Driving Abroad – Italy – Car Insurance

Driving in Italy is great fun. If you stick to the Italian countryside you will gain access to a number of different beautiful locations that are well worth seeing. Some of the scenery set by lakes, mountains and Italy’s jagged coastline really is breath taking and is a must see if you are travelling around the country in your own car.

Please be careful when driving through the Italian cities. The road and traffic systems in these places can be dangerous, confusing, extremely busy and difficult to park in. Naples is probably renowned for being one of the worst. Even most of the locals avoid driving through the city.

Driving on the Italian Roads

The standard of Italian driving is very poor and most local drivers are very abrupt and aggressive. When driving on the roads of Italy you need to be extremely alert at all times and make sure that you are quick of the mark from traffic lights and junctions. Some local drivers have been known to ram people from behind if they think they are being to slow.

Speeding offences carry big fines in Italy that are payable on the spot. The drink driving limit is set at 50mg and you are likely to be fined and can even have your licence taken from you if the authorities think that your case is that serious.

The autostradas, or the Italian version of the German Autobahns, are brilliant and not that expensive. A trip from Florence to Rome will cost you around €14.

If you attach a bike to the back of your car then you must ensure that it is secured with a reflective square panel. Not doing so maybe classed as an offence and you can expect to be fined by authorities.

Spot for Sightseeing

Between Salerno and Sorrento you will find the Amalfi coast. This coast is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Here you will find villages on the mountainsides that meet the ocean at the bottom. The shoreline consists of a number of medieval towers, caves and orchards. The road runs down the mountain side very well and can be a very enjoyable drive.

Laws of the Italian Roads

Passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times.
Children under the age of 3 or less than 1.5m high are not allowed in a car unless in they are seated in an approved child seat/restraint. Children over 3 years of age should travel in the back though they may travel in the front if taller than 1.5m.
You must carry a high visibility vest and warning triangle at all times. Fines can be issued if you stop on a main road and get out of your car without your safety vest on.
Dipped headlights must be used on all main roads and full-beam lights can only be used outside cities and towns.
Horns are not allowed to be used in built up areas unless it’s an emergency.
Dial 112 for the emergency services and 116 for if you breakdown.
Motorcyclists must dip their headlights during the day and wear a crash helmet at all times. A motorcycle passenger must be at least 4 years old and a motorbike must be at least 150cc to go on the motorways.

Standard Speed Limits

Urban Areas – 50 Km/h (30mph)
Outside Urban Areas – 90 Km/h ()
Dual Carriageways / Urban Stretches – 110 Km/h (70 mph)
Outside of Built Up Areas – 110 Km/h (70 mph)
Motorways – 130 Km/h (80 mph)

Tips from the Locals

When parking in cities, you must park in the direction of the traffic and not park in tow away zones. Once parked, make sure that your wing mirrors are tucked in and make sure that you don’t park in a street that has a morning market.

When approaching junctions, make sure that you give way to traffic entering from the right.

When travelling outside of urban areas, if drivers use their horn it normally means they are going to overtake you so be very wary of this.

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