(Jaroslaw Pawlak)
While stationed in Italy, you should know about these special driving laws, including ZTL enforcement and using your NATO fuel card.
These documents are required to be in your vehicle while driving:
Service members and dependents stationed in Italy must have a valid AFI or SETAF driver’s license.
Valid U.S. driver’s licenses.
Proof of insurance.
Vehicle registration.
IDP is recommended.
Minimum driving age is 18.
Only cars with permits may drive in a ZTL, or limited-traffic zone. Be cautious when driving to Italian cities, as these restricted areas are not always well marked and signage may be obscured. Large cities wil have a light system indicating when the ZTL can be access without a permit. Do not rely on GPS or Google Maps tonavigate around a ZTL.
Cameras record license plates and send tickets in the mail for driving in a ZTL. Fines can be €100-400.
There are ZTL boundaries in over 350 Italian cities. If you have booked a hotel or parking garage inside the ZTL, they will typically request your license plate to send to the authorities so you will not be ticketed.
Here are a few Italian words you may see on road signs in Italy.
“Deviazion” – Detour
“Dogana” – Customs
“Entrata” – Entrance
“Incidente” – Accident
“Nebbia” – Fog
“Neve” – Snow
“Polizia” – Police
“Senso Unico” – One-way street
“Traffico” – Traffic (congestion)
“Uscita” – Exit
NATO Forces Fuel Cards allow you to exclude Italian taxes when buying fuel. Sign up at your NEX, AAFES, or MWA outlet.
• Only available to be used with one primary vehicle.
• Vehicle’s engine size, engine base, horsepower and fuel equipment determine the ration amount.
• Only accepted at ENI and AGIP stations. There are no on-instllation gas stations in Italy.
• To use the card, swipe or insert the card and enter your secure PIN.
• Fuel transactions are billed to the payment method provided during registration.
• You will receive a bi-weekly invoice as well as a monthly statement.
