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Driving
in Italy
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Driving
is undoubtedly one of the best - and most adventurous
- ways of discovering Italy. However, before you hop
into the driver's seat and head for the fast lane
here are some things you should know.
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 First
and foremost decide if you really need a car. If you
plan to visit the major cities then chances are you'd
better off using a combination of public transport
and taxis. However if you want to explore rural Italy
or like the freedom of movement that only a car can
offer then read on .
Keep to the right unless you are overtaking and make
sure you can drive a manual transmission car (automatic
cars are a rarity in Italy).
Italy's autostrade
(motorways) are toll roads. You can pay by credit
card (look out for the credit card symbol at the toll
gates). If worse comes to worse and your card refuses
to work, don't panic. It's within your rights to request
a bill be sent to you (don't forget to pay, though!).
If your car breaks down dial 116 for the breakdown
service. (If you're hiring a car breakdown charges
may be covered in your insurance.)
If you are bringing your car to Italy you'll need
a carta verde (green insurance card)
and an internationally valid driver's licence.
Many petrol stations close for a somewhat leisurely
lunch (12:30 - 15:00) although most have at least
one self-service pump. Petrol stations on the motorways
offer a 24-hour service.
Expect cars to get too close for comfort: tailgating
is the done thing and an inch is as good as, if not
better than, a mile.
The rules of the road may seem at times to be open
to interpretation. Relax, drive at your own pace and
keep your feet poised over both accelerator and brake
- you never know which one will come in most useful.
Traffic lights are generally respected, though you
will be expected to be quick off the starting line
as soon as the lights change. Rules change when you
get to Naples
where stopping at traffic lights is an option rather
than a rule.
Parking is often a problem, especially in the major
cities. It is a good idea to leave your car in a supervised
car park, especially if you have luggage. For a quick
lesson in nifty parking, watch the locals. Any Italian
worth his (or her) salt can get in and out of seemingly
impossible parking spaces with a minimum number of
manoeuvres.
And remember that although driving in Italy may seem
like a trial run for the next Grand Prix, there are
surprisingly few accidents and what seems haphazard
at first soon becomes a highly sophisticated art form.
Driving will never be the same ... |
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by Maria Cleary |
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April
23rd, 2002
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