Driving In Italy

Becoming Andretti

Do you want to be the next hit at your neighbor's cocktail party? Of course you do. Nothing like conjuriung up some stories from the time you spent at the villa in Italy..and those narrow roads and whacky Italian drivers...to get everyone to stop talking and listen in. Only we both know it wasn't really that bad, and after a couple of days you will find yourself just another maniac cruising at top speed only inches behind someone's bumper - safely!

Lezione Numero Uno:

A slow driver wanders (for illustrative sake, let's say it's you) into the left hand lane on the Autostrada. From far far back you can see a dot with brights flashing madly. Soon your rear view mirror fills with a car and a stern look coming from that driver who was just a dot moments before. Please ote - This driver will not pass on the right, nor will he get off your bumper. What do you do? It's easy - get over in the slow lane on the right! I had to tell you?

Lezione Due:

The rule is simple and clear: fast cars stay to the left; slow cars to the right. Unlike many U.S. highways where it is more or less a free-for-all with passing on the right, left or center, Italian drivers do not pass anywhere but on the left.

Tre: The Round About

Traffic circles are everywhere in Italy. So are tunnels. When approaching traffic circle, what should you do? Close your eyes and make way! No, they are just like those in the US and UK - yield to the traffic in the circle, but don't be shy and plunge into the fray, and watch out Italy!

Numero Quattro: Who Has The Right Away?

Here's a dilemma - you're on a narrow road and an approaching car takes up more than half of the road, as do you. And let's throw in a cliff on one side to make it exciting. What do you do? Common Darwinism tells us to yield to the other if they are bigger. If they are the same size or smaller, it's more negotiable.

Those Tiny Cars

Hey, get used to it America, your cars will be small one day too. Gas will make them that way. But in Italy the roads, used by horses and carts prior to the combustion engine, dictated the size before the price of gas did....although gas has NEVER been cheap in Italy. European cars are small and generally come in either a three door (that includes the trunk) or five door (that includes the trunk) variety. Models from makers such as Fiat, Opel, Volkswagen and Lanzia are the staples of car rental services. The gas tanks are small, so filling up doesn't require too much cash and sips too. When renting a car ask for a diesel. They really sip. Also keep in mind that Italians tend to be tall. And these tiny cars easily fit long-legs. If you are four adults and plan to do much sight seeing by car, get a mid-sized 5 door, or if you seek room go for a small van (7 passenger is best for 4-5 people)

Make Sure You Invite A Person That Drives A Stick

Cars in Europe are usually a standard "4 on the floor." An automatic requires advance reservations and more cash..

International Driver's License For Europe

It didn't use to be this way, but Europe requires an International driver's license. U.S. and Canadian driving licenses are valid in Italy but the license must be accompanied by a translation or an International license. For motorists not in possession of an International Driving license, the ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia) will issue a declaration upon presentation of a U.S. or a Canadian license. The declaration is obtainable at any ACI offices - but this is the last thing you want to do on vacation. Minimum age requirements (for non-nationals) are governed by the rental car company and range from 21 - 25 years old depending on the style of car. As you can imagine a small economy car is 21 years min...and a Formula One Ferrari is 25. An additional fee may be required. Oh, and seat belts are compulsory too.

Parking

What a pain it can be parking in Italy. So few places, so many cars. Signs for parking are ...well...cryptic at best. Definitely watch for the blue lined spots (requires a prepayment dial in the south or a metered ticket in the north), yellow lined spots (bus, taxi, truck, handicap only) and white lined spots (free unless in a residential area or otherwise signed). As a general rule, in the larger walled towns and cities a special permit is required, so don't even think about parking inside the walls. In fact, don't even think about entering the city center unless you can back your car down narrow alleyways with an Italian bravado. We also feel confident in saying you will get a ticket for parking inside the walls. These tickets, delivered by a meter maid or occasional Carabinieri and sound like a death sentence...."La Multa"...are a pink and white form. At the bottom of the pink form is the amount you have to pay - and must be paid only at a post office, in euro cash, with a small surcharge. Pay these before leaving the country, unless you want to risk payment later (reads: costs more) or a criminal summons upon return.

The Roads

There are four major types of road in Italy:

The Autostrada (green signs) are 2-3 lane split highways and are toll roads costing between 1 euro and 30 euro depending on the distance between toll plazas. Sometimes you pay the clerk directly for the toll, sometimes collect a ticket and pay later. The Autostrada is Italy's equivalent to the German Autobahn. Drivers in European roadsters pass as if you are standing still, even when your car is moving at the speed of 120 kmph (70 miles per hour). Stay to the right on all highways unless you want to pass.

The Super Strada (blue signs) are the 2-4 lane roads that connect many of the small towns and villages to the Autostrada. They are slower moving and generally wind throughout the countryside.

Gravel Roads (white signs and are known as "white roads") are the true network of Italy. Gravel roads are everywhere and villas, maybe yours, are likely to be down one. They may seem a little intimidating at first but soon become part of the adventure, especially at night.

Dirt Roads (no signs) are usually marked by crickets and the occasional passing wild boar. These are usually an indication that you are either getting very close to your villa or farmhouse, or you made a wrong turn way, way back there.

Speeding Boxes

Actually, these by-the-side-of-the-road boxes that take a picture of cars that exceed the sped limit are popping up in loads of countries. You may know how they work. You speed by, the box takes a picture and records your speed, processes the fine and drops the ticket in the mail to you. Hardly a human hand touches it. Basically a municipal cash machine. Unfair. Italian government has now installed these little green boxes next to the roadside, usually on the secondary (local) roads that emanate from major cities (Florence for example) and they blend in to the scenery a little too well. Watch your speed!

General Traffic Regulations

-Speed Limits. Seldom posted outside the towns, speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 110 km/h on main roads outside urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary and local roads, 130 km/h on autosrada.

-Driving In The Cities. Major problem and to be avoided when possible.

Gasoline & Cost

For Americans, cost at the pump is sticker shock. We have it so easy, our grumbling about prices is laughable to Europeans. Gas is expensive in Italy, so the smaller cars are the only way to go. Service stations are open from 7:00AM to 12:30PM and from 3:00PM to 7:30PM. Gas is available 24 hours a day on motorways. Self Serve / Self Pay pumps are available in some places 24 hours a day and require some euro bills from the driver. Slip the bills in like you would into a vending machine. With a small car, 10 will give you about a 1/4 tank of gas. Be sure to keep a couple of these bills on you when traveling.

Tipping It is considered polite to provide a tip to gas station attendants for service. Give small change only. They're lucky to get anything. But if you use a restroom where the attendant (cleaning person) is there with a tip jar, this is a place where a tip is well deserved.

Drink & Drive The service areas on the highways - "Auto Grille" - sell liquor and coffee just like an Italian bar. Hey, why not? "Here have drink before your drive," the attendant said smiling.

Insurance

When renting a car, insurance covering damage to the car is included in the cost of the car rental...at least it should be. It is when you book with me. Medical insurance however is not included and a separate policy may be advisable in the case of (golly forbid) an accident.

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