Notes

Write a note in this area. It's really easy to share with others. Click here ..Italy's extensive network of roads span numerous categories. The main ones include:

Autostradas – An extensive, privatised network of motorways, represented on road signs by a white 'A' followed by a number on a green background. The main north–south link is the A1. Also known as the Autostrada del Sole (the 'Motorway of the Sun'), it extends from Milan to Naples (called the A1). The main link from Naples south to Reggio di Calabria is the A3. There are tolls on most motorways, payable by cash or credit card as you exit.
Strade statali (state highways) – Represented on maps by 'S' or 'SS'. Vary from toll-free, four-lane highways to two-lane main roads. The latter can be extremely slow, especially in mountainous regions.
Strade regionali (regional highways connecting small villages) – Coded 'SR' or 'R'.
Strade provinciali (provincial highways) – Coded 'SP' or 'P'.
Strade locali – Often not even paved or mapped.
For information in English about distances, driving times and fuel costs, see en.mappy.com. Additional information, including traffic conditions and toll costs, is available at www.autostrade.it.

Automobile Associations

The Automobile Club d'Italia is a driver's best resource in Italy. Foreigners do not have to join to get 24-hour roadside emergency service but instead pay a per-incident fee.

Driving Licences

All EU driving licences are recognised in Italy. Travellers from other countries should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) through their national automobile association.

Fuel & Spare Parts

Italy's petrol prices vary from one service station (benzinaio, stazione di servizio) to another. At the time of writing, lead-free gasoline (senza piombo; 95 octane) was averaging €1.57 per litre, with diesel (gasolio) costing €1.37 per litre.

Spare parts are available at many garages or via the 24-hour ACI motorist assistance number 803 116 (or 800 116800 if calling with a non-Italian mobile phone account).

Road Rules

Cars drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. Unless otherwise indicated, always give way to cars entering an intersection from a road on your right.
Seatbelt use (front and rear) is required by law; violators are subject to an on-the-spot fine. Helmets are required on all two-wheeled vehicles.
Day and night, it is compulsory to drive with your headlights on outside built-up areas.
It’s obligatory to carry a warning triangle and fluorescent waistcoat in case of breakdown. Recommended accessories include a first-aid kit, spare-bulb kit and fire extinguisher.
A licence is required to ride a scooter – a car licence will do for bikes up to 125cc; for anything over 125cc you'll need a motorcycle licence.
Motorbikes can enter most restricted traffic areas in Italian cities, and traffic police generally turn a blind eye to motorcycles or scooters parked on footpaths.
The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%; for drivers under 21 and those who have had their licence for less than three years it's zero.
Unless otherwise indicated, speed limits are as follows:

130km/h on autostradas
110km/h on all main, non-urban roads
90km/h on secondary, non-urban roads
50km/h in built-up areas
Hire

Motorcycle

Agencies throughout Italy rent motorbikes, ranging from small Vespas to larger touring bikes. Prices start at around €35/150 per day/week for a 50cc scooter, or upwards of €80/400 per day/week for a 650cc motorcycle.

Car

Pre-booking via the internet often costs less than hiring a car in Italy. Online booking agency Rentalcars.com (www.rentalcars.com) compares the rates of numerous car-rental companies.
Renters must generally be aged 21 or over, with a credit card and home-country driving licence or IDP.
Consider hiring a small car, which will reduce your fuel expenses and help you negotiate narrow city lanes and tight parking spaces.
Check with your credit-card company to see if it offers a Collision Damage Waiver, which covers you for additional damage if you use that card to pay for the car.
The following companies have pick-up locations throughout Italy:

Auto Europe (www.autoeurope.com)

Avis (www.avis.com)

Budget (www.budget.com)

Europcar (www.europcar.com)

Hertz (www.hertz.it)

Italy by Car (www.italybycar.it)

Maggiore (www.maggiore.it)

Sixt (www.sixt.com)

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