Features of driving in Italy
Italy needs no introduction. Any category of visitors will find comfort here, including avid motorists or just people who are used to mobility. What surprises does the Italian road have, what to expect, what to fear for the driver around the corner? Let's try to figure out our review.
Italian temperament
In Italy, a special relationship with cars exist, which is no wonder in the homeland of Enzo Ferrari and Ferruccio Lamborghini. Italians can talk about cars for hours, savoring the topic like wine or a cup of espresso. They are very sociable, open and easy to make friends with. Moreover, they have a fairly loud, expressive manner of communication. And if an Italian exclaims something from the window of a neighboring car - don’t take it right away as a curse - perhaps he is telling you: “What a nice day today, isn't it?”
City driving features
The Italians might appear to drive quite impudently and outrageously - rather, it is a display of their passion and temperament. In busy city traffic it is better not to hesitate, otherwise you will be swept away by the flow of small cars and scooters. By the way, there are a lot of mopeds here: vintage Vespa, Piaggio - that's who the emperors are in the local streets. For them, a special honor is expected if you do not want to receive the unwanted scratch. And keep in mind that local drivers may often not turn on the turn signal. “To turn or not to turn” - that is what your main philosophical question will be.
What to pay attention to
In Italy, you can’t talk on the phone without “hands free” headphones or utilizing the vehicle's built-in Bluetooth features. The car must also have a reflective vest and warning triangle. Always fasten your seat belts, for Italians themselves it is at the level of instinct. Pedestrians in Italy are another privileged caste and may appear from nowhere at anytime. And they must be passed before they even set foot on the zebra.
According to the requirements of the local Themis, you should always have dipped headlights turned on. For non-compliance with this rule, a fine of 42 euros is foreseen. At roundabouts - and there are a lot of them in Italy - the priority goes to the one who moves in the circle. You can park for free only if you see a white line. Paid parking is usually marked in blue.
Speed limits
As for speed, the city has a mandatory limit of 50 km/h, outside the city - 110 km/h, and on motorways - 130 km/h. If you exceed this limit by 10-40 km/h, you can be punished with a fine of up to 173 euros. For exceeding more than 60 km/h, the sanction is already 800 euros, and for more serious violations you can even incur criminal liability.
Toll Motorways
Interestingly, it was in Italy in 1924 that the world's first autostrada ("road for cars") appeared, where the movement of horse-drawn carts and pedestrians was prohibited. Today, all motorways in Italy are paid, except district highways within major cities. There are free state roads, but they are usually characterized by low quality and speed limits. Great place for phlegmatic people and people who have a lot of extra time.
Zona traffico limitato
This is a restricted area. Often this inscription is accompanied by a sign with a red circle on a white background. You can’t come here without special permission. Basically, you will see such signs in historical centers, in the area of cultural objects. There are high fines for traveling to such an area. This is another reason to park a car, take a walk, take a selfie against the backdrop of unique views. Did you know, for example, that 4.7% of all world heritage is located in Italy?
Bans and fines
In Italy, it is forbidden to throw small objects, cigarette butts, or even chewing gum from the window. It is also forbidden to smoke if there is a child and a pregnant woman in the vehicle (a fine of 275 euros). Moreover, the smaller the child and the longer the gestation period, the higher the amount of the fine. Parking with the engine on will cost you 400 euros. Certainly, there are some interesting sanctions. For example, in the city of Ebola it is forbidden to kiss in a car, and the fine for this is 500 euros.
Alcohol driving
It’s strict even in Italy - the cradle of the best wines in the world. The permissible norm is 0.5 ppm. Of course, it's okay if you drink a glass of sparkling prosecco after a delicious lasagna. Perhaps even the Italian policeman will take this quite approvingly. But no more than that, nothing “for the third” and “for the road”, otherwise a fine of 3,000 euros, confiscation, or even 6 months of imprisonment.