Driving in Italy
Everything you need to know about driving rules and laws in Italy
Quick Facts
Topics
Speed Limits
Italy speed limits: Autostrada (motorway) 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain), Dual carriageways 110 km/h, Rural roads 90 km/h, Urban areas 50 km/h. New drivers have 10 km/h lower limits.
Alcohol Limits
Italy BAC limit: 0.5 g/L for most drivers. ZERO tolerance (0.0 g/L) for drivers under 21, new drivers (< 3 years), and professional drivers. Very strict penalties.
Driving Age
Italy: 18 years for cars (Patente B), 14 for mopeds (AM), 16 for 125cc motorcycles (A1). New drivers (neopatentati) have restrictions for 3 years including lower speed limits.
Turn Rules
Italy uses "precedenza a destra" (priority to the right) at unmarked intersections. Left turns must yield to oncoming traffic. No right turn on red. Always yield to pedestrians at crossings.
Roundabouts
In Italian roundabouts: yield to traffic already in the roundabout (modern rule). Some older roundabouts may give priority to entering traffic - check signs! Signal right when exiting.
Parking Rules
In Italy, blue lines (strisce blu) indicate paid parking costing âŦ1-3/hour. White lines are free parking, yellow lines are reserved. ZTL zones restrict access - entering without permit costs âŦ80-335. Always check signs carefully.
Seatbelt Laws
In Italy, seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Fine ranges from âŦ83-333 plus 5 penalty points. Children under 150cm must use appropriate child restraint systems.
Mobile Phone Laws
Using a phone while driving in Italy results in âŦ165-660 fine and 5 points. Second offense within 2 years means license suspension for 1-3 months. Fines double at night.
Highway Driving
Italian motorways (autostrade) have a 130 km/h limit (110 km/h in rain). Most are toll roads. Telepass allows electronic payment. Dipped headlights required on all roads outside urban areas.
Emergency Procedures
In Italy, call 112 (EU), 113 (police), 115 (fire), 118 (ambulance). At accidents: wear reflective vest, place warning triangle, call authorities, complete CID form for insurance.
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