Our new Driving Tips series gives you the need-to-know advice for driving abroad!
There are driving tips to consider for foreign holidays, and SIXT wants to make sure your car hire in Italy is safe and worry-free. Although there are several rules that are similar to other countries within Europe, Italy also has some notable differences.
Click to jump to: Speed Limits Rules & Regulations What to Bring Along
Speed Limits in Italy
An important factor to consider are the different speed limits when driving in Italy. This is quite essential, for violating these traffic laws will result in an on-the-spot fine. However, all limits will be clearly marked should there be a change when entering or exiting certain areas.
| Towns and residential areas | 50 km/h (31 mph) |
|---|---|
| Single-lane highways | 90 km/h (55 mph) or 100 km/h (62 mph) |
| Main motorways | 100 km/h |
| Autostrades | 130 km/h |
An Autostrade is a larger highway that links different cities together.
Italy Driving Rules and Regulations
Here are some rules and driving tips that you should make yourself aware of before you start your road trip in Italy:
- Like many European nations, mobile phones are not allowed to be used when driving in Italy.
- Children under 150cm must be properly restrained in a child seat (located in the rear of the vehicle).
- Headlights must be used during inclement weather such as rain, snow or fog.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all front seat passengers and if they are fitted in the rear, they must be worn as well. At Sixt, we always make sure that all safety harnesses are safe and functioning properly.
- Cars will be obliged to only overtake on the left as in other countries.
- Drink driving is strictly prohibited and can result in a fine, the revocation of one’s licence or under certain circumstances, both.
- Italy uses a points system based on traffic infractions. Each driver begins with twenty points. Drivers are graded by this system; some of the more severe mistakes can cost a driver in Italy up to ten points. Should one lose all of these points, a driving test must be retaken. It should be noted that this system is applicable to all drivers, even if their country of origin does not recognise this method.
What to Bring Along
What you need to hire a car in Italy:
- Full driving licence that you’ve held for at least one year. Your UK licence continues to be valid in Italy post Brexit without the need for an International Driving Permit.
- Valid passport or ID card.
- Be at least 18 years of age. Drivers under 25 will need to pay a young driver surcharge.
- Internationally recognised credit or debit card in the name of the driver.
Here are some of the essential pieces of equipment and documentation that you should take along with you whenever driving in Italy.
- Drivers will need to carry their identification, licence, registration and insurance papers. Also, it is mandatory that all cars are equipped with a reflective jacket (red or yellow) as well as a warning triangle in case of breakdowns.
- A few useful items that are a good idea to include on your journey in Italy will be a map of the country and an additional map of where you will be visiting. These are both useful additions to a vehicle’s GPS navigation system.
- A tourist translation guide is also a necessity; particularly one which contains useful phrases such as asking for directions and the pronunciation of local towns and villages.
- For longer journeys, make certain that the vehicle is equipped with a spare tyre.
- Carry a few extra litres of water as well; especially during the hot summer months.
Rely on SIXT for your car hire needs in Italy
We have many large branches in Italy, including stations in major cities and airports such as Rome, Milan, Naples, Venice and many more. SIXT Italy has a large fleet of vehicle categories such as compact cars and hatchbacks, convertibles, luxury cars, and 4x4s; many of which come with Loss Damage Waiver and Third Party Protection included in the price as standard. Still unsure about the Italy rules of the road? Our branch staff will gladly answer any questions you may have when collecting your vehicle.
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