Tips for How To Drive in Italy Driving in Italy can be intimidating, especially given the fearsome reputation of Italian drivers.
If you’re relying on Italian public transport, it can be tough to visit the off-the-beaten-path villages and rural areas that make Italy so special.
It is possible, and easier than you might think explore areas like Umbria and Tuscany by train and bus, renting a car gives you more flexibility and freedom.
Depending on the number of people you’re traveling with, it can be the cheapest option.
Don’t drive a stick shift?
You might be surprised to know that most Italians do—so the majority of cars in Italy are stick-shift (aka: manual), not automatic.
That means automatics often have a limited availability, and usually cost more.
Another good reason to book in advance.
Motorcycles and scooters are also available for rent, but we do not suggest them for long-distance trips, or in areas you are unfamiliar with.
And never, ever try to learn to drive a scooter for the first time in a foreign city......
https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/travel-tips/drive-in-italy

Driving Requirements in Italy
If your driver's license is from the U.S. or other countries outside the European Union, you should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your local license. You'll need to show your IDP if you get stopped by the police for any reason, including if you're in an accident. The IDP is not a license, requires no test, and is basically a translation of your driver's license.
The legal driving age in Italy is 18 years old, but you must have had your license for at least a year to rent a car, and many car rental companies will charge you an extra fee if you’re under 25. Civil liability insurance is mandatory, and visitors have the option of purchasing a Green Card insurance policy, sold at the border, that is valid for 15, 30, or 45 days.
Checklist for Driving in Italy
Driver's license (required)
IDP (recommended)
Proof of liability insurance (required)
ID/passport (required)
Reflective safety vest (required to have in car)
Reflective triangle (required to have in car)
Spare tire (recommended)
Fire extinguisher (recommended)
Rules of the Road
If you know Italian law, you can avoid being stopped by police or photographed by speed and red-light cameras, and return home without incurring a traffic fine.
While some of the rules are similar to driving laws in the U.S., some, like the Zona Traffico Limitato, are particular to Italy.
Seatbelts: According to Italian law, any time you ride in a vehicle that has seat belts, it is compulsory to wear them.
Children and car seats: Children who are under 36 kilograms (97 pounds) or 150 centimeters (4 feet, 9 inches) must use appropriate car seats or booster seats and must ride in the back of the car.
Distracted driving: You cannot text or talk and drive while holding a phone.
Recent changes to Italy's highway code include stricter penalties for anyone caught using a mobile phone while driving.

Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL)
Do not drive in an area with a ZTL sign or one marked Area Pedonale (limited traffic or pedestrian zones).
Most cities have these zones, and even in small towns, you may find them in the historic center, or centro storico.
A special permit is needed to drive in a limited traffic zone (which your hotel can usually provide if it's within one).
There is usually a camera that takes a photo of your license plate as you enter and you may get a fine in the mail, sometimes months later, even if you don't get stopped right away.
Look for a parking lot outside the center—you'll often find one within walking distance or with a shuttle to take you to the center of a town.
Speed limits: Except when posted otherwise, speed limits apply throughout Italy, including 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour) on highways, 110 kph (68 mph) on non-major highways outside of major urban areas, and 90 kph (56 mph) on local roads.
Traffic lights: In Italy, it is illegal to make a right turn on a red light even if you stop first. Italy has a three-light system like in the U.S., although there are not many traffic lights.
School buses: You must stop when a school bus is stopped and unloading and loading passengers.
Right of way: Yield to traffic on the right when you are at a junction or crossroads.
In reality, drivers will not wait for you to proceed if you are hesitant.
Roundabouts: At roundabouts, yield to traffic that is already in the roundabout.
The driver in the roundabout always has the right of way. To exit the roundabout, use your turn indicator signal.
Parking: When parking on an urban street, park on the right-hand side. In marked "blue zone" areas, you must display a parking disc, valid for one hour, which can be obtained in tourist offices.
Headlights: Even on sunny days, the law requires you to drive with your headlights on outside of urban areas. Always drive with your headlights on while on the autostrada.
In case of emergency: Emergency numbers in Italy are 113 for police, 115 for the fire department, and 118 for an ambulance.
Driving on the Autostrada or Toll Road
The autostrada is Italy's system of toll roads. Autostrada highways are designated with an A in front of a number (such as A1, the major autostrada that connects Milan and Rome) and signs pointing toward them are green.
The maximum speed limit is 130 kilometers per hour but on some parts slows to 110kph and can be as low as 60kph on some curvy stretches, so watch for posted speed limit signs. You'll take a ticket as you enter the autostrada and pay a toll when you exit, and credit cards do not always work at the toll booth so have cash with you.
Italian drivers tend to drive fast, especially on the autostrada, but are generally not aggressive. But unless you're planning to race in the fast lane, just leave the left lane for passing and stick to the right-hand lanes.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-driving-in-italy-1547237

While we love taking the train between cities like Rome and Florence, driving is an excellent way to see some of Italy’s more off-the-beaten-path destinations. With a car, you can explore smaller villages and charming hill towns, plus you have the freedom to stop at vineyards, beaches, or other hard-to-reach attractions en route to your final destination.
There are many car rental agencies in Italy, and some of these agencies offer prices that appear too good to be true. In fact, that is exactly the case. Make sure to read the fine print and know exactly what comes with your rental.
Often a slightly more expensive option will include more comprehensive insurance, or offers unlimited mileage or throws in GPS. Reading the details and asking questions will ensure you’re not bombarded with hidden fees later on.
Always pay the extra few euros for a GPS navigation system.
The highways in Italy are well marked and easy to navigate, but once you enter a village, smaller roads are often unmarked and one-way streets and roundabouts can be confusing without a navigation system. If your GPS gets confused (not unusual on smaller streets), don’t be afraid to flag down a local for help.

https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/guide-to-driving-in-italy.html

Driving in Italy can be a stressful experience especially if it’s not in the language you speak or the side of the road you drive on.
As long as it’s not city driving it’s well worth getting a car in Italy to explore the towns and regions.
As a tourist, it’s always great to study up on the rules of the road before renting a car and driving yourself around in it.
Renting a car anywhere (apart from your home country) will require you to have your passport and driver’s license. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
For those that hold a European Union driving license you will not need to obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP).
Manual Transmission is the Preferred Choice
In Europe, it’s very common to get manual transmission cars and will be the option provided to you unless you specified otherwise.
Make sure you let the car company that you want to rent an automatic or choose it as the option on the booking site and be prepared to pay a lot more.
We recommend that you get some sort of map or navigation as the roads or routes to get to places aren’t that straightforward.
There is no way I would be able to navigate driving around without a GPS or a map....
https://katsgoneglobal.com/driving-in-italy/


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