CurveItaly
26. Curve
A curve is a section of road that changes direction to the left or right. A sharp, unexpected or poorly visible curve can reduce a driver’s view of approaching traffic, stopped vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.
Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within their lane and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Warning signs may indicate the direction of the first curve or a series of successive curves.
Wikimedia.org • Falk2 • CC BY-SA
What makes a bend dangerous in Italy?
Curves shorten your view of the road ahead and can reduce the margin for correcting a mistake. Drivers may encounter tight Alpine passes and winding coastal and hill roads; the safe speed can be well below the posted maximum. Watch for changing road surfaces and people or vehicles hidden beyond the curve.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 39, 140–142, 148, 150, 157–158, 191
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 39
How should you approach a sharp curve in Italy?
Slow down before the bend, select the correct lane position, look through the curve and steer smoothly. Keep enough grip and visible stopping distance for the road and weather conditions.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 39, 140–142, 148, 150, 157–158, 191
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 39
Is overtaking safe on a blind bend in Italy?
No. Do not start overtaking where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed or where signs or road markings prohibit it. Wait until there is a lawful, clear and sufficiently long view ahead.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 39, 140–142, 148, 150, 157–158, 191
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 39
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 141
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 154
Warning for a curve to the left.
English • Traffic sign II.5 • Bend to the left. Warns of a left-hand bend that is dangerous because of its characteristics or limited visibility.
Italiano • Figura II.5 • Curva a sinistra. Presegnala una curva pericolosa a sinistra per le sue caratteristiche o per l’insufficiente visibilità.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (F l a n k e r • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Normattiva.it • D.P.R. 495/1992 • testo vigente • art. 86, comma 1
🔗 Gazzettaufficiale.it • Gazzetta Ufficiale • Figura II.5 • pagina 246
SVG source: F l a n k e r • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2011-02-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Current figure reference verified in Normattiva.it • Normattiva, current article 86.
Warning for a curve to the right.
English • Traffic sign II.4 • Bend to the right. Warns of a right-hand bend that is dangerous because of its characteristics or limited visibility.
Italiano • Figura II.4 • Curva a destra. Presegnala una curva pericolosa a destra per le sue caratteristiche o per l’insufficiente visibilità.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (F l a n k e r • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Normattiva.it • D.P.R. 495/1992 • testo vigente • art. 86, comma 1
🔗 Gazzettaufficiale.it • Gazzetta Ufficiale • Figura II.4 • pagina 246
SVG source: F l a n k e r • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2011-02-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Current figure reference verified in Normattiva.it • Normattiva, current article 86.

Traffic rules
Italy