Italians have a reputation for fast and dangerous driving. To stay safe, learn about the rules of the road in Italy, dangerous roads to watch out for, and how to avoid traffic and tickets.
Image © iStock/Xantana
Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Fiat – Italians love their cars and driving whether it’s on a flat, fast autobahn or a twisty, challenging Tuscan back road.
However, Italians’ love of speed can be deadly, and Italy has one of the highest road fatality rates in Europe – 5.4 per 100,000. The capital, Rome, is ranked as one of the worst European cities for traffic accidents.
Road rules in Italy
You can drive on any license issued by any EU member state, Or an international driving permit in addition to a valid driving license from your country of origin
Drivers You must be over 18 years old. You must drive on the right and overtake on the left. Dipped headlights must be used on two-lane highways, and when driving through towns and villages, the siren may only be sounded in an emergency. Right of Way Seat belts are mandatory for the front and rear seats, and failure to wear them may result in fines for both drivers and passengers. Turning right on red lights is illegal, even if you stop first on highways and motorways, then left (fast) The lane is designated for passing traffic only at crossings, vehicles approaching from the right always have the right of way, scooters weighing less than 150 cc may not be driven on highways. Helmets are mandatory for driving all motorcycles and mopeds, regardless of engine size
Speed limits: cars and motorcycles (vehicles with an engine volume of more than 150 cc): urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph); Secondary roads outside the city 90 km/h (56 mph); Main roads outside the city 110 km/h (68 mph); Highways 130 km/h (81 mph). In the event of rain or snow, the limit is reduced to 110 km/h (68 mph) on motorways and 90 km/h (55 mph) on main roads.
Dangerous roads in Italy
The SS 106 motorway, which runs along the Ionian coast from Reggio Calabria to Taranto, is among the most dangerous roads in Europe. The Stelvio Pass in the Alps is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world. For obvious reasons, it’s best to back off the throttle and take things seriously.
Contributing to the road toll is the fact that many Italian drivers speed and may cut you off or act aggressively. Trucks, even 18-wheelers, exhibit the same behavior. Be prepared, allow extra room for emergency maneuvers, and resist the temptation to follow suit.
Other contributing factors:
Some rural roads are narrow and often without guardrails. Speeds vary in rural areas, and fog may obscure visibility in northern Italy. Avoid stopping in emergency lanes, as they are dangerous and not very wide. Slow down at toll booths to avoid accidents and traffic jams.
Like any major city around the world, traffic in Rome and Naples can be heavy with many drivers disobeying the rules of the road. Avoid the temptation to follow suit, as some Italian motorways have automated ticketing systems that will also fine rental cars for violations such as speeding.
Another thing to pay attention to when driving in cities is the Zona a Traffico Limitato or ZTL. These are low traffic areas designed to relieve congestion and pollution in areas of the city. If you are photographed driving a ZTL, you will receive a fine.
As with most major cities, congestion is bad during rush hour. In popular places like Florence, with one-way streets and restrictions, things aren’t much better the rest of the day. Parking can also be a challenge. Drivers will fill any empty space, so if you plan to rent a rental car, make sure it has insurance to cover potential scratches and dings.
If you drive in major cities, do so with caution, especially when approaching pedestrian crossings. They are everywhere and not all of them are marked with a flashing light. Gain the trust of Italian locals who will come out even with passing traffic, and you can see how some people end up becoming part of the annual road accident statistics.
The legal limit for drink driving in Italy is 0.05%, so pay attention to how many drinks of wine you have at dinner. However, if you are under 21 years of age and/or have less than 3 years of driving experience, the maximum allowable is 0.00%.
Be careful when walking around the city, as pedestrians account for many of Italy’s road fatality statistics. Pedestrians and cyclists often collide or collide with scooters and cars.
Traffic will speed by without stopping, providing few safe opportunities to actually cross the road. Motorcycles or scooters, which are very popular in Italy, do this to the same extent as cars, buses and trucks. Since sidewalks can be narrow, it’s tempting to walk down the road. no.
The cultural approach Italians take to crossing the road is to wait for a gap in the flow of cars and start crossing. Watch the locals and follow in their footsteps. Some one-way roads nominally allow buses to go in the opposite direction, so you should consider both directions before crossing.
Car crime in Italy
Car theft occurs often in Catania, Sicily, and break-ins at gas stations and rest stops are common.
Ignore anyone who tries to flag you down for pointing out a flat tire, even if it’s true: he or she will try to rob you once you stop. Try to keep driving to the next rest stop or gas station and get help there.
Never leave your car unlocked, lest you look for someone to remove your belongings, and if you have valuables with you, never leave them in the car or in full view of potential thieves.
Emergency numbers
Police 113
Fire Brigade 115
Ambulance or emergency medical 112
Highway code: www.aci.it
Updated January 2024
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