Driving in Italy
Make the most of your holiday with ViaMichelin. Regulations, the Highway Code, fuel, parking: everything you need to know about driving in Italy!
Driving in Italy: key regulations
- Valid driving licences: licences from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are acceptable as long as they are current. Otherwise, an international driving permit is required.
- Essential documents: Valid driving licence, proof of identity, original vehicle registration certificate, and the green card of insurance.
- Mandatory Equipment: safety triangle, reflective safety vest, first aid kit.
- Transporting children: Children under 12 must use an approved child seat or a suitable seatbelt.
- Winter regulations: Snow tyres or chains are mandatory on snow-covered roads.
🏍️
Motorbikes and scooters
Wearing a helmet is compulsory, and protective clothing is highly recommended. Headlights must be switched on at all times.
Specifics of the Italian Highway Code
- Speed limits:
- Motorways: 130 km/h; 110 km/h in wet conditions
- Secondary roads: 90 km/h
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Blood alcohol limit:
- 5 g/l
- Zero tolerance for novice drivers (those with less than three years of driving experience), drivers under 22, and professional drivers
- When driving in Italy, keep in mind:
- Outside built-up areas, dipped beam headlights must be switched on day and night.
- At intersections, do not try to overtake; vehicles coming from opposite directions face each other before turning.
- If you get a fine, be prepared to pay it on the spot.
- Vehicles already on roundabouts have the right of way.
- Look out for green signs—they indicate motorways.
💡
Hiring a vehicle in Italy
To hire a vehicle in Italy, you’ll need a valid driving licence. Be aware that some rental agencies may impose extra charges for drivers under 25 or for those classified as young drivers.
Everything you need to know about roads and motorways for driving in Italy
- Types of roads:
- Motorways: Green “autostrade,” which are toll roads
- Dual carriageways: Free “strade statali”
- Secondary roads: Generally well-maintained, although conditions may sometimes be poor in the south.
- Pricing:
- Motorways: €7 for every 100 km. Some stretches are charged at a fixed rate, including Naples-Salerno, Mont-Blanc-Aosta, Varese-Milan, Como-Milan, Rome-Civitavecchia, Fréjus Tunnel-Turin, and Naples-Pozzuoli.
- A36, A59, and A60: These roads use an electronic toll system, with payments due within 15 days via an app or online payment.
- Calculate your itinerary and travel costs with ViaMichelin.
- Telepass: A cost-effective option if you frequently drive in Italy. For more details, visit: https://www.telepass.com/en/consumer
🏍️
Hire a Vespa to experience the Dolce Vita
Numerous tours are organised in Rome, allowing you to stroll with a guide among the iconic monuments. You can also hire a Vespa with a valid category B driving licence, which grants access to the Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Limited Traffic Zones (LTZ).
Fuel and charging points
- Available fuels: Unleaded 95, Unleaded 98, Diesel, LPG, CNG
- Charging points: nationwide coverage. Download the ViaMichelin app (available on iOS and Android) to find the nearest available charging point.
- Prices: Check prices on the ViaMichelin website or app. To avoid any inconvenience and overcharging, steer clear of being served by the petrol station attendant; instead, opt for the “self-service” option.
City driving and parking
- Traffic restrictions: regulations vary by region and city. Pay close attention to the signage, which is clear and plentiful, and do your research in advance. If your hotel is located in an urban area, it should grant you access to restricted zones.
- LEZ (Low Emission Zones): Restrictions apply to vehicles that meet Euro 2 standards and below.
- LTZ (Limited Traffic Zones): Found in most historical city centres, these zones are reserved for residents and essential services.
- Parking options:
- Metered parking and car parks are available, with payment options including cash, card, or mobile app.
- Colour code: White: free; Blue: paid; Yellow: reserved.
- Average parking costs: in Rome, expect to pay around €1.20 per hour for street parking. Consider booking a monitored parking space for the day; prices typically range from €30 near the city centre to about €10 for outlying car parks close to a metro station.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Tourist locations, accommodation, restaurants and EV charging stations… Plan and customise your trip on ViaMichelin.
Feel like getting away from it all?
See our suggestions for novel trips and must-see places to visit near your home or holiday destination.