Its excellent road conditions and highway network makes Italy an ideal country to discover by car. Here is a brief guide we have prepared to help you ease your trip.
Driving in Italy is on the right-hand side of the road and you should overtake from the left. Horns must be used in moderation, and honking is prohibited in built-up areas unless there is an emergency. Dipped headlights must be used on two-lane motorways at all times.
Speed LimitSpeed limits for cars and motorbikes (vehicles with engine size over 150 cc) depend on the types of roads, and are of:
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas
- 90 km/h (56 mph) on minor out-of-town roads
- 110 km/h (68 mph) on major out-of-town roads
- 130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways.
In the event of rain on snow, the limit is lowered to 110 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on trunk roads.
Traffic SignsTraffic signs in Italy follow the general European conventions and can be basically sorted into four types: regulatory signs, warning signs, information signs and direction signs.
Regulatory Signs
Italian regulatory signs mostly feature a circular shape, with some exceptions.
 Give Way |  Stop and Give Way |  Stop, Pay Toll |  Stop, Police Roadblock |  No U-turn |  No Overtaking |  Maximum Speed 30 km/h |
Warning signs
In Italy, warning signs are in regular triangular shape with red border and white background.
 Uneven Road |  Pedestrian Crossing Ahead |  Wild Animals |  Level Crossing With Barriers or Gates Ahead |  Level Crossing Without Barriers or Gates Ahead |
Information Signs
Italian information signs are usually rectangular with blue or brown background.
 Tunnel |  Hospital |  First Aid |  Youth Hostel |
Direction Signs
Direction signs in Italy feature a rectangular shape with different background colors to indicate the type of road that is being directed to, which is: green for motorways, white for urban roads and blue for the others.
 Motorway Direction |  Primary or Secondary Road Direction |  Urban Area Direction |
Seatbelt LawsAll passengers both in front and rear seats are required to wear a seat belt in Italy. Failure to do will result in a fine from €40 to €70.
Booster Seat LawsRegardless of the weight or age of the children, all children under 150cm must use a UN R44/R129 approved child car seat.
Parking· Permitted Parking
Parking spots in large cities in Italy can be difficult to find. Try to look for paid parking signs and parking metres to pay and park properly.
White lines on the parking lots mean free parking. In many towns, free parking is allowed in certain time frames and is indicated by a parking sign nearby. You will need to display a parking disc behind the windshield. However, in big cities like Florence, free parking spots are for residents only. In Rome and Milan, such parking lots may be free and open to both residents and tourists as long as you follow the instructions of the parking signs.
(Image from cinqueterreinsider.com)
Parking in yellow zones is only permitted for taxis, official vehicles or disabled people who have a disabled permit or a European Blue Card.
Parking places with pink lines or a pink parking sign are used to serve expectant mothers and women with infants for both residents and short-term visitors. Although local police cannot really check whether these parking spots are taken by particular drivers, most Italians still respect the rules and will not take up these spots unless there is an emergency.
· Paid Parking
In most Italian cities and towns, blue lines indicate paid street parking. Follow the parking signs to pay and park within the permitted time frame. If no dispenser machines can be found near the parking areas, try asking the tobacco shop or news stands nearby.
(Image from arizaisaretleri.com)
· Forbidden Parking
In Italy, parking signs feature some words telling you when and where to park.
Accompanied Italian wordings -- “Passo Carrabile” means you are not allowed to park at all times.
Otherwise, certain time frames will be provided together with the “No Parking” and parking signs to indicate prohibited and permitted parking time.
Parking illegally in Italy will result in a car clamping or towing away as well as a fine.
Fuel PricesThe average price for gasoline price in Italy was 1.57 Euros per litre in January 2018, while diesel was 1.44.
TollTolls are only required when driving on most of the highways. Highways in Italy are marked with the letter A followed by a number in a green octagon.
When entering a toll road, you will receive a ticket from a machine with a sign “Bigliette” standing nearby. Keep this ticket carefully when you are on the highway.
When you reach the exit, lanes marked by different colours mean that there are different ways to pay, namely: Telepass, credit card or cash.
(Image from euractiv.com)
Telepass is an electronic toll device connected to your Italian bank account, allowing you to pass through without stopping and serving very much alike with the Electronic Tolling System you may find in other countries. It most suits the local drivers.
To pay by credit card, you should provide the ticket you have collected at the entrance and insert it into the auto-collecting machine and then pay with your credit card.
Have a look at this local highway site to calculate the toll fees you may be charged with in Italy.
Note that if you fail to pay the toll in Italy while driving a rented car, the authorities will pass on the infringement information to the car hire company, which will usually add some management fees. However, as not every car hire company can pay your unpaid tolls on your behalf, you are sometimes required to pay for it on your own on the local highway website by entering the notice number. And you are always welcomed to contact QEEQ’ 24/7 customer support team to assist you with this matter.
DUI LawsIn Italy, drink driving will be treated as severe infringement. The BAC for regular drivers is 0.05% (50mg per 100ml). Breaching 50mg and to 80mg per 100ml will result in a fine between €500 and €2,000 as well as a 3 to 6 months' licence suspension. From 80mg to 150mg, the fine will goes up and from €800 to €3,200, with 6 to 12 months’ licence suspension, or even up to 6 months imprisonment in extreme circumstances.
Traffic FinesReceiving a speeding ticket can be quite often especially for international travellers or short-term visiting drivers. Speed cameras are set up in many places, in big cities as well as small towns, and it is very easy to miss the notice that you have entered into a 50km per hour zone.
Speeding fines in Italy depend on the amount you are over the speed limit, ranging from €41 up for 10km/h to €828 for more than 60km/h. Paying within 5 days after the citation is issued can result in a 30 percent discount.
Note that if you are renting a vehicle in Italy, the unpaid speeding infringement information will be passed onto the car hire company by the authority. In this case, the car hire company will charge you for an additional administrative fee if it is eligible to collect on behalf of the authority.
· The Limited Traffic Zones
Most of the central areas in major Italian cities and towns have Limited Traffic Zones (called Zona Traffico Limitato or ZTL in Italian) for which entrances are usually marked with no vehicle traffic signs and supplementary signs explaining the times of the ban and which categories are excluded. The entrances of the ZTLs are mostly located at crossings, traffic lights or roundabouts and monitored by cameras that register the transiting vehicles.
(Image from internationalgarage.com)
Use the above sign as an instance. This sign indicates you are not allowed to drive into this area between 7:30 to 19:30 from Monday to Saturday. The crossed hammers on the sign mean these restrictions do not apply on Sunday and holidays. Driving and acting on a safe side is always recommended if you are sure about what exactly the sign indicates.
Fines will be incurred when failing to follow the regulations of the ZTLs and the amount of fine can range from 50 to 150 Euros, varying by city.
To avoid ticketing from the ZTLs, we would recommend the following measures:
- Park your car outside the historical centre of Italian cities and use the public transportation to get there.
- Get a passing certificate from a grocery store and send your plate number and identification number of the passing certificate to the Provincial Office of Motor Vehicles (Ufficio Provinciale della Motorizzazione Civile, UMC) via mobile messages. Each passing certificate costs €5 and is valid for one day.
- Find the “ZTL Parking” lot after entering the ZTL within 20 minutes and your plate number will be taken off the record automatically or manually (note the parking fee is costly).
- Go to the hotel’s front desk and ask them to help to take off your record from the policy if you are staying in a hotel within a ZTL.
- Or just simply avoid the ZTLs by using Google Map or any other navigation soft wares.
Q1.What is an insurance excess？
Q2. How can I add an addtional driver?
Q3.What if I want to pick up or drop off my rental car out of office hours?
Q4. Can I take the hired car to another country or cross border?
Q5. Can I pick up my car at one location and return it at different location?
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May 10, 2022
Destination: Rome
返却時に係がいなくてカウンターに行って30分待たされて返却が終わった。よくないと思います。
View moreApril 27, 2022
Destination: Venice
El auto supero mis expectativas. La atención en mostrador inmejorable. No había personal para la entrega del auto.
View moreApril 27, 2022
Destination: Venice
A pesar de que la tendencia en Europa para autos automáticos es que son más caros que los autos manuales, el precio fue adecuado en comparación con otras agencias.
View moreApril 25, 2022
Destination: Catania
Very nice and efficient staff at pickup and drop off. Decent car, icompliant with the reserved category.
View moreApril 21, 2022
Destination: Naples
I paid for a Benz and got a SEAT, so that was underwhelming. Their customer service was helpful when calling ahead of time though.
View moreApril 20, 2022
Destination: Catania
Very good rental, there was a waiting line for about 30min, lady at counter tried to sell additional insurence, but thats nothing new. Overall very good experience. We got a Lancia Ypsilon, as did all the people in the line. But it was a nice car, new and very drivable, even to the etna.
View moreApril 20, 2022
Destination: Milan
Excellent
View moreApril 20, 2022
Destination: Olbia
We got a nice upgrade in car. Info shared on insurances were clear. Friendly staff
View moreApril 20, 2022
Destination: Rome
First of all, we got Fiat instead of Opel. But the worst thing was happened at the end. We dropped off the car and were told that was a damage, actyally itvwas some slight attrision on the bumper. We are definetly not involved in its appearence - may be it was not be marked, since it does not look like damage. However we were charged. Now we are trying to get the compencation since we have the ensurence. Meanwile the answer that we got from QEEQ was not relevant to our request. Another unpkeasant thing: we payed in advance for the gps, but at the drop of we were cgarged again for tge gps.
View moreApril 20, 2022
Destination: Rome
Budget has charged me 80 euro more than contract because of 30 minutes of delay.
View moreApril 12, 2022
Destination: Bergamo
Excellent service. Very friendly
View moreApril 7, 2022
Destination: Milan
The car exceeded my expectation for space for luggage
View moreApril 6, 2022
Destination: Milan
A little bit slow but ok
View moreApril 6, 2022
Destination: Milan
The car exceeded my expectations, and the customer service was fantastic! I would absolutely consider renting a vehicle again!
View moreApril 2, 2022
Destination: Milan
had to wait for the pick-up shuttle to go and drop one pack of customers as they only had one van for transfer; at the counter we were assisted based on who was supposed to get the car next (rental hour) and not based on who got there first, there were people who got there on time (like us) and had to wait in line for people who came after their pick-up time and after them.. amazing! when returning the car, I had a small wheel scratch and that was OK, no comment, told him to give me the documents and invoice so I can talk to my insurance but there wasn't much professionalism and the guy was behaving as if I broke his car (it had a big dent on one side, scratched from poor parking and not the cleanest either - when picked up)
View moreApril 1, 2022
Destination: Catania
The damages that were marked on the car were a lot more than the listed in the document you receive. The amount for the child seats was also higher than what was listed originally.
View moreApril 1, 2022
Destination: Perugia
The service was absolutely what I needed. Very happy with the car and staff
View moreFebruary 28, 2022
Destination: Verona
Paid for a winter prepped 4x4…which they did not have so we had to pay extra for a Volvo AWD with no winter tyres. Luckily it did not snow but annoying that we had to pay extra for something we we supposed to get.
View moreDecember 20, 2021
Destination: Milan
Unfortunately Covid has affected rental business, there are less choice of cars, winter tires where not yet installed, or allocated to companies with fleet. The check in was managed by one person alone that was doing his best, but the process took long. Keddy / Europcar is till a top rental and their cars are very often in perfect conditions, as was mine. MIlan Linate has moved the parking of the rentals in a different tower and you need to get two elevetors and pass through a bridge. Not easy, and a long way to walk.
View moreNovember 30, 2021
Destination: Rome
I was at first disappointed in Italy Car Rent because we arrived a few hours early and I was hoping to be able to have a car at that time. Unfortunately no car was available. When we returned there was a client who was very upset with Italy Car Rent claiming that she had been deceived and was having to pay costs for damage that was not her responsibility.
View moreNovember 29, 2021
Destination: Turin
too long a wait at turin airport - only one person setving
View moreNovember 28, 2021
Destination: Catania
They should never charge customers for washing the car. This should be part of the service provided.
View moreNovember 28, 2021
Destination: Pisa
In principle everything worked well. But the car type was not as expected.
View moreNovember 19, 2021
Destination: Rome
After driving away in the car the change oil light came on. It continued to be on for the three weeks I had the car. Several of the car lights were not working. Into my time with the car adblue notice indicated. I had to call customer service to find out what I had to do. Had to take care of that while renting the car. In short, the maintenance of the car was poor.
View moreNovember 16, 2021
Destination: Bari
Disaster finding where to pick up the car. Infuriating. Spent over an hour first finding their location and then actually locating the car. What a waste of time!
View moreNovember 15, 2021
Destination: Bari
Great service, almost a new car with a mileage of 16 thousand kilometers. I chose a company because the founder of the company is responsible for the quality of the brand with his face. It inspires confidence. Price was good.
View moreNovember 12, 2021
Destination: Milan
Car was full of small scratches and damages from previous rentals. Check in took long time in order to go throught all the scratches and damages listed on rental papers to be sure that all damages were captured, and two were not.
View moreNovember 11, 2021
Destination: Naples
Recommend
View moreNovember 10, 2021
Destination: Milan
Of the airport but very close
View moreNovember 4, 2021
Destination: Bergamo
Car was an upgrade on what we booked
View moreNovember 3, 2021
Destination: Bari
Me dieron un vehículo superior.
View moreNovember 3, 2021
Destination: Rome
When I returned the car I did not receive any receipt that the car was in good order (no damages and full gasoline)! I think it would be reassuring to receive it!
View moreNovember 2, 2021
Destination: Bari
Asked for a VW polo but was given a Citreon C3, was initially disappointed but the service on the counter was good and offered me a choice of vehicle
View moreNovember 2, 2021
Destination: Pisa
the car was in very good shape, quite new, low mileage and very clean. the location of rental desk was in about 4 minutes walking from the exit of the airport. very good the overall rental process.
View moreNovember 2, 2021
Destination: Rome
Excellent service. Need to provide better instructions on how to get from airport to their station. We took almost 2 hours to find them.
View moreNovember 2, 2021
Destination: Pisa
Always excellent service a d quick
View moreNovember 1, 2021
Destination: Milan
The agent who gave us the car was professional, nice and very helpful
View moreOctober 30, 2021
Destination: Milan
The staff was very professional and kind. The car was very easy to pick-up.
View moreOctober 28, 2021
Destination: Catania
Very professional and friendly service. At the drop off was pouring down rain and the place was a good 10 minutes walking from the airport, I asked the guy after he checked the car if he could drive me back and he did, his name was Vito. I am very satisfied.
View moreOctober 27, 2021
Destination: Rome
I was upgraded with an Oprl Corsa 1.2 and was nice to drive.
View moreOctober 8, 2021
Destination: Naples
The car rental area is out of the terminal. People need to take a bus and there is no clear indication of it. The only car rental company in the terminal is Sixt.
View moreOctober 4, 2021
Destination: Palermo
I waited over one hour to get the car. There were several people cuing to get the car they reserved and only one person at the desk! The company knows in advance how many bookings they have and it shocked me that they didn't make adjustments to the staff that was available at that time. A second staff member eventually showed up, but he didn't seem to be in any hurry to make the cue any shorter... This was one of the cheapest rental companies at Palermo airport, but based on this experience, I would prefer to pay a bit more and not wait one hour in a cue!... In addition, I have rented cars in many countries with my Revolut card being accepted as a credit card, but for some reason here they said it was a debit card, so I had to pay an extra non-refundable fee and a lower deposit. At drop-off, the staff lady was very unpolite and unfriendly, closing this whole experience on a negative note. Everything was ok with the car, but I don't think I will rent again with this company.
View moreOctober 4, 2021
Destination: Venice
I cant take a final invoice or receipt. Im still waiting send to me.
View moreOctober 1, 2021
Destination: Brindisi
waited 2 hours 10 minutes in que to collect the car. rude unhelpful staff.guy who gave me the car showed a plastic bit missing from bumper and a scratch on front wing. he said we know about these so don't worry. we waited 20 minutes for someone to accept the car when we came back. they then said the damage wasn't already there as they had no knowledge of it. I said speak to the guy who gave me the car, but he wasn't working that day. total shambles, would never ever use leasys again and if you use this sort of crap outfit I wouldn't use queen either
View moreSeptember 30, 2021
Destination: Rome
Extra charge for not having a credit card, when travelling all my holiday money is transfered onto a mastercard travel card. €197 extra to pay.
View moreSeptember 28, 2021
Destination: Naples
this was the second car I got from Sicily by car. I was not thrilled with the condition of the cars. I know this was an exceptional year and cars were scarce... so hopefully it will be better in the future.
View moreSeptember 27, 2021
Destination: Naples
There were a lot of little issues with the car... tire pressure, burned out head lights, and no none seemed to care.
View moreSeptember 20, 2021
Destination: Rome
I had to wait almost one hour to get the car. There were two people serving the customers. At one point there was only one person at the counter. When I arrived I was second in line to be served and it took forever. Not a pleasant experience after a long trip! i must say that the return process was a breeze! fast and efficient!
View moreSeptember 20, 2021
Destination: Pisa
Very good, friendly helpful staff,
View moreAugust 19, 2021
Destination: Milan
Excellent experience other than the fact that they permanently charged my credit card for the security deposit which was supposed to ‘on hold’
View more