Remember you are driving on the right hand
side of the road: it's easy to forget, especially when pulling out
of petrol stations or service areas.
Take a moment to orient yourself. And take extra care when driving on dual carriageways or motorways – you overtake on the left. It's a good idea to refrain from overtaking manoeuvres until you are comfortable with the roads – stick to the right hand lane, watch what the locals do and, if you wish to pass someone, make sure you leave yourself more room and time than you usually would.
Don't drink and drive. The legal alcohol limit in Italy is lower than that of the UK: 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per blood unit. In the UK it's 0.8.
Follow the speed limits. Italy has standard legal limits for normal vehicles (private cars without a trailer): 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways; 110 km (68mph) on dual carriageways; 90 km/h (55mph) on normal roads and 50 km/h (31 mph) in built up areas.
Signage will advise you if these limits are varied. Remember that speed limits and distances will be signed in kilometres and not miles.
Penalties for driving offences in Italy are severe and often levied on the spot. Speeding fines are harsh and will be given at the time of the incident: radar traps are common.
Drink driving can lead to the confiscation of your vehicle and imprisonment.
Don't forget both parts of your driving licence – and your passport. You'll need them for car hire and you can't drive in Europe without them.
Compulsory equipment: your car needs to be equipped with a warning triangle and reflective jacket. In Italy it is illegal to exit a breakdown at night, or in reduced visibility, without wearing a hi-vis.
It's a good idea to ensure that you have spare lightbulbs for headlamps too. Your headlights must be dipped and used during the day when driving on dual carriageways, motorways or on out of town roads, and during periods of poor visibility. Lights must also be used at all times in tunnels.
Seatbelts should be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle. Children under 4 cannot travel without the correct restraints and it is illegal for a child of 12 years or under to occupy the front passenger seat without proper child restraint.
Enjoy your trip – safely!
Take a moment to orient yourself. And take extra care when driving on dual carriageways or motorways – you overtake on the left. It's a good idea to refrain from overtaking manoeuvres until you are comfortable with the roads – stick to the right hand lane, watch what the locals do and, if you wish to pass someone, make sure you leave yourself more room and time than you usually would.
Don't drink and drive. The legal alcohol limit in Italy is lower than that of the UK: 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per blood unit. In the UK it's 0.8.
Follow the speed limits. Italy has standard legal limits for normal vehicles (private cars without a trailer): 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways; 110 km (68mph) on dual carriageways; 90 km/h (55mph) on normal roads and 50 km/h (31 mph) in built up areas.
Signage will advise you if these limits are varied. Remember that speed limits and distances will be signed in kilometres and not miles.
Penalties for driving offences in Italy are severe and often levied on the spot. Speeding fines are harsh and will be given at the time of the incident: radar traps are common.
Drink driving can lead to the confiscation of your vehicle and imprisonment.
Don't forget both parts of your driving licence – and your passport. You'll need them for car hire and you can't drive in Europe without them.
Compulsory equipment: your car needs to be equipped with a warning triangle and reflective jacket. In Italy it is illegal to exit a breakdown at night, or in reduced visibility, without wearing a hi-vis.
It's a good idea to ensure that you have spare lightbulbs for headlamps too. Your headlights must be dipped and used during the day when driving on dual carriageways, motorways or on out of town roads, and during periods of poor visibility. Lights must also be used at all times in tunnels.
Seatbelts should be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle. Children under 4 cannot travel without the correct restraints and it is illegal for a child of 12 years or under to occupy the front passenger seat without proper child restraint.
Enjoy your trip – safely!
Car hire information for Italy
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