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 Type | Normal | Rain/Wet | New Drivers |
---|---|---|---|
Autostrade (Highways) | 130 km/h | 110 km/h | 100 km/h |
Main Roads | 110 km/h | 90 km/h | 90 km/h |
Secondary Roads | 90 km/h | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
Urban Areas | 50 km/h | 50 km/h | 50 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