ItalyItaly
Traffic rules
Italy
1. Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe, extending into the Mediterranean and including the large islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Traffic drives on the right, and driving conditions range from Alpine passes and long tunnels in the north to busy historic city centres, coastal roads and island routes. Many autostrade are tolled rather than covered by a national vignette, while drivers entering older city centres must pay particular attention to Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) restrictions, which are often enforced by automatic cameras.
Italian is the official language and is the main language used on road signs. In multilingual areas, drivers may also encounter bilingual or multilingual signs, including Italian-German and sometimes Ladin in South Tyrol and Italian-Slovene in parts of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Winter equipment is another regional consideration: on roads covered by a winter ordinance, vehicles must generally have winter tyres fitted or approved snow chains available during the prescribed period, commonly from 15 November to 15 April.
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Which number can you call in an emergency in Italy?
Call 112 for urgent emergency assistance. Give the operator your location and explain what happened.
🔗 digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu • European Commission, 112, European emergency number
What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Italy?
The general blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l. A zero-alcohol rule applies to drivers under 21, drivers in the first three years after obtaining a category B licence, specified professional transport drivers, and drivers of the heavy vehicles or combinations covered by Article 186-bis. Licence-specific zero-alcohol restrictions may also apply. The safest choice is not to drink before driving.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Automobile Club d’Italia, Road Code, Article 186, alcohol threshold; 🔗 aci.gov.it • Automobile Club d’Italia, Road Code, Article 186-bis, zero-alcohol categories; 🔗 aci.it • Automobile Club d’Italia, Alcohol and driving, licence codes 68 and 69
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Italy?
Built-up areas: The general maximum speed is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit. Suitable urban roads may have a higher signed limit of up to 70 km/h, while lower limits are common in many areas.
Secondary and local rural roads: The general maximum speed on secondary and local roads outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
Main extra-urban roads: On a strada extraurbana principale, the general maximum speed for passenger cars is 110 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
Motorways: For passenger cars, the general maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit. Italian law allows a limit of up to 150 km/h on qualifying motorway sections when specifically authorised and signed.
Rain: During precipitation, the maximum speed is reduced to 110 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main extra-urban roads.
New drivers: During the first three years after obtaining a category B licence, drivers may not exceed 100 km/h on motorways or 90 km/h on main extra-urban roads.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Automobile Club d’Italia, Road Code, Article 142, general and precipitation speed limits; 🔗 aci.gov.it • Automobile Club d’Italia, Road Code, Article 117(2), new-driver speed limits
What are the seat-belt and child-restraint rules in Italy?
Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers on seats equipped with them, subject to specific legal exemptions.
Children shorter than 150 cm must normally use an approved child restraint suitable for their size. There is no general exemption simply because the child has reached age 12. A rear-facing seat in front requires the frontal airbag to be deactivated.
When transporting a child under 4, an approved anti-abandonment alarm is required in an Italian-registered car and in a foreign-registered car driven by an Italian resident. A visitor resident abroad driving a foreign-registered car is outside that alarm requirement.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Italy road rules, Seat belts and child restraints; 🔗 livorno.aci.it • Automobile Club d’Italia, child restraints and Article 172; 🔗 mit.gov.it • Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, anti-abandonment-device FAQ; 🔗 normattiva.it • Italian Law 117/2018, Article 1, vehicle-registration and residency scope
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Italy?
Ordinary drivers must not use a smartphone, tablet, laptop or similar device in a way that requires taking a hand from the steering controls. Hands-free or earpiece equipment is allowed only if it works without using the hands and the driver retains adequate hearing in both ears.
What safety equipment should you carry in a car in Italy?
Cars must have an approved warning triangle for situations in which a stopped vehicle must be marked. Drivers should also keep an approved high-visibility reflective vest or braces accessible, as these must be worn before leaving the vehicle and walking on the road in specified breakdown situations, including on motorway emergency lanes and lay-bys.
Can a visitor use a driving licence issued in another EU country in Italy?
Yes. A valid, full EU driving licence is recognised for the vehicle categories it covers. You must meet the applicable minimum age. A learner licence or a temporary replacement certificate does not have the same automatic recognition.
Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Italy?
Yes. On an ordinary, open motorcycle, both the rider and passenger must wear a protective helmet. Use a helmet that meets the applicable approval requirements and fasten it correctly. Check the specific rules before relying on an exemption for an enclosed or specially equipped vehicle.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Italy road rules
