Turn Rules in Italy
Precedenza a Destra (Priority to the Right)
At unmarked intersections:
- Yield to vehicles coming from the right
- Very common rule in Italian cities
- Signs and signals override this rule
Making Turns
Right Turns (Svolta a Destra)
- Stay on the right side of road
- Signal before turning
- Yield to pedestrians and cyclists
- Complete turn staying right
Left Turns (Svolta a Sinistra)
- Move toward center of road
- Yield to all oncoming traffic
- Yield to pedestrians
- Complete turn into proper lane
No Right on Red
- Turning right on red is NOT allowed
- Must wait for green light
- Only proceed if specific arrow signal allows
Priority Signs
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yellow diamond | You have priority |
| End priority sign | Priority ends |
| Yield triangle | Give way |
| Stop | Full stop required |
| Roundabout | Yield to traffic in circle |
At Traffic Lights
- Green: Go (yield when turning)
- Yellow: Stop if possible
- Red: Full stop
- Flashing yellow: Proceed with caution
Pedestrian Crossings
Italy is strict about pedestrian priority:
- Always stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings
- When turning, yield to pedestrians crossing
- Fines for not stopping are significant
Common Italian Situations
- Narrow streets may have one-way priority (precedenza)
- City centers often have ZTL (limited traffic zones)
- Watch for trams - they always have priority