Italian Highway Toll Glossary
Everything you need to know about Italian autostrada terminology
37 terms
💳Payment(9)
Telepass
Telepass is an electronic device that allows you to pass through toll booths without stopping, automatically charging the toll to your account.
Viacard
Viacard is a prepaid card for paying highway tolls in Italy, available in €25, €50, and €75 denominations.
Tolls
Tolls are the fees paid to use Italian highways, calculated based on distance traveled and vehicle class.
Cash Payment
Cash payment at toll booths is accepted in white lanes with an operator or yellow lanes with automatic machines.
Card Payment
Credit or debit card payment is accepted in yellow lanes at Italian highway toll booths.
Per-Kilometer Rate
The per-kilometer rate is the cost per kilometer used to calculate highway tolls, varying by vehicle class and route type.
Commuter Discount
Commuter discounts are toll reductions for those who frequently travel the same highway route.
Unpaid Toll
If you don't pay the toll at the booth, you have 15 days to settle before receiving a fine.
Electronic Toll Invoicing
With Telepass you can receive electronic toll invoices for business accounting or tax deductions.
🛣️Infrastructure(11)
Toll Booth
A toll booth is the structure where you pay the toll to use the highway, with dedicated lanes for different payment methods.
TUTOR Speed System
TUTOR is the electronic average speed control system on Italian highways that detects violations by calculating speed between two points.
Toll Ticket
The toll ticket is the slip you collect at the highway entrance and present at exit to calculate the toll owed.
Autostrada (Highway)
An autostrada is a divided highway reserved for motor vehicles, with controlled access and speed limits up to 130 km/h.
Telepass Lane
The Telepass lane (blue) is the lane dedicated to vehicles with Telepass devices, allowing passage without stopping.
Highway Connector
A highway connector is a road section connecting two highways or a highway to a city, often toll-free.
Ring Road/Bypass
A ring road is an expressway that surrounds or bypasses a city, allowing drivers to avoid urban traffic.
Toll Barrier
A toll barrier is a toll point with multiple lanes where all vehicles must pay a fixed rate.
Emergency Stop Area
The emergency stop area is the emergency space beside the highway, to be used only in case of breakdown or emergency.
A1 Autostrada del Sole
The A1 'Autostrada del Sole' (Highway of the Sun) is Italy's main highway, connecting Milan to Naples via Bologna, Florence, and Rome.
Highway Operator
Highway operators are the concessionary companies that manage Italian highways, setting rates and services.
🚗Vehicles(5)
Vehicle Class
Vehicle class determines the toll rate based on the vehicle's height at the front axle and number of axles.
Commercial Vehicle
Commercial vehicles (trucks, lorries) pay higher tolls based on axle count and have reduced speed limits.
Motorcycle
Motorcycles pay the same rate as cars (Class A) and can use Telepass with a specific device.
Motorhome / RV
Motorhomes pay tolls based on height (Class A or B) and axle count, with some parking restrictions.
Trailer
Vehicles with trailers pay higher tolls based on total axle count and have reduced speed limits of 80 km/h.
🛎️Services(6)
Autogrill (Service Area)
Autogrill is the main chain of highway service areas in Italy, offering food, fuel, and services for travelers.
Service Area
A service area is a highway facility offering fuel, food, restrooms, and other services for travelers.
Rest Area
A rest area is a highway space for traveler rest, with parking and restrooms but no fuel or food services.
Punti Blu (Service Points)
Punti Blu are Autostrade per l'Italia customer service offices where you can resolve toll issues and purchase Viacard.
Roadside Assistance
Highway roadside assistance is available 24/7 via SOS call boxes or by calling 803.116.
Park and Ride
Park and Ride facilities (P+R) near highways allow you to leave your car and continue by public transport to city centers.
🚦Driving(6)
Speed Limits
Speed limits on Italian highways are 130 km/h for cars (110 km/h in rain), 100 km/h for new drivers.
Driving in Fog
In fog conditions on Italian highways, speed limits are reduced and fog lights are mandatory.
Driving in Snow
In winter, many Italian highways require winter tires or snow chains on board from November 15 to April 15.
Snow Chains
Snow chains are mandatory to have on board on many Italian highways from November 15 to April 15 if you don't have winter tires.
Winter Tires
Winter tires (with M+S marking and alpine symbol) are mandatory or recommended on many Italian highways in winter.
ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone)
ZTLs are urban areas with limited vehicle access, often near highway exits in Italian cities.
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Now that you know the terminology, use our calculator to find out exactly how much your highway trip will cost.
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