Italy Driving Information

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DRIVING DISTANCES IN ITALY

• Bologna to Milan – 220 kms (2 hrs / 20mins)
• Como to Turin – 170 kms (2hrs)
• Florence to Siena – 75 kms (1 hr / 15mins)
• Florence to Rome – 285 kms (2 hrs / 50 mins)
• Genoa to Milan – 145 kms (1 hr / 45 mins)
• Milan to Rome – 585 kms (5 hrs / 30 mins)
• Naples to Pompeii – 28 kms (35mins)
• Sorrento to Naples – 50 kms (1 hr / 10 mins)
• Venice to Trieste – 160 kms (2 hrs / 10 mins)

LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International Drivers Licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Generally, the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

RULES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS

General driving rules, laws and regulations in Italy:

• Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Pass other vehicles on the left-hand side.
• Seat belts are mandatory to wear by all passengers and driver in a vehicle.
• Mobile phones cannot be used while driving, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• Must give way to emergency vehicles, buses, trams and trains.
• Dipped headlights are to be used at all times while driving on motorways and carriageways.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.
• Must carry with you at least one spare glasses or contact lenses for drivers who use corrective eye-wear.

RESTRICTED DRIVING ZONES

When preparing to drive in Italy, it's important to be aware of the Limited Traffic Zones (Zona Traffico Limitato / ZTL) found in larger cities. Most historic city centers, like Florence for instance, have ZTL's set up to reduce overall congestion around popular attractions, and also to help slow the degradation to these areas caused by the constant influx of visitors each year.

Drivers who enter a ZTL without proper authorization will be fined, and in most circumstances, tourists and non-local visitors are not issued passes - only locals are permitted to drive through these zones. The fines for violating a ZTL boundary ranges depending on the city you're driving in, but on average is about 65 EUR, not including the "Traffic Violation Fee" (usually around 25 EUR per fine) charged by car rental suppliers.

Please Note: Rental cars in Italy are never permitted in ZTL zones during their active times, regardless of a signs fine print and exclusions.

EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is required to be carried in the vehicle and which are to be used in the event of an incident, accident or breakdown:

• Warning Triangle - to be used in the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic.
• Reflective Vest - to be used when getting out of the car at an event of an accident or breakdown on any road.

CHILD SAFETY SEATS

Children under 150cm in height are required to be seated in the back seats of the vehicle and be fasted in either a seat belt or appropriate child restraint.

SPEED LIMITS

Below are the speed limits in Italy to use as a guide only, unless posted otherwise:

• Urban Roads (built-up areas): 50 km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 90km/h
• Dual Carriageways: 100km/h
• Motorways: 130km/h

Always maintain your speed according to the environment and weather conditions.

DRINK DRIVING

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Italy is 0.05mg/100ml. Police have authorisation to carry out random alcohol test on drivers at any time. Motorists found over the limit face heavy fines from loss of licence, vehicle impounded, fines up to imprisonment. If found over the limit in the event of an accident, insurance companies have the rights to refuse claims.

TOLLS

In Italy, mostly all autostrade require a toll. Since Italian motorways form a network, toll prices are determined on distance travelled. Motorists entering a motorway will need to collect a ticket from an automated machine, the ticket must then be presented at the toll gate upon exit where a toll can be calculated. However, on some motorways, a fixed price is charge regardless of distance travelled. Tolls can be paid by cash, credit card, prepaid card or by electronic tags.

ROAD SIGNS

Road Signs in Italy adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which many European countries now utilize, but with slight variance. Signs in Italy are commonly found in the countries local language however English is also used on city roads and state highways. The signs are very easy to understand as the vast majority of them are posted with symbols.

• Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or yellow and a symbol in the middle.
• Prohibitory Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border.
• Information Signs are indicated with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information.

PARKING

Street parking within major cities such as Naples and Rome are virtually non-existent but once one is found strict restrictions apply. You'll be much better off finding off-street parking located away from the main hustle and bustle and catching transport in. If using street parking, park in bays marked in either blue or white. Blue bays are paid parking where a parking ticket will need to be purchased and displayed on your front window screen. White bays are free parking but require the use of a parking disc that displays your time of arrival on your front window, discs can be obtained from petrol stations. Make sure before leaving your vehicle to check street signs as time, parking restrictions may apply. Vehicles illegally parked or have exceeded their limit will have their vehicle towed or clamped and left with a hefty fine.

VISA INFORMATION

Visa, passport and entry requirements for visiting Italy from Australia:

• Australian & NZ passport holders do no require a visa for the purpose of tourism for stays up to 3 months. However, tourists are required to register with the nearest police office within 8 days of their arrival to receive a permit of stay. Contact the Italian Consulate or Embassy in your local state for special visa information.
• A valid passport is required for at least 6 months validity.

WINTER DRIVING

Driving in the snow is beautiful but make sure you are equipped to do so.