DRIVING IN ITALY

Italy's impressive motorway or autostrada network allows rapid progress across the country, but expect to cover much less ground once you leave the motorway. Most motorways are toll roads. Credit cards are usually accepted, or you can purchase a Viacard from service stations or tourist offices. Carry plenty of cash as Italian petrol stations do not accept credit cards, particularly in rural areas. The speed limit on some major (three-lane) motorways has recently been increased to 150kph (93mph), but when pulling out to overtake double, check for cars approaching even more rapidly than this.  As in France, police may monitor the average speed of motorists between tolls.

Car theft

Theft is a problem in Italian towns and cities, particularly Naples and Rome, where moped riders snatch bags from stationary cars at traffic lights. Keep your windows closed and doors locked in town, and never leave valuables, bags or jackets on display.

Fog

Despite Italy's hot summer climate, in the winter months fog can be a hazard on roads in the north, and in the Italian Alps it is compulsory to carry snow chains from October 15th to April 30th. It is now mandatory to use dipped headlamps at all times outside built-up areas. When two oncoming cars are both turning left at a crossroads, they must turn in front of each other, not behind as is usual in the UK. If you have an overhanging load, such as a bicycle strapped to the rear of the car, you must fit a reflective square panel to it. If carrying more than one dog in your car, you must ensure they are kept caged or separated from the driver by bars.

Fuel

LPG is available in the north of the country but easy easy to find further south. Carrying spare fuel in a car is not permitted. A parking disc must be displayed in blue zones in towns, but don't even try to park close to busy historic, city centres.

Italy sees the point

A newly-introduced penalty points system which threatens disqualification for persistent offenders is showing signs of taming the famously lawless Italian driver. In the 50 days after penalty points were introduced, serious road accidents fell by almost a third

           

Speed limits	Urban	Open road	Motorway
Car	50 kph	90 - 100 kph	130 - 150 kph
Towing	50 kph	70 kph	80 kph
Traffic regulations
Essential equipment	Warning triangle
Minimum driving age	18 years
Drink-drive limit	50mg alcohol per 100ml blood
Child in front seat	Min 12 years unless using child restraint
Seat Belt	Compulsory in front and rear seats
Motorcyclists	Must wear crash helmet and use headlamp at all times
Emergency telephone numbers
Police	112
Fire	115
Ambulance	118

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad.

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