From the northern lakes and mountains down to the sun-baked towns and resorts of the south, there are plenty of ways to explore Italy’s dolce vita from the comfort of your own car.
But if you’re planning a road trip to Italy, it’s essential you’re fully prepared ahead of time as driving there has many differences to the UK.
To make your trip to the Continent as safe and effortless as possible, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know before you go, from required documents to rules of the road.
Advice for driving in Italy
In an emergency
Emergency telephones linked to an SOS telephone network are installed at 2 km intervals along motorways. There are two types of emergency telephone on Italian roads, from which you either:Connect to the emergency call centre and speak directly to an operator, or
Press a ‘spanner’ button for mechanical assistance or a ‘red cross’ button for medical aid. A red light will then let you know your request has been received.
112 - Here's a really important bit of knowledge; you can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you're visiting.
Operators can answer your call in their native language, English or French.
Driving licence laws in Italy
Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Italy. Riders of motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over, while moped (not exceeding 50cc) riders must be aged 14 or over.
Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised, but not required.
Documents for driving in Italy
Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into Italy for up to 12 months without formality. In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried:
- Full, valid UK driving licence
- Proof of ID (passport)
- Motor insurance certificate
- V5 registration document
From 28th September 2021, the distinguishing mark (or national identifier) displayed on vehicles registered in the United Kingdom that are driven abroad will change from GB to UK.
This means that vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters “UK” when driven in Italy.
The identifier can be incorporated in vehicle number plates (along with the Union Flag) or as a separate sticker. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad.
If your vehicle does not have the UK identifier within the number plate, you will require a UK sticker when driving in Italy. GB stickers will no longer be valid from the end of September.
Do I need an insurance green card?
Since 2nd August 2021, drivers no longer require an insurance green card for taking their vehicles to Italy.
Driving Rules in Italy
Since 2nd August 2021, drivers no longer require an insurance green card for taking their vehicles to Italy.
Driving Rules in Italy
- The driving rules for italy don’t differ too much from the rest of Europe, but here are some of the big ones just to be sure:You must be over 18 to drive.
- Keep to the right and overtake to the left.
- Dipped headlights must be used on two-lane motorways.
- When passing through towns and villages, the horn may only be used for an emergency.
- Trams and trains have the right of way.
- Helmets are compulsory to all drivers of motorcycles and mopeds.
Speed Limits in Italy
You need to carry the following safety equipment:
- Urban areas: 50km/h - 31mph
- Out of built-up areas: 90km/h - 56mph, or 110km/h - 68mph
- Motorways: 130km/h, 81mph
- Urban areas: 50km/h - 31mph
- Out of built-up areas: 80km/h - 50mph
- Motorways: 100km/h, 62mph
You need to carry the following safety equipment:
- Reflective triangle
- Reflective safety vest
- Warning triangle
- Spare tire
- Headlamp beam deflector (when driving a right-hand drive car)
- Fire extinguisher (recommended)
Also ensure you have the following documentation with you:
Most Italian road signs correspond to the general ones, the only differences to watch out for:
- Driver’s License
- Proof of Liability Insurance
- ID / Passport
Most Italian road signs correspond to the general ones, the only differences to watch out for:
- zona traffico limitato - This simple white circle with a red border is usually placed in city centers, and restricts access without special authorization.
- disco orario - This references a parking disc being required. And “ora” is an hour, so that you can determine how long you can stay.
- .Keep an eye out for brown road signs, these indicate a historic or tourist attraction!
Important words to consider for driving in Italy: destra (right), sinistra (left), dritto (straight), uscita (exit), pedaggio (toll).
Toll Roads in Italy
Toll roads in Italy are found when exiting the autostrada (green signs indicate them), using a ticket when you first came onto it. You can pay in cash or by card. Don’t make the mistake of driving on the Telepass lane, a lane for users paying a monthly subscription. Making this error can result in a hefty fine.
Toll roads in Italy are found when exiting the autostrada (green signs indicate them), using a ticket when you first came onto it. You can pay in cash or by card. Don’t make the mistake of driving on the Telepass lane, a lane for users paying a monthly subscription. Making this error can result in a hefty fine.
