Autostrada (Highway)
Quick Answer
An autostrada is a divided highway reserved for motor vehicles, with controlled access and speed limits up to 130 km/h.
Detailed Explanation
The Italian highway network is one of the most extensive in Europe, with over 7,000 km of toll roads. Highways are identified by the letter 'A' followed by a number (e.g., A1, A14). Main features: at least two lanes per direction, emergency lane, service areas every 30-50 km, speed limit 130 km/h (110 in rain). Major highways include the A1 (Milan-Naples), A14 (Bologna-Taranto), and A4 (Turin-Trieste). Most highways are toll roads, managed by private concessionaires under state supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Italian highways toll roads?
No, some highways are free, like parts of the A3 in Calabria and some ring roads. But most of the network is toll-based.
Related Terms
Tolls are the fees paid to use Italian highways, calculated based on distance traveled and vehicle class.
TUTOR is the electronic average speed control system on Italian highways that detects violations by calculating speed between two points.
Speed limits on Italian highways are 130 km/h for cars (110 km/h in rain), 100 km/h for new drivers.
A service area is a highway facility offering fuel, food, restrooms, and other services for travelers.