Every country in Europe has its own rules, and if you have had the chance to drive the German Autobahn highway, you probably had the best introduction to European roads.
Italian roads, on the other hand, come with their set of challenges, and therefore I hope this guide will help you navigate this country with ease.
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Toll Roads
The world's first highway, the Italian Autostrada, was built leading from Milan in Northern Italy in 1924.
Since then, Italy, has constructed one of the most efficient highway systems, linking all the major cities with each other. Especially in the North, it's evident.
Getting from A to B via the highway in Italy is convenient, but the highway isn't free. They charge you at a toll booth every few miles or when you are exiting the highway.
When you enter the highway, you come across a tollbooth. Take the ticket that they give you and keep it safe. Along the way, you will encounter a pay toll booth, for a highway section or when you exit, and that's where you have to insert your previous ticket to pay.
When you come closer to the pay toll booth, pick a lane that accepts cards or cash and avoid the prepaid fast ticket membership lanes (where cars dash through).
Narrow Winding Steep Roads
Streets in Italy can be much narrower than other European roads. That includes small roads and highways.
A good example is the highway on the Italian side after crossing the Austrian border. It's not as wide, and you will feel claustrophobic when taking over trucks.
Another tip: on-ramp roads leading to the highway are super short, and it isn't uncommon to see Italian cars waiting at the end of the on-ramp road to merge onto the highway.
Village, mountain, and island roads are even smaller, and you may encounter unpaved roads. Be prepared to deal with winding roads and steep, sudden inclines in Italy.
As they say, all roads lead to Rome, and some roads are probably that old.
Italian Driving Habits
Italians are reckless on their roads, and I'm certain they are crazier than all the other Europeans (and we drove in Romania without any incidents).
The driving skills in the North are still civilized, but you have to pay more attention the further you go south.
Some of them don't blink on the highway, including trucks, and just slalom all the way. Other times, you have scooters flanking you in the cities.
Yes, there are cops, but I have never seen them stopping anyone. They usually just measure speed with their handy speed cameras.
Be super vigilant; some Italians have the habit of yelling around, even if they are in the wrong.
ZTL Zones
ZTL zones are restricted traffic areas in Italy. They are implemented in all major cities, including Florence, Milan, Verona, and Rome.
The purpose of these zones, called Zona a Traffico Limitato in Italian, is to reduce pollution by reducing the number of permitted cars that can enter a specific area.
ZTL city zones always include the downtown area and can extend further out into the suburbs.
You need a special sticker, which is given mostly only to residents, to enter these city areas by car.
If you book your hotel room in a ZTL zone, reach out to the hotel, as they can provide temporary ZTL access.
The fines can be rather hefty, and they catch everyone who doesn't have the permission to enter the ZTL zone with hidden cameras.
Roundabouts and Intersections
In Italy, the vehicles inside the roundabout have the right of way, and incoming cars must yield before entering.
At all intersections, the right-of-way rule applies if there is no posted sign.
Parking
The people in Italy prefer smaller cars, and thanks to this development, car lot spaces tend to be much more narrow.
Parking spaces are limited in Italy, and occasionally, you will need your parallel parking skills.
Be careful where you park your car in Italy; break-ins are common. Larger parking lots with CCTV are not that safe either. Don't keep valuables in the car, or don't keep them visible. They will also rob your cycles attached to the back of your car, and they like to target foreign cars. They might ignore a rental with an Italian number plate.
Thefts are common at car parks in Verona, Milan, Rome, and Venice. Especially, parking in Venice is an issue due to the way the city was built.
Other Things to Look Out For
You will come across countless speed cameras, and they are not always shown on the maps. Hidden cameras are all the more common. The fines are usually €45 onwards, and you get it by post weeks or months later sent home (even when you drive a rental).
If you are taking your car on a ferry (to go to an island, for example), validate the ticket first. It requires a stamp before your car can be boarded, and nobody will tell you that with their broken English.
Some gas stations are pay-in-advance only. Those are typically card only pumps where you have to type in the predicted amount of gas that you need in euros. For example, if you guess that you will need €55, type in €60, and when it hits full, it takes the shown amount from your account or card. Take the bill and keep it as proof, and check your accounts later.
Not everybody accepts cards at gas stations. American Express cards are rarely accepted. Always keep euros on you because some places are still cash only in Europe.
Toilets are typically free to use along the highway in Italy, and they can be located in a food court building, in a small toilet booth, or at the gas station.
Google and Apple Maps are not always correct. Follow common judgment in rural areas and cities. ZTL zones don't appear on maps.
In an emergency, dial 112; it's the universal emergency number in Europe. You will also find SOS emergency phones on the shoulder every mile or so.
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