We search & compare competitive rates and a wide range of choices with reputable suppliers. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities of Italy.
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.
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.
General driving rules, laws and regulations in Italy:
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.
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:
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.
Below are the speed limits in Italy to use as a guide only, unless posted otherwise:
Always maintain your speed according to the environment and weather conditions.
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.
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 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.
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, passport and entry requirements for visiting Italy from Australia:
Driving in the snow is beautiful but make sure you are equipped to do so.