Helpful driving information

We recommend you to strictly stick to the regulations when driving in Italy, as in the event of an infringement there are harsh penalties. In 2013, the penalty charges have again been hiked up and are even higher at night, from 10 pm to 7 am.

Speed limits:

• in town: 50 km/h
• on country roads: 90 km/h
• on freeways: 110 km/h
• on motorways: 130 km/h (exception Brennero motorway Brennero - Bolzano Sud: 110 km/h)

Alcohol limit and drugs:

• 0.5 ‰ alcohol limit
• from 1.5 ‰, the vehicle can be confiscated
• also pedestrians, if conspicuously drunken, can be stopped and corrected by the police
• smoking of hemp and driving under influence leads to the driver's license revocation - it is complained to the police

Colours of the parking spaces:

• white: parking for free (parking meter)
• blue: parking subject to fees
• yellow: parking only for authorized people

Further regulations:

• reflective vest: obligatory for Italy since 2004, so be sure to bring it along with you so that you have it ready for an emergency
• dim light: obligatory for all vehicles at day and night, except in town driving
• crosswalk: obligatory to let pedestrians walk on the cross-walk
• winter tyres: during wintery conditions the vehicle has to be equipped with winter tyres or snow chains
• the use of mobile phones and other mobile devices while driving is prohibited
• electric cars may only be parked at charging stations for the duration of charging
• e-scooters may travel at a maximum speed of 20 km/h and 6 km/h in pedestrian zones, driving and parking on pavements is prohibited

General useful information:

• smoking: smoking in public buildings and rooms has been banned on July 1, 2005. The penalties amount up to 2,000 Euros. Exceptions are few taverns that offer separate smoking rooms, and need to meet different criteria
• merchants: those who buy faked brand-name products expects severe fines

Link to check the current traffic situation online.