to lie flat on the navigators lap, this map covers the entire peninsula and has an index which makes finding your destinations decidedly easier.

Drive and Shop:

If time permits we highly recommend stopping along the way (autostrada rest areas-Motta, Autogrill etc) to stock up on basic foods for your first few days. If you must arrive late on Saturday, this can be very important, since most shops are closed Sunday morning.

No Ambient Light:

In both the countryside and along coastal areas night driving can be problematic. Roads and signs may not be illuminated and the nearest light source may be the moon. We highly recommend extra map study in this case.

Weekend Traffic:
When arriving in Italy on Friday, Saturday or Sunday we recommend allowing extra time to travel to your destination. Weekend traffic in Italy, especially around popular seaside and countryside destinations can become congested and add considerable time to your journey.