Close to 100 million tourists visited Italy in 2019 and the number of people visiting this Mediterranean paradise is expected to climb again this year following the global pandemic. Venice is the most popular destination for foreign guests, with the top 10 list including cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples.
If you are planning to make a trip to this beautiful country this year, it’s helpful to have an idea about what to expect when it comes to driving in Italy. In this blog post, we will share useful tips about driving there and information on how to rent a car in Italy. Let’s get started.
Tips for Driving in Italy
The first tip is to ensure that you have all of your driving documents in order. If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to have an international driving license.
If you are planning to come to Italy with your own car, then you should double-check that your car insurance covers third party even outside of your home country. Check out this service to learn about vehicle registration in Italy.
It’s recommended that you use a mobile map application or GPS to help you get around the country without any unplanned detours. For the most part, road signs will be similar to those that you have in your home country. Be sure to pay attention to the speed limits and reduce your speed at night and in times of inclement weather.
Finally, never drink and drive in Italy (or anywhere else for that matter). The drink-drive limit there is 0.05%, 0.5 mg of blood alcohol content.
Driving under the influence of narcotics is forbidden. Fines, penalty points, and other sanctions including imprisonment are all on the table if you are caught drink-driving in Italy.
How to Rent a Car in Italy
While Italy has a good public transport network, it’s affordable and convenient to explore the country by car. This is especially true if you are planning to travel between cities and regions. Other information to know here includes:
- Car rental insurance is mandatory in Italy
- The legal driving age in Italy is 18
- Tolls can be expensive (always carry cash)
- Gas is more expensive in Europe than in the United States
Always rent a car in Italy through a reputable rental company. They will ensure that you are fully set up to start driving and really make the most of your trip.
Driving in Italy: What You Need to Know
Driving in Italy is a rewarding endeavor that helps you to avoid the hassle of relying on public transport. It’s also a great way to explore parts of the country that are off-the-beaten-track and aren’t serviced by trains or buses. With the above advice, you will be able to get on the road in no time.
Like this blog post on visiting Italy and driving around? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
