If you’re planning a trip to Italy, it’s important to make sure you’re fully aware of the traffic laws and rules of the road, and how they differ from the UK. It’s also a good idea to ensure that you prepare for any unexpected eventualities that could happen by purchasing AA European breakdown cover before you go.
Our guide covers key information, from required documents to general road rules, fuel, parking and fines.
Important information for driving in Italy
In an emergency, dial 112. You can also call 113 for police, 118 for ambulance or 115 for fire brigade assistance.
What documents and items do I need to drive in Italy?
There are certain documents that you must have in your car when driving in Italy. If you don’t have these documents (and other legally required items listed below), you might get a fine or other penalty.
- Valid UK driving licence. If you hold a UK photocard driving licence you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Italy. If you have a paper driving licence, you should update it to a photocard licence or get a 1968 IDP before travelling.
- An up-to-date passport. Every occupant of the vehicle, including driver and passengers, must carry an up-to-date passport. Your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’).
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’). If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
- Vehicle insurance documents. Always carry your insurance certificate with you in case you’re stopped and asked to present proof of insurance.
- V5 registration logbook (or a VE103 document for rented vehicles).
You may also need, or are strongly advised to carry, the following items:
- A UK sticker. If your number plate does not include the UK identifier, or still shows GB, you need a UK sticker clearly displayed on the rear of your vehicle.
- Warning triangle. You must carry a warning triangle. If you break down or stop in an emergency outside a built-up area, place it at least 50 metres behind the vehicle, or 100 metres behind the vehicle on a motorway, where it is safe to do so.
- Reflective jackets. Reflective jackets must be worn by the driver and any passengers who get out of a stationary vehicle on the road, outside built-up areas, at night or in conditions of poor visibility. It's therefore sensible to carry one for every occupant.
- Headlamp beam deflectors. UK headlamps are aligned to the left, so they can dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the right in Italy. Beam deflectors can correct this.
- Winter tyres or snow chains. These may be required at certain times of year or where signs indicate. See the winter tyre section.
A first aid kit and fire extinguisher are recommended, but not mandatory.
If you carry bicycles on a rear-mounted rack, you may need to display a square red-and-white reflective warning panel. If using a roof rack, make sure the total vehicle height does not exceed 4 metres.
Do I need a green card to drive in Italy?
UK drivers do not need to carry an insurance green card when driving in Italy. However, you must still have at least third-party motor insurance and should carry your insurance certificate with you in case you are asked to provide proof of cover.
EU entry requirements
Entry/Exit System (EES). The EU’s EES became fully operational on 10 April 2026. It replaces manual passport stamping with a digital record of entries and exits for non-EU nationals, including UK travellers. You do not need to apply for EES before travelling but may need to register biometric details at the border. For further information, check the latest official EES guidance before travelling.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. Once launched, UK travellers and other visa-exempt nationals will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to Italy or other participating European countries. No action is required until the system launches.
Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL)
Many Italian towns and cities have Limited Traffic Zones, known as ZTLs or Zone a Traffico Limitato. These are usually found in historic city centres and are often enforced by cameras. You should not enter a ZTL unless you have the correct permit, as your registration number may be recorded and a fine may follow.
Low Emission Zones
Italy also has a range of low emission zones and local access restrictions, with different rules depending on the city or region. These are particularly common in northern Italy but also operate in other areas.
Milan Area C
Milan Area C is both a congestion charge zone and a low emission zone in the city centre. The charge applies to vehicles registered abroad as well as Italian vehicles. Drivers should check the current rules, charges, and vehicle restrictions before entering.
Road rules in Italy
What is the legal age to drive in Italy?
The legal driving age for cars or motorcycles over 125cc in Italy is 18 years old, and all drivers need a full and valid driving licence. Many car rental companies will need you to be over 23 years old (sometimes 25) to hire a vehicle, but there are also some companies that allow rental to younger people.
You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc, with a full and valid driving licence.
What side of the road do I drive on in Italy?
All traffic in Italy drives on the right-hand side of the road, not on the left like the UK. If you hire a car, the driver’s seat will be on the left side of the car.
Who has priority?
At many junctions, drivers coming from the right have priority unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise.
Give way to trams and trains, and follow any traffic lights, signs, or signals.
Make sure you always give way to vehicles with sirens and flashing lights, like ambulances.
How do I overtake?
You must only overtake on the left side of a vehicle you want to pass.
On roads with two or more lanes, you must occupy the free lane furthest to the right as the left lanes are reserved for overtaking.
Overtaking is forbidden on the approach to, and on, a level crossing.
Warning of approach
You must not use your horn in built-up areas unless there is immediate danger. If you need to give a warning, you should flash your lights instead.
Speed limits in Italy
Italy uses the metric system, so speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour and distances in metres or kilometres.
- Motorways: 130 km/h (around 80 mph). 110 km/h (around 68 mph) in rain or adverse weather conditions.
- Main roads outside built up areas: 110km/h (around 68 mph). 90 km/h (around 56 mph) in rain or adverse weather conditions
- Secondary roads outside built-up areas: 90km/h (around 56 mph)
- Built-up areas, like towns and cities: 50 km/h (around 31 mph).
Newly qualified drivers must not exceed 90km/h outside built-up areas or 100km/h on motorways for the first three years after obtaining their licence.
Speeding fines in Italy
Speeding fines in Italy vary depending on how far over the limit you are driving. Fines can range from around €42 for lower-level offences to more than €3,000 for serious speeding. More serious offences may also lead to penalty points, licence suspension or further penalties.
Fines for serious offences committed at night, between 22:00 and 07:00, may be increased by 30%.
Speed camera detectors
Radar detectors are prohibited in Italy. Check the latest rules before using any device or app that warns of speed cameras.
Traffic lights in Italy
Italy uses the standard red, amber, and green traffic light system.
Drivers in a lane controlled by an arrow must follow the direction and instructions shown by the arrow.
Road signs in Italy generally follow international conventions. Information signs are usually green on motorways, blue on roads outside built-up areas and white on urban roads.
Seat belt rules in Italy
Seat belts are compulsory for adults and children in both the front and back seats when driving in Italy.
If caught without a seat belt, both the driver and passengers may receive a penalty.
Child seat regulations in Italy
Children weighing less than 36kg or less than 150cm tall must use a suitable child restraint system. Children taller than 150cm may use an adult seat belt.
Children travelling in foreign-registered vehicles should be secured according to the legislation in force in the country where the vehicle is registered. If you are driving an Italian-registered vehicle, a compliant anti-abandonment device is required when carrying children under the age of 4.
Drink- and drug-driving laws in Italy
Italy has strict drink- and drug-driving laws. For most drivers, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% blood alcohol content. For drivers with less than three years’ driving experience the limit is 0%.
Police can require a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol to take a breath test. A driver involved in an accident may also be tested at the request of police. Drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs may also be tested and penalised.
If you are over the legal limit, you may face a fine, penalty points, licence suspension and, in more serious cases, imprisonment. If a driver under the influence of alcohol causes an accident, fines may be doubled.
Mobile phones and headphones
Only hands-free mobile phones may be used while driving in Italy. Drivers must not use smartphones, laptops, tablets, or similar devices while driving if this involves even temporarily removing their hands from the steering wheel.
Using a hand-held device while driving can result in a fine of €250 to €1,000 and a driving licence suspension of 15 days to 2 months. If the offence is repeated within two years, the fine can increase to €350 to €1,400, with a licence suspension of 1 to 3 months.
Lights in Italy
Use dipped headlights or daytime running lights outside built-up areas, day, and night. You must also use lights in tunnels and when visibility is poor, such as during rain, snow, or fog.
Rear fog lights may only be used when visibility is less than 50 metres, or in heavy rain or heavy snow.
UK drivers may need headlamp beam deflectors to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.
Tyre requirements in Italy
Tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm.
Winter tyre requirements
Winter tyres or snow chains may be required on specified roads or in specified regions of Italy. National winter road regulations apply from 15 November to 15 April, but local rules can start earlier or vary by road, for example in Val d’Aosta, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres or carry snow chains from 15 October to 15 April. Always check local signs and regional road authority guidance before travelling in winter.
Snow socks may be used as an alternative to snow chains. If you are using snow chains, you must not exceed 50km/h.
Spiked tyres are permitted on vehicles not exceeding 3.5 tonnes from November to March, but speed restrictions and equipment requirements apply.
Motor insurance in Italy
All vehicles driving in Italy must have a minimum of third-party insurance cover. You’ll need to have your insurance documents with you at all times.
Fines in Italy
On-the-spot fines
Italian police can impose fines for a range of motoring offences. For foreign-registered vehicles, police may collect part of the fine on the spot and must provide a receipt.
If the driver wishes to contest the fine, or refuses to pay, they may be required to pay a guarantee. If the driver refuses to pay the fine or guarantee, the vehicle may be confiscated until payment is made.
In some cases, fines may be reduced if paid within 5 days. Fines for serious offences committed at night, between 22:00 and 07:00, may be increased by 30%.
Parking fines
If you park illegally, your vehicle may be towed away, and you may also have to pay a fine.
Parking regulations in Italy
Parking areas in large cities are marked by coloured stripes. Usually, white stripes indicate free parking spaces, yellow indicate reserved parking (e.g. disabled spaces), and blue indicate paid parking at varying rates.
Parking costs and operating times should be shown on nearby signs or payment machines.
Disabled parking in Italy
Italy recognises EU-model disabled parking cards. UK Blue Badges are accepted in some regions of Italy. Before travelling, check the rules for the town, city, or region you will visit. Display the badge clearly at the front of the vehicle and always check local signs and car park notices. Disabled parking bays are usually marked with yellow lines and a wheelchair symbol. Do not park in a bay reserved for a specific permit holder or vehicle.
If your parking card is not compliant with the EU model, you should check with the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport before travelling. You should also check local rules for controlled traffic zones, paid parking spaces and disabled bays reserved for named permit holders, as these may vary by municipality.
Fuel in Italy
Availability of fuel
Unleaded petrol, diesel, and LPG are widely available in Italy. Fuel is available 24 hours a day on motorways, while petrol stations on other roads may have more limited opening hours, often with a midday closure.
The following fuel types are common:
- Unleaded petrol, 95 octane
- Unleaded petrol, 98 octane
- Diesel
- LPG
Leaded petrol is not available.
You may carry up to 60 litres of fuel in spare cans designed for flammable liquids, but carrying spare fuel is generally prohibited in tunnels or when travelling by ferry.
Fuel prices in Italy
Fuel prices vary by location, fuel type and service station. Check current prices before you travel.
How do I pay for fuel in Italy?
Major credit cards are accepted at most motorway service stations and many other petrol stations, but it's worth checking before filling up.
Electric cars in Italy
Where can I charge my electric car in Italy?
You can use an online map like Chargemap to find electric vehicle charging points in Italy. The majority are in or around large cities.
How do I pay for electric car charging?
Payment methods vary by charging network and location, but typically major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Check the operator’s payment options before charging, and consider downloading and registering with charging apps before you travel.
Tips for driving an electric car in Italy
- Plan your routes in advance using a map of charging stations, so you can recharge as needed.
- Plan to charge your electric car overnight if possible.
- Download and register with apps to use and pay for charging points to make the process smoother.
- Avoid periods of high congestion, especially in built-up areas, as sitting in traffic for long periods can drain your electric car battery.
Riding a motorcycle in Italy
Motorcycle regulations
- All motorcyclists must use dipped headlights during the day on all roads.
- Riders and passengers on mopeds and motorcycles must wear a crash helmet.
- Riders and passengers of three- or four-wheeled motorised cycles without closed bodywork must also wear a helmet.
- You must not carry a child under 4 years old on a moped or motorcycle.
- You may only carry a passenger if the registration certificate states that the bike is designed to do so.
- Motorcycles up to 125cc are not allowed on motorways.
- You must have at least one rear-view mirror. Motorcycles capable of more than 100km/h must have two rear-view mirrors.
Towing a caravan or trailer in Italy
Cars towing caravans or trailers must not exceed 12 metres in length, 4 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width.
Speed limits for cars towing a caravan or trailer
Vehicles towing caravans or trailers are subject to lower speed limits: generally, 70 km/h on roads outside built-up areas and 80 km/h on motorways.
It is advised that caravans and trailers display 70 and 80 km/h speed stickers at the rear. Always check the latest Italian requirements before travelling.
Caravans and trailers above certain weights may need service brakes on all wheels.
Tolls in Italy
Most motorways in Italy charge tolls. The toll may be fixed or calculated according to the vehicle category and distance travelled. Motorcycle tolls are generally the same as for passenger cars.
You can check which motorways require a toll payment.
Paying for tolls
Payment can usually be made in cash, by credit card, Bancomat card, Viacard or using the electronic toll system, Telepass. Telepass uses an electronic tag that allows drivers to pass through dedicated toll lanes without stopping.
Toll-free routes
If you wish to avoid tolls, an alternative to motorways is the network of state roads. These are indicated by blue signs and have no tolls.
These routes are a lot slower, but they often offer beautiful views.
Roadside assistance in Italy
If you break down, switch on your hazard lights and move to a safe place away from traffic. If your vehicle is stopped on the carriageway outside a built-up area at night or in poor visibility, put on reflective clothing before leaving the vehicle.
Use your warning triangle where required, placing it at least 50 metres behind the vehicle, or 100 metres behind the vehicle on a motorway, where it is safe to do so.
On motorways, emergency telephones are located every 2km. Some connect directly to the emergency centre, while others allow you to request mechanical or medical assistance.
Emergency numbers
In an emergency, call 112.
You can also call:
- 113 for police
- 118 for ambulance
- 115 for fire brigade assistance
If you’re involved in an accident
- If an accident involves loss of life or serious injury, it must be reported to the police.
- In the event of an accident, you should complete an accident report form, have it signed by the other party where possible, and inform your insurance company.
If you’re planning a driving trip through Italy, check out our European breakdown cover page for a quote. Our cover ensures driving in Italy is never a worry – if your vehicle breaks down, we'll help.
We offer alternative accommodation and travel arrangements, recovery of your vehicle back to the UK, and up to £50,000 in legal costs.
22 September 2026
