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Driving Tips for Italian Highways

Essential information for safe and efficient highway driving in Italy

Quick Reminders

  • Drive on the right side of the road
  • Overtake on the left lane only
  • Headlights required in tunnels and bad weather
  • Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers
  • Mobile phone use only with hands-free
  • Blood alcohol limit: 0.5g/L (0.0 for new drivers)

General Driving Rules

Required Documents

Always carry your driving license, vehicle registration, insurance documents, and passport. International Driving Permit recommended for non-EU licenses.

Lane Discipline

Keep right except when overtaking. The leftmost lane is for overtaking only - move back right after passing.

Safety Equipment

Reflective vest and warning triangle mandatory in all vehicles. Must be used in case of breakdown.

Winter Tires

Required November 15 - April 15 in many regions, or carry snow chains.

ZTL Zones

Many city centers have restricted traffic zones (ZTL). Entering without permission results in heavy fines.

Highway Specific Rules

Toll Payment

Take ticket when entering, pay when exiting. Keep ticket safe - losing it means paying maximum toll.

Service Areas

Rest every 2 hours. Italian service areas (Autogrill) offer fuel, food, and facilities.

Speed Cameras

Fixed cameras (Autovelox) and average speed checks (Tutor) are common. Fines are steep.

Merge Carefully

Use acceleration lanes fully. Match highway speed before merging.

Exit Planning

Move to right lanes well before your exit. Missing an exit means continuing to the next one.

Safety Guidelines

Following Distance

Maintain 2-second gap minimum. Increase in bad weather or heavy traffic.

Tunnel Safety

Remove sunglasses, turn on headlights, maintain distance, tune to tunnel radio frequency.

Weather Conditions

Reduce speed in rain/fog. Use fog lights appropriately. Pull over safely if visibility is too poor.

Breakdown Protocol

Move to emergency lane, turn on hazards, wear reflective vest before exiting, place triangle 100m behind vehicle.

Fatigue Management

Italian highways have many tunnels and curves. Stay alert and take regular breaks.

Emergency Procedures

Accident Response

Ensure safety first, call 112, exchange insurance details, take photos, fill European Accident Statement.

Emergency Lanes

Use only for real emergencies. Improper use carries heavy fines and license points.

SOS Phones

Orange emergency phones every 2km on highways. Free direct connection to assistance.

Medical Emergencies

Call 118 for ambulance. First aid kit recommended in vehicle.

Vehicle Problems

Call 803.116 for ACI roadside assistance. Many insurances include European breakdown cover.

Driving Etiquette

Flashing Lights

Often means 'I'm coming through' not 'after you'. Also used to warn of police/hazards ahead.

Horn Use

Common in Italy but use sparingly on highways. Short beep for warning, not frustration.

Merging Courtesy

Italians expect assertive but safe merging. Hesitation can be dangerous.

Tailgating

Unfortunately common. Don't be pressured into unsafe speeds. Move right when safe.

Courtesy Signs

Thank other drivers with hazard lights flash or hand wave. Builds goodwill on the road.

Speed Limits in Italy

Road TypeNormalRain/WetNew Drivers
Autostrade (Highways)130 km/h110 km/h100 km/h
Main Roads110 km/h90 km/h90 km/h
Secondary Roads90 km/h80 km/h90 km/h
Urban Areas50 km/h50 km/h50 km/h

* New drivers = license held less than 3 years. Some sections may have different limits - always check signs.

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Services

  • Police (Polizia)113
  • Medical Emergency118
  • Fire Brigade115
  • Roadside Assistance (ACI)803.116

European Emergency Number

112

Available in multiple languages including English