Traveling Italy by car: Tips for stress-free driving!

Traveling Italy by car: Tips for stress-free driving!

Travelers planning to travel to Italy by car should be prepared for busy but generally non-aggressive traffic conditions. Honking is a common method of communication among drivers. However, the traffic rules and the special features that need to be observed are particularly important in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Italian road traffic follows specific speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside of town, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways, with the maximum speed reduced to 110 km/h when it rains. To control speeds on busy routes, many regions used “section control” systems that measure average speeds.

Another important issue is the tolls on Italian motorways, also known as “Autostrade”. For a journey from South Tyrol to Calabria the cost can be up to 90 euros, depending on the route chosen and the type of vehicle. Payments at toll stations are possible in cash, by credit card or electronically via Telepass. Travelers should be careful not to move into the wrong lane, which may only be permitted for Telepass users, as in this case the license plate will be recorded and subsequent invoices may be sent.

Traffic rules and environmental zones

Especially in the historic old towns, many Italian cities have introduced ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato), which are closed to non-residents and are often monitored by cameras. Such ZTLs are present in almost all cities that are important for tourism in order to protect the old city centers. Only certain vehicles, including residents and delivery vehicles, are allowed to enter these zones, although exceptions also exist for certain emission classes or for people with disabilities. Travelers should make sure to park their car in parking garages outside the ZTL and find out about parking options and any entry permits that may be required when booking the hotel. Hotels can also issue temporary entry permits for their guests.

Especially in cities like Milan, where Area C and Area B have different fee structures, it is advisable to find out about the applicable regulations and fees beforehand. The ZTL signage can vary and is not always easy to interpret, which often leads to misunderstandings. The access roads are monitored by video cameras or the local police, and violations of the entry bans can result in heavy fines. Travelers have the option of contacting the ADAC Legal Center in the event of a fine.

Gas stations and parking

Refueling can be more expensive in Italy than in Germany, especially at motorway petrol stations. However, travelers often find cheaper prices at smaller, independent gas stations. Various apps such as “Prezzi Benzina” help you compare prices and at ATMs you can often only pay by card. Parking in Italian cities is usually done according to a color code system: white lines represent free parking, blue lines for paid parking and yellow lines for special permits. In many cities, parking can also be paid for using apps such as “EasyPark” or “Telepass Pay”, which makes it easier to use.

In case of emergencies, travelers should have useful Italian vocabulary on hand, such as “carburante” (fuel), “benzina” (gasoline), “gommista” (tire dealer) and “meccanico” (mechanic). Special rules apply in road traffic; in contrast to Germany, there is no emergency exit, so in an emergency you should stop to the right and turn on the hazard lights. There are special traffic regulations to be observed in summer, especially for the SS163 on the Amalfi Coast.

For more information about driving in Italy, interested travelers can visit the articles on Mercury and ADAC visit.