Military Life
Tips on driving in Italy
Stars and Stripes
September 24, 2024
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To facilitate the assimilation into the Italian and Neapolitan way of driving, FFSC periodically offers a workshop called “Driving in Italy.”
Here are some tips.
Italians do not consider it rude to tailgate.
Horns are used excessively, so it is difficult to determine who they are intended for. Try to notice what is happening and ignore the extra beeping.
Hazard lights are used to indicate that traffic is slow and attention is needed.
Right on red is illegal unless marked.
The Italian law allows you to overtake traffic to pass on the left only.
Some intersections have no stop lights or traffic control. The vehicle on the right has the right of way unless there is a stop sign.
Traffic circles or roundabouts are common. When entering a circle, yield to traffic in the circle.
Drunk driving is an extremely serious offense in Italy. In Italy, a blood alcohol level of 0.05 is positive proof of drunk driving. If you are under the age of 21 or have been a licensed driver for less than three years, the legal limit for alcohol in your system while driving in Italy is 0.00.
Many countries will not recognize a U.S. or AFI driver’s license. It is recommended that you obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) at least four weeks before traveling outside of Italy. You can apply by mail or in-person at AAA which is an agency authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs.