Cars loaded up on a semi-truck ()
SHIPPING YOUR VEHICLE OVERSEAS
• Ship your vehicle six to eight weeks before you PCS to ensure it gets there soon after your arrival to Naples. Ensure that the vehicle registration, and/or title, are in the Sponsor’s name.
• Decide between selling your other vehicles, keeping them in storage or leaving them with a friend or family member.
• A max of three vehicles, at any given time, are allowed per active duty member/civilian sponsor along with their dependents during their tour in Italy. Your reduced cost gas card is based on the primary vehicle engine size with a maximum of 400 liters per month (not carried over following months). Road taxes on second and third vehicle are based on engine size, anything over 2.0 (6 cylinder) could cost as much as 1000 euros per year.
Note: If you shipped a motorcycle or scooter, contact the base safety office. Be sure to provide a copy of a US License with MC endorsement with the year, make, model CCs and VIN to receive a letter of authorization to register. You will need the customs clearance documents from personal property once the bike has cleared customs. (YOU MUST REGISTER IMMEDIATELY UPON CUSTOM CLEARANCE OR FACE FINES AND PENALTIES. ONCE IMPORTED, THE MOTORCYCLE MUST REMAIN REGISTERED, INSURED AND TAXES MUST BE PAID ANNUALLY UNTIL SHIPPED, SCRAPPED OR SOLD TO ANOTHER AFI ELIGIBLE MEMBER).
GETTING YOUR ARMED FORCES ITALY (AFI) LICENSE
A member of the Motor Vehicle Registration Office (MVRO) will be administering the driver’s test after the Safety Office and MVRO briefs at Area Orientation.
Motor Vehicle Registration Office Support Site
DSN: 629-6876 Comm: 081-811-6876
Email: mvronaples@us.navy.mil
Contact the Area Orientation Coordinator for days and times of AFI driver’s license test
DSN: 629-6945 Comm: 081-811-6945
Email: nsanaplesao@eu.navy.mil
What to bring to get your AFI license
• Current U.S. driver’s license. It is highly recommended that you renew your license so that it does not expire during your tour and so you do not have to return to the U.S. to renew it.
• PCS orders (military members)/DOCPER letter (contractors)/Overseas Orders – signed and stamped by HRO (DOD civilians)/ DD FORM 1614 accompanied by a Letter of Employment signed by local school Human Resources Office (DoDEA employees)
Insurance
Vehicle insurance for the Naples 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. On base, there are two options:
• Geico/Zurich/Nobis: 081-811-6568 within Italy / DSN: 629 6568, or 01139-081-811-6568 from the U.S.
• USAA: 800-971-707 (European Toll Free number – can be called from mobile phone or land line).
BUYING A CAR IN ITALY
You have the option to buy a new or used car from a dealer or private seller in Italy. There is no sales tax when buying a vehicle from another AFI eligible member. The payment of Italian road tax is required for a second or third vehicle registered in the AFI system.
Keep in mind
• Any vehicle that doesn’t meet U.S. specifications (specs) cannot be shipped back to CONUS.
• Used automatic transmission vehicles may be more difficult to find and tend to be more expensive.
• Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s (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.
•You need to carry snow chains in your vehicle if driving in mountain areas during winter months.
MOTORCYCLES
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 on the installation and be at least 18 years old. Motorcyclists can only operate a motorcycle of 35 kW or less.
VEHICLE INSPECTION
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 always has the required equipment at all times, not just for its inspection.
Required equipment for inspection
• Valid vehicle registration
• First-aid kit, warning triangle and reflective vest
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE
Contact the MVRO for vehicle registration days and times.
What to bring to register your vehicle
• POV registration/title or other proof of ownership in Sponsor’s name
• AFI driver’s license
• U.S. driver’s license (valid)
• Military ID
• Shipping document • Proof of ownership
• PCS orders (military members)/DOCPER letter (contractors)/Overseas Orders – signed and stamped by HRO DOD civilians)/ DD FORM 1614 accompanied by a Letter of Employment signed by local school Human Resources Office (DoDEA employees)
• Funds to cover the registration fee and applicable road tax for a second vehicle to include motorcycles
• Italian certificate of insurance for your vehicle, starting prior to or on the day of your registration appointment.
Note: It’s always best to call the Motor Vehicle Registration Office ahead of time to ensure you’re bringing all necessary documents.
FUELING YOUR VEHICLE
Tax-Free Fuel Allowance
• 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 at the current tax-free price at the time of purchase.
• The Primary (tax free) vehicle's engine size, horsepower and fuel requirement determine the monthly fuel allowance.
• The NEX administers the fuel card program. You must maintain your insurance, registration, safety inspection and road taxes to continue to receive your 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 register for a new fuel card.
Where to get gas
· There are no gas stations on U.S. military installations in Italy.
· Only two Italian gas station companies will accept your fuel card: AGIP and ENI.
· Use your fuel card like a debit card at the pump. It is recommended to pre-authorize your card before filling up to ensure your fuel card will be accepted.
· 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.
Driving in Naples
Driving habits in Italy are considerably different from those in the U.S. While at first there may seem to be no logic to traffic patterns, a closer look will show that there are distinct rules of the road. Because of the speed of traffic and different conventions, alertness while driving is of the utmost importance. It is important to exercise the same caution in driving here as you would in the U.S.
A few notes to driving in Italy
• While horn blowing is technically illegal in many Italian cities, it is loosely enforced. Many people blow their horn to signal their approach at an intersection or their intent to pass. Drivers also commonly use their hazard lights to signal danger, especially during slow or stopped traffic.
• 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 3 years, the legal limit for alcohol in your system while driving in Italy is 0.00.
Driving outside of Italy
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 or the AATA, which are the two agencies authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs.
