Driving In Italy

A Survival Guide!

Driving in Italy can certainly be an adventure.

Everyone knows the old stereotype of a typical Italian driver – fast, aggressive and breaking the rules left and right….

Well folks, it’s all true!

Italian drivers are aggressive and almost entirely disinterested in the driving regulations.  

But they are also – don’t laugh – extremely competent drivers.

Driving in Italy is a sort of art form – you’d be surprised how creative a person can get behind the wheel!

But Italians know and love cars and they are usually very in control of the situation, even when they’re zigzagging from lane to lane or tailgating at 70 mph on the highway (two totally normal ways of behaving when driving in Italy!).

The best piece of advice I can give you if you’re going to drive in Italy is this: stick to the rules and just ignore any car that is getting annoyed with you for any reason (probably because you are following the regulations!).

Read the basics for driving in Italy below.

Speed Limits for Driving in Italy

There are speed cameras on highways and state roads and the rule enforcement is very strict.  

Often cameras are placed at exit ramps where people are coming off the highway so they haven’t fully slowed down yet, even though the speed limit on the ramp may be 5o km/h!  

Watch out for these speed traps!

Speed limits:

• In urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph) 
• State roads 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Motorways 130 km/h (81 mph)

Main Roads

There are two types of main roads – the ‘Autostrada’ (motorway) and the ‘Superstrada’ (state roads).

Autostrada are toll roads and are indicated by green signs (below left).  

Superstrada are free roads and are indicated by blue signs (below right) and a name starting with ‘SS’.  

All autostrada have service stations and rest stop areas but Superstrada do not, so gas up and use toilets before you hit the road.

The Left Lane Is for Passing Only

Whether the highway or motorway has two or three lanes (two is more common), the left lane is NOT for just driving along but is only for passing.

When passing, it’s customary to put your left indicator light on and keep it blinking until you’re done passing the car on your right.  

You then pull back into the right lane and turn it off.  

Flashing Lights

If the car behind you flashes its brights at you, it means either you’re going too slow and/or you’re in the wrong lane.  

This usually happens as a car is speeding dangerously fast right towards the back of your car on the highway, with no intention whatsoever of slowing down.

Don’t play games along the lines of, ‘Well, I’m within the speed limit, so I’m just going to stay put! Nobody can tell me how fast to drive!’.  

NO!

Just get out of the way.

Paying at Toll Areas

When you get to the toll area, go to pay in the lane where the sign has a money symbol.  

‘Telepass’ is the Italian equivalent of a ‘fast-pay’ automatic payment system so skip that lane entirely.  

‘Viacard’ lanes are for special toll cards, BUT they also accept credit cards so this is a fast way to pay if cash lane lines are long and is a good option too. 

In the picture below, from left to right you can see 2 cash lanes, 2 card lanes and 2 fast pay lanes.

Women and Trucks

Any women who will be driving in Italy should know that truck drivers like to entertain themselves by honking and flashing their bright-lights at women drivers.

You should know this ahead of time because you might think that it’s just a good Samaritan trying to warn you about an oil leak or something – don’t let them distract you!  

Of course you should just ignore them.

One Way Roads?

Cars driving in Italy often go up one-way roads, but in the wrong direction.  

If, in order to get somewhere, you have to take a roundabout route and there’s a one-way street that will get you there faster, Italians go for this option.

This is especially true for scooters, motorcycles and bicycles!  

So watch out for vehicles coming from where they're not supposed to.

Parking in Towns

For parking in towns you’ll see parking spots outlined in blue lines and white lines.  

Blue lines are where you want to park.  

These spots are pay parking from 8 am to 8 pm except Sundays and holidays when they’re free.  

White lines are for residents only so if you park there you risk a fine.

Limited Access in Historic Towns

Most urban centers have limited access to cars.  

If you have any doubt about whether you are allowed to drive into a historic area it’s better not to risk as fines are steep.  

A general rule for driving in Italy is to leave your car outside the main city area in safe parking lots.

Pedestrian Crossings

In most of the civilized world pedestrians have the right of way at zebra crossings and cars stop when they see you trying to cross.  

In Italy, pedestrian crossings are merely ‘suggestions’.  

More often than not, cars don’t stop.

Some – believe me - even honk at you to get out of their way!

So be careful, don’t assume that cars are going to stop when you step on the stripes.

Road Signs

Thank goodness sat nav was invented!

Signs can be utterly confusing in Italy and sometimes there just aren’t any at all.

If you rent a car, take my advice and get a sat nav with it – you’ll save a lot of ‘getting lost’ time for sure.

Drinking and Driving in Italy

Italian drinking limits are pretty much in line with European regulations which are quite strict.  

Driving is not permitted with a blood alcohol content superior to 0.5 grammes per litre (if that sounds too technical, basically it’s a very small amount of alcohol!).

At many locales you can get a breathalyzer if you have any doubts.  

Fines are very high and you even risk having your license suspended.

More Handy Info about Driving in Italy

• Gas stations are open 8-1 and 3:30-6, self service rest of time
• Some lanes are for buses-only, they usually have a yellow line
• On highways and on rainy days anywhere headlights must be on
• Mountain and seaside cliff roads can be very narrow and one-lane only (with two-way traffic!), be extraordinarily cautious on these roads
• No hand-held cell phones while driving, you need earphone (don’t copy Italians)

• All passengers front and back have to have seatbelts fastened and children under 12 need to be in appropriate restraining seats
• No honking allowed in towns unless absolutely necessary
• Helmets are required for any type of motorbike (but bicycles no)
• Italians love to take weekend excursions, so Friday and Sunday evening there's more traffic

Emergency Numbers

• Carabinieri 112
• Police 113 
• Fire Brigade 115 
• Ambulance 118
• Breakdown service 803 116

Useful Terminology for Driving in Italy

• ‘benzina’ (benZEEna) means petrol/gas
• ‘senza piombo’ (sensa pEEOmbo) means unleaded
• ‘gasolio’ (gazAWlio) means diesel fuel
• ‘casello’ (cazELo) means toll area
• ‘uscita’ (ushEEta) means exit

Related articles:

• Florence car rentals - how to find the best price
• Essential things to know for renting a car in Florence

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