Driving Regulations in Italy

All drivers should carry their EU licence with them at all times in their car, together with their passport or identity document. The paper counterpart to the photocard (showing any penalties) was scrapped from 8th June 2015. See Driving licence changes 

But the general advice from car hire companies seems to be to take it with you too if you are intending to hire a car. And to get a check code from the DVLA to enable information to be checked electronically. See The code you’ll need to hire a car

If bringing your own car, check with your insurers if your policy extends your UK cover to other European countries and always take your proof of cover plus your vehicle registration document with you. A green card is technically only required for citizens of non-EU countries but it may be advisable for other nationalities too to avoid hassle!

Italians drive on the right and tend to be somewhat erratic, so you will need to have your wits about you at all times! An intention to overtake is often accompanied by the flashing of headlights and the sounding of the horn. To reduce pollution in the cities and indeed in many of the medieval towns, cars may not be allowed into the historic centres or parking severely restricted.

Speed limits
These are fixed at 50km/h in towns / built-up areas, 110km/h on main roads outside urban areas, 90km/h on secondary and local roads and 130km/h on motorways. For cars towing trailers or caravans the limits are 80 km/h on all roads outside urban areas and 100km/h on motorways. To convert kilometres to miles: halve the kilometre figure, add one quarter of your answer and you will get the equivalent in miles. For example, 130km/h works out at about 81mph.

Headlights
It is obligatory for cars to have dipped headlights on – even in the daytime – on all roads outside of urban/built up areas.

Seat belts
It is obligatory to wear seat belts both in front and back seats (though you will see many Italian drivers ignoring this). Babies aged up to 9 months (weighing up to 9kg) must be strapped into a baby seat usually in the front. Children aged 9 months – 4 years must be in a child seat attached to the back seat. Children aged between 4-12 years must wear a seat belt and sit in the back.

Drink/Driving
The regulations in Italy are stricter than in the UK : 0.5mg of alcohol per millilitre of blood (UK 0.8mg).

On the spot fines may be issued for speeding or drink/driving offences.