The magnificent railways of Italy make it possible to do without a car on a trip. This is especially true if most of the trip does not go beyond the boundaries of large cities, and transport is needed only in order to get from one tourist Mecca to another. However, if you plan to feel the real spirit of the country through the prism of its hinterland, car rental becomes not just an option, but a real necessity.
Renting a car in Italy is not an expensive pleasure, and renting a car at most companies can be done by any holder of an international driving license, regardless of driving experience. But before starting the search for a car for your trip, it would not hurt to get acquainted with the features of traffic rules in Italy, so as not to get into an unpleasant situation.
Italian police have the right to take fines from traffic violators on the spot
You should be aware that the following speed limits are established on Italian roads: in settlements - 50 km / h, on suburban roads - 90, on the highway - 110, on the famous Italian highways - 130. On many routes, road cameras are installed that record the violation of the speed regime - a violation recorded in this way is punishable by a fine, which is often automatically debited from your credit card, the details of which are available at the company that provided you the rental car.
The traffic in Italy is right-hand, when driving on a multi-lane road, you should adhere to the right lane, leaving on the left only for overtaking - here it is customary to leave the left lane free for overtaking, turning or turning left.
Before you rent a car, you should familiarize yourself with the features of traffic rules
When driving, both the driver and passengers, including those in the back seat, must be fastened. Young children can travel in a car only in a special child seat, children under 12 years old - only in the back seat. Italians themselves often neglect this rule, but, which is forgiven to local residents, is unforgivable for foreigners - law enforcement officers monitor compliance with the rules very strictly.
Talking on a cell phone while driving in Italy is strictly forbidden, you can’t do without a phone - purchase a headset.
At most intersections, as in many European countries, a roundabout is organized: here you need to be especially careful when maneuvering and remember that the advantage is a vehicle moving along the ring, rather than a car entering a circle.
When driving, regardless of the time of day, it is recommended to turn on the dipped headlights, but fog lights can only be used if necessary - for fog lights included without special need, you can be fined.
Penalties for violation of traffic rules in Italy
In Italy, fines for violating traffic rules are quite high - it is better not to violate them, otherwise renting a car risks making a solid hole in the budget of the trip.
For violation of the high-speed mode, you will have to pay at least 150 euros, travel to the red traffic signal costs about the same. Violation of the rules for overtaking will cost a little cheaper - from 75 to 100 euros.
Parking in the wrong place is punishable by a fine of 30 euros, if your car was evacuated and sent to a fine parking lot, the amount will increase by about five times.
Parking in the wrong place is punishable by a fine
Drivers driving while intoxicated are punished especially severely - such violators may face not only a substantial fine, but, in some cases, imprisonment.
By the way, Italian law allows police officers to take fines from traffic offenders on the spot.
At first glance, it might seem that car rental in Italy is not a solution for the faint of heart. However, if you take into account the features that we talked about above, and do not give in to the temptation to organize races in the narrow streets of Italian cities, the trip will turn out to be much more saturated, and the resulting charge of emotions will be enough until the next vacation.
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