CurveItaly

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Italy. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


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.

Curve
Warning for a curve to the right. (South Tyrol, Italy)
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

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 141

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 154

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

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 141

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 154

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. 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. 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.

1 Italy 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Footpath 6 Bike path 7 Shared-use path 8 Pedestrian zone 9 Customs 10 One-way traffic 11 Quay 12 Slope 13 Bus lane 14 Bus stop 15 Dead end 16 Stop sign 17 Give way 18 Roundabout 19 Road narrowing 20 Pedestrian crossing 21 Railway crossing 22 Mandatory direction 23 Overtaking 24 Crossing animals 25 Rockfall 26 Curve 27 Chevron 28 Wrong-way driving 29 Roadworks 30 Height limit 31 Weight limit 32 Traffic lights 33 Pedestrian lights 34 Road markings 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Traffic mirror 38 Emergency telephone 39 International border 40 Cycling route 41 End of restriction 42 No parking 43 Disabled parking 44 Traffic management 45 Reversing 46 Road surface 47 Tourist attraction 48 Horn 49 Licence plate 50 Charging station 51 Dangers 52 Cyclist 53 Motorcycle 54 Truck 55 Bus 56 Police 57 Ambulance 58 European emission standard 59 Pothole 60 Path 61 Particulates 62 Air pollution 63 Rush hour 64 Road code 65 Street gutter 66 Cargo bike 67 Forestry vehicle 68 Construction vehicle 69 Semi-trailer truck 70 Trolleybus 71 Speed pedelec 72 Delivery vehicle 73 Idling 74 Tow truck 75 Four-wheel drive 76 No vehicles 77 Bicycle 78 Motorcycle equipment 79 Rail track 80 Caravan 81 Trailer 82 Tow hitch 83 Fire truck 84 Siren 85 Convoy 86 Emergency vehicle lighting 87 Agricultural machinery 88 Electric bicycle 89 Electric vehicle 90 Pedelec 91 Quadricycle 92 Microcar 93 All-terrain vehicle 94 Van 95 Recreational vehicle 96 Scooter 97 Trikke 98 Personal mobility device 99 Skateboard 100 Segway ...