Fancy some tips for driving in Italy? If so, check-out the following list courtesy of Simon
Elstow from the Institute of Advanced Motorists. This helps keep travellers legal, so the
Italian coppers can focus on looking sharp and chewing pasta rather than fining the British:
- Always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5), and insurance
certificate. If you don’t have a photo licence, carry your passport to validate the
licence.
- The drink-drive limit is less than in the UK - you cannot have more than 50mg per
100ml blood (compared to 80mg in the UK).
- Daytime running lights are mandatory and as a visitor you must use dipped
headlights in poor daytime visibility and in all tunnels at all times.
- Be safe and be seen. You are required to carry a warning triangle and reflective
jacket with you at all times.
- All grades of unleaded petrol (benzina), diesel (gasolio) and LPG are available as
well as lead substitute additive. Leaded petrol no longer exists.
- Traffic is restricted in many historical centres and major towns. These are known
as ‘Zone a Traffico Limitato’ or ZTLs. They are only permitted for residents’ use.
Entering such areas will result in a fine by post.
Elstow said: “Driving from London to Rome takes an exhausting twenty hours so preparing
yourself and your car is essential. Check all of your lights are working and that your tyres
have enough tread, aren’t damaged and have the right pressure.” He added: “To get to
Italy you may have to drive through France. Don’t forget that from 1 July, all drivers and
motorcyclists need to carry a breathalyser kit, with two disposable breathalysers. The
breathalyser must carry the NF certification.”
By Stephen Turvil
Tue, 10 Jul 2012
