Driving in Italy:
Before you pick up your car hire in Italy, it is worth noting some of the rules and regulations about driving in Italy.
Driving license requirements in Italy:
Visitors may drive using their national license, provided it is in a language that uses the Roman alphabet. Holders of other licenses generally must also show an International Driving Permit in English (available through motoring organisations such as AA, AAA, RAC, etc.)
The authorities require that you carry your drivers license with you at all times. If your driver’s licence has no photo you need other ID preferable your passport. Also ensure that you have the vehicle registration document (V5), and certificate of motor insurance with you.
Age requirements for driving in Italy:
Car hire companies employ age restrictions, which can vary across companies. Please check your quotation for exact restrictions, as there may be an extra fee for drivers below the minimum age or over the maximum age.
Speed Limits on Italian roads:
| Motorway (if wet) | 130 km/h (110 km/h) |
| Dual carriage way (if wet) | 110 km/h (90 km/h) |
| Open road (if wet) | 90km/h (80 km/h) |
| In town and villages (if wet) | 50 km/h (50 km/h) |
Tips for driving your hire car in Italy:
- Drive on the right. Don't obstruct fast lanes. On some motorways and open roads it may be permissible to overtake slow moving traffic on the left.
- Be aware of what's happening around you. Adapt to local conditions.
- Check with car rental staff for local driving regulations.
- Drivers that wear glasses should have a spare in the car at all times.
- The Italians require the driver and front seat and back seat passengers to wear seat belts.
- All children to wear seat belts even in the back seats. Children under the age of 12 cannot travel in the front passenger seat unless they use a special child restraint.
- Children under the age of 4 cannot travel unless they use a special child restraint.
- Maximum speed limit in Italy is 130 Km/h (80mph)
- Speed limits are implemented and frequent radar controls. Radar detectors are illegal.
- Most Italian drivers are polite and courteous. Respect this.
- Do not argue with police. Be polite and be patient.
- A visibility vest is compulsory
- Two warning triangle should be carried at all times
- Drinking and driving incurs heavy fines or even prison sentences. The Italians allow 0.4 milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood. Drivers that have only recently obtained their full drivers license are treated more strictly
Fuel types available in Italy
- Unleaded Petroleum (gasoline and all grades) (benzina)
- Diesel (gasoline)
- LPG
- Check carefully before filling whether your rental car uses petrol or diesel. If you make a mistake do not start the vehicle as severe damage may result and you will be liable for repair costs. Inform service station staff who will assist in arranging for the tank to be drained and refilled with the correct fuel
- Gas stations are generally open 24 hours a day and most are self-service. Times vary particularly in rural areas closing during lunch (noon till 3pm).
- Most credit cards are accepted for fuel payment.
Parking in Italy
It is best to use designated ‘off street’ car parks as strict laws apply for street parking. If you do park on the street:
- No parking signs should always be obeyed as clamping and on-the-spot fines are common in major towns and cities
- Severe penalties may be incurred for dangerous parking
- In town during office hours there is a 90 minute parking limit and this is frequently controlled.
- Do not throw away your rubbish except in the bins provided, Italy is clean and the Italians like to keep it that way - you can be fined for littering.
Getting By On The Road
Of course it never does any harm to know a bit of the local lingo, so to give you that extra advantage we've prepared a simple and easy guide to road vocab, just click on our Italian Road Vocabulary blog and see for yourself!
