Is an international driving permit mandatory?
Legal framework:
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. This country accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention (1-year validity) and the 1968 Vienna Convention (3-year validity).
Rules of conduct in Italy
Speed limit in built-up areas: 50 km/h. Outside built-up areas on secondary roads: 90 km/h. On main roads (superstrade): 110 km/h. On motorways (autostrade): 130 km/h, lowered to 110 km/h in the event of precipitation.
Maximum blood alcohol level: 0.5 g/l. Zero tolerance (0.0 g/l) for drivers under 21, drivers with less than 3 years of license and professionals.
The switching on of low beam headlights is compulsory day and night outside built-up areas.
High visibility vest and warning triangle are mandatory in the vehicle.
Tips from easy-idp.org
"Driving is on the right. Great vigilance is required concerning ZTLs (Zone a Traffico Limitato) present in almost all urban historic centers (Rome, Florence, Pisa, etc.): entering without authorization results in an automatic fine via video surveillance.
Highways (autostrade, green signs) generally require payment via a ticket system (payment by card, cash, or Telepass system).
The local driving style can be perceived as nervous and fast, with frequent overtakes and a strong presence of scooters in the city that weave through traffic; anticipation and rigorous use of mirrors are essential."
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