Driving in Italy can be a practical way to explore its landscapes, from the hills of Tuscany to the Amalfi coast or vibrant cities like Rome and Milan. If you are planning to travel to Italy with your own car or rent one there, this guide will provide you with essential information for safe driving. Italy shares many traffic regulations with other Western European countries, but it also has particularities that are worth knowing.
Italian road regulations will be familiar to drivers from Spain, France, Germany or Portugal, among others. You drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left, as is customary in mainland Europe. The use of seat belts is compulsory for all vehicle occupants, including passengers in the rear seats. Children under 1.50 metres tall or under 12 years of age must travel in appropriate child restraint systems, preferably in the rear seats.
A driving licence from any European Union country is valid in Italy, so you do not need an international licence if you come from another member state. In addition, the compulsory civil liability insurance in your country is recognised, although we recommend that you check with your insurer to see if it includes full coverage abroad or if you need to extend it. Traffic signs follow the European standard: red triangles indicate warnings, red circles prohibit and blue signs provide information on obligations or services.
Beyond these similarities, Italy has its own characteristics in its road network, rules and driving style that require attention. Let’s move on to the specific details that will help you plan your trip.
General road conditions
Italy has an extensive road network comprising nearly 6,400 km of motorways (called autostrade) and some 288,000 km of secondary roads. The motorways (autostrade), identified with an ‘A’ followed by a number (for example A1 or A14) and signposted in green, are toll roads and are usually in good condition, especially in the north and centre of the country. These motorways connect major cities such as Milan, Rome and Naples and are ideal for quick journeys. However, some sections, such as the E80 between Nice and Rome, have been criticised for frequent roadworks, uneven road surfaces and traffic jams, so it is advisable to check for any incidents at the time of your trip.
Secondary roads (strade statali, provinciali or comunali) are signposted in blue or white. In the north and in tourist areas they tend to be well maintained, but in the south or in rural areas they can be narrower, winding or with uneven surfaces. If you are travelling by car, make sure it is in good condition, especially the tyres and brakes, as mountain roads (such as in the Alps or the Apennines) require a reliable vehicle.
One aspect to highlight is the traffic: cities in the north, such as Milan or Turin, and coastal areas can suffer from traffic jams in summer. In contrast, the south tends to have less congested roads, ideal for a relaxed trip.
Speed limits on Italian roads
The speed limits in Italy are similar to those in other European countries, but there are important nuances. Unless signs indicate otherwise, the generic limits for cars are:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h.
- Secondary roads: 90 km/h.
- Main roads (strade extraurbane principali): 110 km/h.
- Motorways (autostrade): 130 km/h, which is reduced to 110 km/h in case of rain.
For novice drivers (with less than 3 years’ experience) the limits are stricter: 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main roads. In addition, motorhomes and heavy goods vehicles have specific limits that vary between 80 and 100 km/h depending on the type of road.
Italy uses an advanced speed control system called Tutor, with cameras that measure the average speed over long stretches. There are also fixed and mobile speed cameras, especially on motorways and in urban areas. Always respect the limits, as fines can even be issued to foreign drivers up to a year after the offence.
Specific traffic regulations in cities
Italian cities have their own traffic regulations that affect both residents and visitors:
- Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL): these are restricted access zones in the historic centres of cities such as Rome, Florence or Venice. Access to unauthorised vehicles is restricted to specific times, generally from 8:00 to 20:00. If your accommodation is within a ZTL, check whether they can register your licence plate to avoid fines.
- Parking regulations: parking in Italy can be a challenge, especially in city centres. Fines for illegal parking are usually €41, and the vehicle can be towed away if it obstructs traffic or the passage of other vehicles. The colour of the paint in the parking zones determines the applicable regulations.
- Blue line: paid zones (you need to buy a ticket at the parking meters).
- White line: free, although sometimes with a time limit.
- Yellow line: reserved for the disabled or loading/unloading.
- Lights and visibility: outside urban areas dipped headlights are compulsory at all times, even during the day.
- Urban tolls: some cities such as Milan have toll zones (Area C) to reduce pollution.
Most frequent fines in Italy
Traffic fines in Italy are characterised by their high cost and an efficient notification system, even outside the country. The most common offences among foreign drivers are:
- Excessive speed: the penalties depend on the margin exceeded.
- Up to 10 km/h: €41-168.
- Between 11 and 40 km/h: €168-674.
- Between 41 and 60 km/h: €527-€2,108, with possible withdrawal of driving licence.
- More than 60 km/h: €821-€3,287 and suspension of driving licence for 6 to 12 months.
- Unauthorised access to ZTL: entering a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) without permission can cost up to €350 and access is controlled by traffic surveillance cameras.
- Illegal parking: parking in prohibited areas (double parking, pedestrian crossings, disabled parking spaces) carries fines of €41 to €344.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol: the maximum permitted level is 0.5 g/l and exceeding it carries fines ranging from €527 to €6,000, with possible arrest if it exceeds 0.8 g/l.
- Use of mobile phones without a hands-free kit: fines from €161 to €647.
If a driver resident in another country commits an offence, the police can demand the immediate payment of the fine.
In 2019, a Spanish tourist was fined €110 in Florence for having his dog, loose in the car, sticking its head out of the window. This brings us to a peculiarity of Italian regulations: the transport of animals. According to the Highway Code, if you are travelling with a pet it must be secured with a harness in the back seats or in a carrier. If you are travelling with more than one animal, carriers are compulsory. The regulation aims to avoid distractions and guarantee safety, but its strict application surprises many visitors… In Italy even dogs have to comply with traffic regulations.