Driving in Italy can be one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you’ll ever have behind the wheel. From jaw-dropping coastlines to Alpine passes and the other-worldly beauty of Tuscany’s rolling hills, a road trip in Italy is one of the best ways to see this unique country.
In contrast to this, driving in Italy can also be challenging and a little intimidating. Driving etiquette allows for more aggressive driving than you may be used to, and the narrow, maze-like streets of its towns and cities can disorientate even the most confident driver.
This guide will provide you with what you need to know to make your trip driving in Italy a success.
Roads in Italy
The road network in Italy is comprehensive and generally of a good standard. The north and centre of Italy are well served by major arteries and smaller roads, but to the south, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia feature fewer major routes.
Let’s look at the principal types of roads in Italy that you’ll encounter on your trip:
Autostrade (autostrada for singular)
Autostrade are Italy’s motorways, and are denoted by the letter A, followed by a number (such as A1 or A23). Unlike the blue signs of British motorways, autostrade panels are green. The biggest difference between autostrade and motorways is that they are all toll roads; you have to collect a ticket for a stretch of road and will then have to pay on exiting the route depending on how far you drove.
Strade statale
These are normally dual carriageways and the signs are blue, and will be denoted by a road number with the prefix SS. They typically connect major towns and lead into town centres. They are not tolled.
Strade regionale
Similar to Strade Statale, these roads are also dual carriageways but are maintained by regional authorities. They are designated by a number with the SR prefix.
Strade provinciale
Similar to the UK’s B Roads, these are usually numbered with the prefix SP.
Strade bianche
These roads are usually found in rural areas and may not be paved.
Tunnels
Driving in Italy, you’ll soon get used to passing through tunnels. The country has over 900 kilometres of tunnels – the fourth highest number in the world. Be prepared to slow down, dip your lights and concentrate.
How to drive in Italy
Once you get into most Italian towns and cities, get ready for narrow streets. If you’re hiring a car, you’ll be glad to be driving something small and nimble – and definitely consider getting excess insurance beforehand in case you have any scrapes.
There are also ‘Zona Trafico Limitato’ (zone of limited traffic) in many Italian cities which are intended to reduce circulation in historic centres – the fines for driving in these areas can be expensive. You will need to either park outside the centre or speak to your hotel about getting a permit to drive in town.
Italy driving rules
Italy’s driving rules are fairly similar to those in the UK, so as long as you stick to the speed limits and common sense, you should be fine while driving in Italy.
What side of the road does Italy drive on?
Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road, so drivers from the UK will have to get used to this. If you’ve never driven on the right before, or haven’t done so for a while, take your time – but don’t worry, your brain will soon switch over.
Who has the right of way?
You should always give priority to any vehicle approaching from the right, as well as pedestrians who have started crossing the road. On mountain roads, the ascending vehicle has priority, so if you’re going downhill, you’ll need to reverse to a passing point. Also, if a road is too narrow, the heavier vehicle (such as a bus or coach) has priority.
When it comes to overtaking, you should follow your judgement, but never do so near level crossings or pedestrian crossings. It’s also prohibited to overtake on the brow of a hill and at intersections.
What is the speed limit in Italy?
The speed limit in Italy is in kilometres per hour. It also changes under poor weather conditions and depending on whether you are in a built-up area or not:
| Road type | Normal conditions | Poor conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Autostrade | 130km/h | 110km/h |
| Strada regionale and strade statale (out of town) | 110km/h | 90km/h |
| Strade statale (in town) | 50km/h | 50km/h |
| Other out of town roads | 90km/h | 90km/h |
Driving in adverse conditions in Italy
While Italy is famed for its warm summers, winters in the north of the country can be snowy and rainy. In these conditions, you should:
- Drive with dipped headlights at night
- Carry a reflective jacket in case of a breakdown
- Bring snow chains if driving in the Alps
Other important rules when driving in Italy
Here are other key rules to be aware of when driving in Italy:
- Parking regulations are strict and thoroughly enforced. Make sure you have a ticket and can park in the street at all. If your hotel has off-street parking, use it
- Drink driving is not tolerated
- You will need a full, valid driving licence and all your documents
- You should think about carrying certain items in your vehicle, including: reflective jackets, a spare tyre, and warning triangle – your car rental company should provide this equipment
Italy driving tips
Let’s look at some essential Italy driving tips:
Are there any events happening at your destination?
Italy has some wonderful carnivals and parades – but you don’t want to find yourself trying to park in the middle of one. Check in advance what’s happening in your destination, and plan for this.
- Make sure not to drive into restricted city centres
As outlined above, certain cities have imposed laws that stop people driving in the centre without a pass. Research your destination, and buy a pass in advance (although it’s often nicer to just walk through Italian cities anyway).
More information
For further information about local travel, visit the website of the Automobile Club d’Italia – it’s similar to the UK’s AA. You can call them up for road side assistance even if you’re not a member.
The European Commission also provides further detail on Italy’s roads on their ‘going abroad’ website.
Before you set off, consider getting car hire excess insurance for peace of mind. Choose our Annual UK & Europe Car Hire Excess Insurance and save yourself expensive insurance costs at the car hire office, with peace of mind that you’re covered.
About the author
This is a marketing article from insurance4carhire by our car hire excess insurance business unit director, Adam Summersby. Adam is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.
