Driving in Italy
General Information: Italy has an excellent network
of roads and highways that is one of the most extensive in Europe, comprising
nearly 4000mi/6400km of express highways and 180,000mi/288,000km of
secondary roads.
Italy's famous super highways or "autostrade" ("autostrada" is the singular
form) run the length and breadth of the peninsula. These toll roads
are supported by an excellent network of secondary roads, classified
into different categories of national highways ("strade statali"), provincial
roads ("strade provinciali") and municipal roads ("strade communali").
Due to the success of companies like Fiat, Italians have a high level
of car ownership. This can create congestion in some of the northern
areas and in cities. However, in southern parts of the country the roads
are less crowded.
Driving Overview: Requirements... To rent a car, you must be
21 years old and have held your license for 1 year. Seatbelts are mandatory
and children under 12 must wear an age-appropriate restraint. The blood-alcohol
limit for driving is .08.
Speed Limits: Speed limits in Italy are as follows: City 30mph/50kph
Open Roads 66mph/110kph Highways 81mph/130kph
Rules of the Road: Traffic travels on the right and the center
lane of a three lane road is for passing. If you are stopped for a traffic
violation, police are empowered to collect fines on the spot.
Gas: Gas stations are open from 7am to 12:30pm and from 3:30pm
to 7pm. Most stations are closed on Sundays. There are 24 hour stations
along the highway. Unleaded gas is approximately US$4.00 per gallon.
Tolls: The "autostrade" is Italy's toll super highway and toll cards
can be purchased at banks or at Automoblie Club d'Italia (ACI) offices.
Parking: Street parking is confined to the right side of the
street. In blue zones, a parking disk, obtained at tourist offices,
ACI offices and gas stations must be displayed on the dashboard. Parking
in this zone is limited to one hour.
Useful Terms:
Gasoline - Benzina
Diesel - Diesel
Motor Oil - Lubrificante
One-way - Senso unico
No Parking - Vietato Parcheggiare
Highway - Superstrada
Toll Freeway - Autostrada
Exit - Uscita
Entrance - Entrata
Detour - Deviazione
Forbidden - Proibito
Police - Polizia
