Italy

Driving in Italy

If you wish to drive in Italy you must have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you then written permission from the registered owner may also be requested.

Travellers driving in Italy should be aware that private cars and hire cars are not permitted to enter the historic centre of many Italian cities without an official pass. If your hotel is in the centre of one of the cities concerned, you can purchase a pass from most car hire companies. However, this pass will not be valid for entering the centre of any other city and you are advised to make use of out-of-centre car parks and public transport. The boundaries of historic centres are usually marked with the letters ZTL in black on a yellow background. You are advised not to pass this sign as your registration number is likely to be caught on telecamera and notice of a fine - or fines if you cross more than one ZTL zone - could be sent to your home address.

You should be aware that the current edition of the Italian Highway Code states that under Italian Law the authorities have up to 360 days from the date of the offence in which to send the notice of a fine to those resident outside Italy. For people who are resident in Italy the fine must be sent within 150 days.

In 2005 there were 5,426 road deaths in Italy (source: DfT). This equates to 9.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005.

Since July 2007 on-the-spot fines' for minor traffic offences have been in operation. These may range typically between €150 - 250. You are strongly advised to stick to the rules of the road, and/or have enough cash if you have to pay a fine. Failure to do so may seriously inconvenience your visit.

You must use dipped headlights during the day while travelling on motorways and major roads outside cities. There are also strict rules on drink driving. The limit for alcohol in the bloodstream is now 0.5 grams per litre. The use of mobile telephones in cars is prohibited unless they are fitted with speaker devices or used with headphones.

You should carry at least one reflective safety jacket in your vehicle and wear it when standing with, inspecting or repairing your vehicle if you are on a public highway.

If you rent a car in Italy, you should check the rental insurance terms carefully. Some policies will not cover an accident that does not include a third party eg a collision with a wall. Certain provisions in policies, such as fire and theft, might not apply for all regions of Italy.

Further advice on driving outside the UK can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC.

ROAD HAULIERS

Trucks over 7.5 tonnes (75 quintali) are not allowed on Italian roads, including motorways, on Sundays from 07:00 until midnight, local time. These restrictions do not apply to those trucks already granted an exception, such as those carrying perishable goods and petrol supplies.

Both the Mont Blanc and Frejus road tunnels, linking Italy and France, are open but the restrictions introduced following the fires in 1999 and 2005 respectively continue to be applied to HGVs. These can be summarised as follows:

Mont Blanc: height restricted to 4.7m; minimum speed 50 km/h; maximum speed 70 km/h. Consult: www.tunnelmb.com  or by telephone on number 00 33 (0)45 05 55 500.

Fréjus: Vehicles of more than 3.5 tonnes are subject to 1-hour alternate traffic flows starting at 08:00 leaving Italy. Special regulations apply to vehicles carrying dangerous loads. Details can be obtained from: http://www.tunneldufrejus.com