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Italy
Italians have a passion for cars
and driving. Some say they have a passion for small cars and bad driving,
but it's safer to say that there is controlled anarchy on Italian roads.
Autostrades (Motorways, Freeways)
Most Autostrades are toll, payable in cash at a booth. The
Autostrade website carries route and price information.
Petrol (Gasoline)
All grades of unleaded petrol (benzina, senza piombo), diesel (gasolio) and
LPG are available. Credit cards are accepted in built up areas, but no
always in rural areas. Many petrol stations close on Sunday.
Crime advice
The number of robberies from cars, at rest stops and service stations on the
motorways, is on the increase. You should treat with caution offers of help
if you find yourself with a flat tyre, particularly on the motorway from
Naples to Salerno, in case the tyre has been punctured deliberately.
Follow the usual advice about locking your vehicle and never leave valuables
in the vehicle even if you will only be away for a short time or are nearby.
There have been a number of recent cases of stolen cars containing luggage
or of luggage left in cars overnight being stolen. You should avoid leaving
luggage in cars overnight or for any length of time.
Law enforcement
On-the-spot fines operate for minor traffic offences in Italy. These may
range typically between 150 - 250 Euros. You are strongly advised to stick
to the rules of the road, and/or have enough cash if you have to pay a fine.
Failure to do so may seriously inconvenience your visit. The police may stop
you in mountain roads in winter if you are not using snow chains.
Mobile phones can only be used if fitted with a speaker device.
Speed Limits - see our
speed converter
Motorway - car 130 kph (120 when wet), with
trailer 80 kph
Dual Carriageway - car 110 (90 when wet),
with trailer 70 kph
Open Road - 90 kph (80 when wet), with trailer 70 kmh
Town - 50 kph
Minimum age for car drivers
18 (even if you legally hold a license at a younger age in your country it
is still illegal to drive in Italy if not 18)
Documentation
At all times you must be able to prove that you are a) licensed to drive the
category of vehicle you are in b) either the owner of the vehicle or that
you have a owner's permission to drive c) insured. Licenses must be
photocard licenses. If you do not have one you must also carry your
passport.
Country of origin stickers
Country of origin stickers (e.g. GB stickers) must be used in Italy, unless
your license plate has the sticker pre-applied.
Headlights
Right-hand drive cars must be adapted using headlight deflectors before you
can drive in Italy, even during daylight hours. Spare bulbs are recommended.
Warning triangle
Two warning triangles are compulsory.
Fluorescent vests
Fluorescent vests are required. It is illegal to walk to an emergency phone
without wearing one.
Alcohol
The blood alcohol limit is very low at 0.25 milligrams of alcohol per litre
of blood (much lower than the UK at 0.4mg/l) so the simple advise is don't
drink and drive. See our guide to
maximum blood alcohol limits.
Seat belts
Seat belts must be worn front and rear.
Children
Children under 4 cannot travel unless suitably restrained. Between 4 and 12,
children can only travel in the front if suitably restrained i.e. a booster
seat.
Alenda Car Rental has taken care to
ensure that the information in this website was correct at the time of
publication. However, we can take no responsibility for any harm, or
misfortune, caused by following the advice on this website. You should
always consult the authorities in the country in which you are travelling
for up-to-date advice. |
Suppliers include:
Agg, Alamo, AA, Auto Europa, AutoUnion,
Avis, Budget, Crown, Drive A Matic, Easy Car, Europa, EuroPark, Europcar,
Fox Autorent, Haro, Helle Hollis, Berent, Rentauto, National, Sixt, Niza
Cars, Star Rent a Car, Stoutes, Thrifty.
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