Beautiful Tuscany landscape in Val d’Orcia, Italy (austler (123RF))
Buses
· AST and ETNA are the two bus companies that serve Sigonella from Catania.
· Bus schedules can be found at the Fleet and Family Service Center front desk.
Trains
Trains depart from Catania, Piazza Giovanni XXIII (train and bus station) to different destinations around Sicily and mainland Italy. Visit www.trenitalia.it for timetables and prices.
Taxis
· A taxi from Catania to NAS I or NAS II will cost approximately 50 euros.
· Agree on the price ahead of time, and have the driver write it down or type it on a phone for clarity.
You must obtain an AFI License to drive in Italy by attending the Driver Improvement Program course during INDOC and passing the test. Call the Motor Vehicle Registration Office (MVRO) for course times.
MVRO
NAS II, Bldg. 724 | +39-095-86-5275| nassigmvro@eu.navy.mil
Email MVRO the following to receive your license:
· Exam results
· Valid driver’s license.
· PCS orders
Driving outside of Italy
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf for trips outside of Italy.
If you want to ride a motorcycle while in Italy, you must have a motorcycle classification on your U.S. license, have an AFI license, attend a mandatory motorcycle safety course with the installation HOST Safety Office and be at least 18 years old. Motorcyclists can only operate a motorcycle of 35 kW or less.
For more information on motorcycle courses, you can contact the HOST Safety Office
HOST Safety Office
NAS II, Bldg. 622 |+39-095-86-5630, DSN: (314) 624-5630
E-mail: m-nas-sigonellasafetyoffice@us.navy.mil
The Host Safety Office offers the Basic Rider’s Course (BRC 1) and BRC 2 Motorcycle training courses. The BRC 1 course is a Level 1 (Beginner) course. All military motorcycle riders must complete a Level 1 training course before receiving an AFI license. BRC 1 includes classroom instruction and a paperback book in addition to all the riding equipment, including a loaner motorcycle. This course provides novice riders the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. The BRC 2 is for experienced riders using their own motorcycle. Classes are offered on a monthly basis.
Effective in Europe, CNREURAFCENT directs that riders are not authorized to wear military uniforms while commuting via motorcycle, bicycle or as a pedestrian.
A maximum of three vehicles with an engine size of 50cc and higher are allowed at one time per sponsor during a tour in Italy. Mopeds 49cc’s and below do not count as one of the three. One moped is allowed per adult in a household.
Insurance Vehicle insurance for the Sigonella area is expensive, and the cost depends on the car’s make, model, year and age of the driver. Vehicles shipped at government expense cannot be registered or released for use without proof of valid insurance. Insurance coverage is required for all vehicles at all times.
Commonly Used options:
· Sigonella Insurance has an office on NAS II, Bldg. 549. Phone: +39-095-86-9427
· USAA international coverage
You must make an appointment at the MVRO in order to register a vehicle. The following items are required for registration.
· AFI driver’s license
· Valid driver’s license
· Military ID
· Shipping document (for vehicles at the VPC)
· Proof of ownership or lien document.
· PCS orders (active duty), DOCPERS MFR (contractors), or Logistical support letter (DoD civilians)
· Funds to cover Italian road taxes (only for non-primary vehicles).
· Automobile insurance policy
Road tax is not charged on your one primary vehicle, but additional second or third vehicles must pay Italian road tax, including motorcycles. The rates are based on your vehicle’s size and age. Older, larger vehicles have higher taxes. Road tax must be paid regardless of the vehicles operational status.
Each vehicle is required to be inspected periodically depending on its age, in addition to every time the title is transferred. Ensure that your vehicle has the required equipment at all times, not just for its inspection.
Required equipment for inspection:
Vehicle registration
Safety equipment: First-aid kit, warning triangle and reflective vest
You have the option to buy a new or used car from dealers and private sellers in Italy. There is no sales tax when buying a vehicle from another military member. Used automatic transmission vehicles may be more difficult to find and tend to be more expensive. Buying and selling cars requires an appointment with MVRO. Appointments will only be made if the buyer has obtained the AFI license.
Be aware that vehicles registered at MVRO can only be sold to another AFI privileged sponsor. Selling to Italians or TAD/TDY personnel is not authorized.
The MWR Auto Skills shop offers a free 30+ point assessment that will tell you everything you need to know before buying or selling a vehicle.
Vehicles that don’t meet U.S. specifications (specs) cannot be shipped back to the U.S. unless they are over 25 years old and VPC verifies requirements.
A NEX-issued fuel card, which acts as a debit card linked to your personal credit card, allows U.S. and NATO forces to pay for fuel with the tax-free price at the time of purchase.
The primary vehicle’s engine size, engine base, horsepower and fuel requirements determine the monthly fuel allowance. Additional vehicles do not qualify for tax-free fuel.
You must maintain your insurance, registration, safety inspection and road taxes to continue to receive your fuel allowance. If any one of these parameters are not kept current for any of your household’s vehicles, you will need to correct the issue and then register for a new fuel card.
There are no gas stations on U.S. military installations in Italy.
Two Italian gas station companies will accept your fuel card: AGIP and ENI.
Both only have locations in Italy. Your fuel card cannot be used outside of Italy.
Use your fuel card like a debit card at the pump. At some stations, attendants will operate the card machines.
Fill up at “Fai da te” or “Iperself” pumps to avoid paying extra for full service.
”Benzina” - Unleaded gas ”Gasolio” - Diesel “Fai dat Te” - Self-service station ”Servito” - Full-service station Blue pump - Diesel+ Green pump - Super unleaded gas (95 Octane) Yellow pump - Super-S (98) or Super+ (100)
Driving habits in Sicily are considerably different from those in the U.S. Because of the traffic speed and different conventions, staying alert while driving is important. Exercise the same caution driving here as you would in the U.S.
If you experience an emergency on or off-base, call dispatch at +39-095-86-1911. They will send proper assistance. For non-emergencies, call +39-095-86-5225.
General Traffic Safety requirements:
All members arriving at Sigonella must check into the HOST Safety Department when they arrive and before departing. Please note that if military members are involved in an accident while traveling, they must report the event to BASE SECURITY (095-86-5225) and inform their supervisor for additional safety reporting requirements. Military or civilian personnel convicted of a moving traffic violation or determined to be at fault in a traffic incident while operating a GMV must complete a remedial driving improvement training provided by the HOST Safety Office.
Driving 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.
Turning 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, stop signs or traffic control. In this situation, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
Traffic circles or roundabouts are common. When entering a circle, yield to traffic already driving (from the left) in the circle.
If ash from Mount Etna is on your windshield, do not use your windshield wipers. It will scratch the glass.
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.
NAS Sigonella has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. A BAC of 0.05 and above onboard any NAS Sigonella installation will result in either administrative and/or non-judicial punishment (NJP).
CHECK OUT OUR EUROPEAN ROAD GUIDE
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