Italian Driving Rules

As long as you have a full UK driving licence and you keep it on you while driving through Italy you will be keeping to Italian law. One rule is different; to drive in Italy you have to be over 18 years of age.

We drove through Italy in a Volkswagen Caravelle that we rented from Milan Malpensa Airport. Our Kia Sorento stayed at home as we flew from Britain.

Italians drive on the right and so should you while on their roads. This means keeping to the right hand lane, overtaking on the left, turning right on a roundabout and using the right hand lane on the motorway as the slow lane.

The above picture is the Italian flag drawn in the sky by planes. This picture was taken at the Royal International Air Tattoo show in 2018.

Similar to Great Britain if you are driving in the dark dip your headlights for oncoming traffic, including a two lane motorways. When we drove to Altomincia Campsite Italy it was during the day. Please note that a car horn should only be used in an emergency and you must wear your seatbelts (front and back seats) and any trams or trains have right of way over you.

Just like Britain if you are riding a motorbike you must wear your helmet (whatever the engine size). Mopeds below 150cc are not allowed to travel on the motorway.

Speed Limits

Road signs are all around Italy giving you an idea (in Kilometres) of how fast you should be driving. But generally towns are 50 km/h (around 30 miles per hour) and motorways are 130 km/h (around 80 miles per hour). There are cameras on motorways that will issue fines if you are driving too fast. If you are lucky enough to own a camper van (that weighs more than 3.5 tonnes) you can’t drive faster than 100 km/h (62 miles per hour). A Volkswagen Caravelle doesn't count as a camper van. Any vehicles that are towing something can only drive at 80 km/h (around 50 mph).

Mandatory Items

In your car you must have a warning triangle, spare tyre and a reflective safety jacket. If you are hiring a car these items should be included.

Other Rules

Drink driving is prohibited (as expected). Pedestrians have right of way at any Zebra crossing. Although I’m not sure all Italians stick to that rule.

Driving Fines

Fines can be issued on the spot. Payment can’t be taken at that point but paying the fine within a certain timeframe reduces the cost significantly.

Images of italian roads whilst driving through italy

Pictured above is a typical example of an Italian road. The above picture was taken in August 2018 while driving through Italy.

Pictured above is a typical example of Italian tolls. These are usually self service. The above picture was taken in August 2018 while driving through Italy.