Want to sit back and relax on your Italian vacation? You can get fined 40 to 4,000 if youre caught driving above the speed limit, depending on the excess speed limit youre caught on. You also cant rely on maps with ZTLs marked the zones sometimes change. Before you go: Applying for an International Driving Permit. You can find several job listings on job hunting platforms. Driving in Italy is not that different than driving in the United States (and it is far less intimidating than driving in Ireland). smaller than cars in some countries (like the United States). Driving in Italy 2022 Detailed Guide for Visitors, Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Italy in 2022, Can I Rent a Car in Italy with a US Drivers License, International Driving Permit for Italy How and Why to Get One, Italian Road Signs Guide for Visitors + Photos, Italian Toll Roads Driving on the Autostrada, English information on the countrys car seat laws, Italian Gas Stations A Guide to Getting Gas in Italy, 200+ Essential Italy Travel Tips for Your First (or 10th!) Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer.Throughout the three thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos. Then, Slight right onto Via Cristoforo Colombo. If youre planning to reside in Italy, you need to know a few essential things that would help you transition to the sweet life in Italy. The age requirement can also affect the options you can choose from. Not all toll stations accept credit cards and many of them are automatic and take bills up to 50 euros. You'll need to show your IDP if you get stopped by the police for any reason, including if you're in an accident. If youre uncomfortable accelerating to the high speeds needed in order to pass, its recommended that you stay out of the left lane unless strictly necessary. 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. This itinerary covers most of the beautiful and famous spots in Italy making it one of the best road trips in Italy. You could receive a ticket as late as a year after the incident even if you were driving a rental car. The narrow lanes and plentiful curves mean youll be driving slowly. Taking a break from near-perfect structures, visit the magnificently flawed Leaning Tower of Pisa and snap a quirky photo to share with your family and friends. For those that hold a European Union driving license you will not need to obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP). Car seats are divided into 5 categories (groups) based on weight: If youre renting a car, you can reserve a car seat. Even though you may not be requested to show your IDP by the car company or travel agent, if you get pulled over by the police they will be expecting to see your IDP. An overhead camera takes a photo of your license plate as you pass under it. Good To Know: If you decide to use Google Maps or GPS, do NOT their directions blindly! Before driving in Italy in winter, ensure the snow chains are approved and the right fit for your tires. If you are driving a gasoline-fueled car, orderbenzina (petrol), notgasolio (diesel), at the pump. Driving in Ireland: What You Need to Know, Driving in Portugal: What You Need to Know, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Italian highways normally have a speed limit of 130kmph (80mph) but that drops down to 110kmph (70mph) when it's raining. Drivers from non-EU countries need their valid drivers license plus an International Driving Permit. Its an area thats off-limits to all vehicles without an appropriate permit (like residents, taxis, and buses). She went for a jog and returned to find her car open, and her purse stolen. Finding driving jobs can be challenging as a foreign national, but its still worth trying. 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. Remote villas and accommodation may not have public transport options. From Rome, get on A1dir/E35 from Via Salaria. Martha Bakerjian is an Italian travel expert who uses her home in northern Tuscany as a base for her in-depth explorations of the country. Pro Tip: Always carry cash. In the United States some cities, like New York, prohibit turning right on red while the rest of the country allows it. However in Europe you can get some people are going 50 kilometres over the speed limit. And automatic speed checks dont stop there! Although Italy has a great public transport system, tourists still opt for driving in Italy with a rental car to visit the top tourist destinations. If your average speed is above the limit (with the 5% leeway), youll be fined. You can also rent a car in Italy for a pleasurable driving experience. The passing lane is exactly that a passing lane. Located in the south-central of Europe, Italy is the home of fascinating architecture and tasty dishes. What a roller-coasterthat was! Once you get licensed, you can either apply to different tour operators in the country or manage your own tours. Get the best deal! Be aware of the speed cameras on these main highways when driving in Italy. The penalties may include fines, vehicle confiscation, or, worse, imprisonment. Hi Im Kat! Civil liability insurance is mandatory, and visitors have the option of purchasing a Green Card insurance policy, sold at the border, that is valid for 15, 30, or 45 days. You can also avail of other car insurance types, such as Personal Effects Protection and Personal Accident Coverage. From Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, head east on Via Fratelli Wright toward Via Francesco Paolo Remotti/Via Leone Delagrange. Knowing when to yield for others or when youre permitted to go is vital to maintain a smooth flow of traffic and ensure everyones safety. Unlike non-EU citizens, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency after living for three months in Italy. So, dont spend your week in Chianti with a map of the entire country find a map of Tuscany, or Northern Tuscany, or Chianti. Go to an Autostrada PuntoBlu and give the attendant your car license plate, where you entered and exited, and the approximate times. Youre filling up your tank with gas and someone comes up to ask you a question. If youre lucky enough to find some free parking make sure you dont just park and leave. Eike Schmidt, director of the Uffizi. With statues and edifices that are a mix of both modern and history, it can be mesmerizing and more enjoyable if you have more freedom. Accelerate along the open roads of Tuscany and Emilia Romagna with the wind in your hair. Zona a traffico limitato (ZTL) or limited traffic zones, are areas designed to reduce pollution and ease congestion in Italys cities and towns, allowing only the residents to enter the zone. Driving in Italy with either your UK license or Indian license is accepted. EU citizens can convert their local drivers license without taking a driving test. Teach you about getting gas and parking in Italy. 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. Ltd. All rights reserved. Its best to rent a car with fog lamps to navigate the streets in poor visibility easily. You can reach the main cities (Catania, Palermo, Siracusa) by train, but they are often delayed and crowded. Another majestic structure you can find in Rome is the Roman Forum built around 500 B.C. Contact the rental car company to report damage to the vehicle. As I went with a cheap car hire company we had to fill up the car before going on a road trip the first lesson that we learnt and ended up with some pretty expensive full. Ive been driving here for almost 20 years as a travel guide, tourist, and resident. If youre traveling with children, they are required to use child restraints. Specifically, we're thinking of going from Florence to San Gimignano or perhaps Arezzo or Assisi. If its an important call, use a hands-free device. The left lane on the highway is strictly just for that. This would surely be a memorable experience for you. The Grande Strada della Dolomiti provides some of Italy's most exhilarating driving. Driving in Italy can be smooth and easy, but its inevitable to encounter difficulties and challenges on the road. Most major cities in Sicily are linked by the autostrada. There are over 1400km of Autostrade covered by the Safety Tutor, with it increasing annually. Overtaking in Italy must be done on the left. The Cinque Terre region is the perfect destination for a getaway with your loved ones. Its better not to drink even a glass of alcohol if youre driving if you dont want to get in trouble. Choose your rental car wisely 5. Established car rental companies are not hard to find in Italy. ), The Italian On Tour Inc. Suite 601 4920 52 Street Yellowknife, NT X1A 3T1. Dont leave valuables unattended in your car, even hidden in your trunk. No problem! Sunday is a good day for long-distance driving on the autostrada because trucks are prohibited on Sundays. But how can you become a travel guide? Italian drivers tend to drive fast, especially on the autostrada, but are generally not aggressive. Americans need an international driving permit to legally drive in Italy . Book in advance your Private Transfers from Fiumicino or Ciampino Airports to Rome City with Deluxe Sedan or Minivan and professional driver. Like other countries of the European Union, Italy also uses international road signs for everyones convenience. All licenses issued in the European Union are valid in Italy, even without an international drivers permit for Italy. 2. Here are the list of activities you can in this town. Also, to save time, avoid commute hours, and know the major Italian holidays (when every Italian hits the road). An IDP is a travel document that allows you to drive in a foreign country. Choose the appropriate lane. Yellow lanes and signs indicate Telepass payment. Europe - Driving in Italy? Italian drivers drive much closer to each other than wed be used to especially when overtaking. If you can, proceed cautiously to a gas station or populated area before you pull over. Driving your own car in Italy is allowed, but you need to equip your vehicle with a warning triangle and a reflective vest. The penalties for drink-driving, according to the alcohol limit, are as follows: The left lane in multi-lane roads is strictly for passing. It also seems to be the option that has the least amount of fill-up points. You always need to be aware of where you are and what cities are around you. ), Monforte dAlba, La Morra, or Asti. Italy is a fascinating country known for its architecture, food, art, and history. Spark your creativity by checking out the painting and frescoes in the interior of the building. The maximum speed limit is 130 kilometers per hour but in some parts slows to 110kph and can be as low as 60kph on some curvy stretches, so watch for posted speed limit signs. If the police stop you for any reason, you will be asked to show your IDP; if you don't have one, you risk getting fined up to 317 euros. To avoid unnecessary questioning by the Italian police, get yourself an international drivers permit. Need to call the rental car agency from home? "Italy to Fine Phone-Using Drivers Up to 1,700 in Safety Crackdown." 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. 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. This is more work, but youll have the comfort of knowing your child is comfortable in the seat, and youll know how its been treated (except for the plane trip to Italy). Driving in Italy makes the experience more memorable, so, whats stopping you from visiting this dreamy European country? If youre planning to make this dream trip come true, you need to know some important things before booking that ticket. Try renting a luxury car for a day. Some Italians speak and understand English, so its easier for you to communicate. This can be one of your biggest mental hurdles when driving, but dont fret. The Personal Effects Protection costs around $7 per day, while the Personal Accident Coverage costs around $8 a day. Vehicle accidents in Italy are gradually decreasing as stricter laws and heavier punishment are implemented over the years. If you see sidewalks marked with yellow this usually signals resident only parking and should be avoided unless you want a hefty fine or your vehicle towed. Driving in Italy. Its a one-stop-shop that you can access from the Autostrada without exiting. 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. Italy uses international road signs. On three-lane roads, the right lane is the slow lane and the left lane is the passing lane. However, you cant overtake on level crossings, at intersections, on the brow of the hill, at bends, and when theres low visibility. If you want to save up on costs, its best to avail the zero-excess insurance since it has a lower daily rate than the normal coverage at the counter. Visit, How To Call Italy From The USA (or Canada), Renting a Car in Italy The 2022 Complete Guide, Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions, May still need public transport if visiting cities. Italian authorities welcome tourists warmly and would gladly help you get around their country. Hike between the five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Keep your ticket somewhere handy because youll need it when you exit. Italy has over 6,000 kilometers (4,000 miles) of autostrada. Car rental companies offer a variety of rental cars to choose from that will suit your budget and trip. Its essential to be aware of the driving situations and conditions of the country youre traveling to, so you can mentally and physically prepare yourself before driving. Rules for Driving in Italy General Rules In Italy, we drive on the right side of the road. Cruising the Grand Canal on the Vaporetto or enjoying a gondola ride in smaller canals is the perfect activity for a romantic date. When choosing a rental agency, try comparing the rental prices and the inclusions before finalizing your decision. Take the exit toward V.Le C. Colombo Centro. Driving in Italy can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and a bit of bravery, you can enjoy a leisurely tour of the country at your own pace. Important you may see cars entering the zone that doesnt meanyoucan! "Transportation and Driving in Italy." Here's one of my top driving tips for Italy. Tl;dr version: Driving in most of the city is a no-go zone and you will get fined for driving there. Give important information about renting a car for families with children. The well-maintained highways and well-marked roads make driving in Italy safe. You can buy them in many places, including airports, gas stations, the Autogrill, bookstores, and tourist info centers. You may notice that there are varying dialects in each region in the country, but not all of these dialects have legal protection and recognition. if you happen to be visiting Tuscany check out the beautiful town of Radda. Luckily, they often speak with their hands, so directions are easy to follow. So even though youll rarely see police on the Autostrada, the Safety Tutor will be watching you. Being in Tuscany I did not think I would need snow chains in March! And equally important, the steering wheel is on the left side as well. Pro Tip: It isnt just the blue lines that you have to worry about. Calais - Reims - Troyes - Dijon - Lyon - Geneva - Turin - Genoa. Look for areas marked with white lines. Take the SS1 exit from Superstrada Firenze Pisa Livorno, Continue on Via Aurelia. Our answers to your FAQ are essential reading before you go! At intersections, yield to the car on the right. I totally recommend that you get some sort of map or navigation as the roads or routes to get to places arent that straightforward. I have a job in the Philadelphia region that requires me to drive 200-300 miles a week in southeaster Pennsylvania; all types . This will save you the dreaded high cost of roaming charges. It isnt just the blue lines that you have to worry about. 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