For a list of all toll roads in Italy see:www.viamichelin.com
TRAVEL FACTS A-Z
Petrol prices
The individual gasoline distributors set their own prices, so gasoline prices can vary from place to place within the country. The prices quoted below are only approximate - the actual sales prices could be lower. Prices as per January 2005:
98 octane unleaded, Euro ... per liter.
95 octane, Euro ... per liter.
Diesel, Euro ... per liter.
Car rental Cars may be rented in every town and larger built-up area as well as at every airport in Italy. You must have a valid driver's license and another form of identification.
Camping trailer or mobile home Driving any type of vehicle anywhere other than on a public or private road is prohibited. You may park alongside of the road as long as you are not in the way of other vehicles, but take care in parking that you don't break any laws or contravene any posted signs. Some towns have special parking areas for camping vehicles.
You may not empty toilets or dispose of any other form of waste out in the countryside. Rest areas as well as places for emptying toilets are marked on the Italian Camping Map 2005. Mirrors are obligatory on camping vehicles - and they must be folded in or removed when the vehicle is not on the road. Camping trailers and mobile homes up to 2.55 meters wide are allowed in Italy where other limits are not posted along the road or in the Roads List. The maximum length allowed is 12.5 m for mobile homes and 18.75 m for a car with a camping trailer. TV antennas must of course not stick out at the side of a camping vehicle while it is on the road.
Speed limits
The speed limit on Italian motorways is either 90 km/hr or 100 km/hr . Mobile homes or cars towing camping trailers may not exceed 80 km/hr on these sections of road, which are well signposted.
In general the speed limit on Italian roads is 80 km/hr, with a 60 km/hr limit for camping trailers without brakes and with a weight exceeding 300 kgs. In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/hr, while in residential areas it is sometimes as low as 30 km/hr. Watch out for speed bumps, they are always signposted.
Seat belts and helmets
The use of seat belts is compulsory in the front seats of a car and in the back seat as well if they are installed there. Use of safety seats for infants is also compulsory.
Use of helmets is required when riding a motorcycle or moped.
Lay-bys
There are many fine lay-bys along Italian roads that are intended for picnics and short rest stops only.
These are not to be used for overnighting. They are marked on the Italian Camping Map.
Roads and traffic information
The Road User Information Centre (Centro viaggiare informati) is the public service centre for the Italian Public Roads Administration.
They gather information about roads, driving and traffic conditions throughout the country. Their main function is to provide information about roads and road conditions, but they can also provide information about distances and ferries as well as axle loads, distances, routes and ferry timetables.
Breakdowns and assistance You are required to carry a red warning triangle and yellow jacket in your car in case of breakdown. Members of automobile associations affiliated with ACI (automobile club italia) can receive assistance at a reduced rate should they have an accident or breakdown or require help in planning a route.
Head lights
Driving with your headlights on is obligatory even on bright summer days.
This regulation applies to all vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds. We recommend that you bring spare headlight bulbs.
Alcohol
Regulations governing drinking and driving are very strict in Italy and controls are held regularly.
The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.2 one-thousandths, and if you exceed that you can expect to receive a severe penalty. Some medications should be avoided if you intend to drive. These are marked with a red triangle.
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