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Italy
Updated: 2 May 2012   18:35:23

Italy Driving Information

The minimum age at which a UK driving licence holder may drive a car or motorbike in Italy is 18. All valid UK driving licences should be accepted in Italy.

If you are stopped by the Police you can be charged an on the spot fine. Fines are particularly heavy for speeding offences. The police can impose the fine and can collect 25% of the maximum fine on the spot. They must give you a receipt for the balance amount to be paid. Fines for serious offences committed at night between 2200 and 0700 hours are increased by one third and also for serious offences include speeding, going through a red etc. Illegally parked vehicles can be clamped or towed away and a fine imposed.

Credit cards are accepted at most petrol stations only, but check before you fill up the car as it may be embarrasing if you dont have the cash to hand.

Use of dipped headlights is compulsory at all times outside built-up areas and during snow and rain storms. At night the use of full beam, in built up areas, is prohibited. Motorbikes must use dipped headlights at all times and the wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger. The motorbike can be seized for non-compliance. Rear fog lights may only be used when visibility is less than 50 metres or in case of strong rain or intense snow. Lights must be switched on in tunnels.

It is compulsory for passengers in cars to wear seatbelts in the front and rear of vehicles. Child under 3 years of age may only travel in a vehicle if using a suitable safety chair. Children under 1.5m and over 3 years of age must use a suitable safety chair and be seated in the rear of the vehicle.

It is compulsory in Italy to carry the following safety equipment within any vehicle with more than 2 wheels. A Warning triangle, Reflective Jacket. A Spare bulb kit is recommended.

Any vehicle with an overhanging load (e.g. carrying bicycle at rear) must display a fully reflectorised square panel 50cm x 50cm which is red and white diagonally striped, a fine may be imposed if the sign is not displayed. This also applies to vehicles such as cars/caravans carrying bicycles at the rear.

Tolls are levied on the majority of motorways. In built up areas the use of the horn is prohibited except in cases of immediate danger. The transportation or use of radar detectors is prohibited. Violation of this regulation will result in a fine between 750 to 3000 Euros and confiscation of the device.

For General European driving tips click here
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