Driving in Italy: Right or Left-Hand Drive?

Italy drives on the right-hand side of the road, and most vehicles are left-hand drive (steering wheel on the left). That means you overtake on the left and generally keep right except to pass. For visitors, rentals and private cars in Italy will almost always be left-hand drive, matching the country’s right-side traffic rules.

Understanding Drive Side vs. Steering Wheel Position

In Italy, “driving on the right” refers to the side of the road you use, while “left-hand drive” describes where the steering wheel sits inside the vehicle. Like most of continental Europe, Italy follows this pairing: right-side traffic with left-hand-drive cars. Drivers from countries such as the United States and most of the EU will find the setup familiar, while visitors from the UK, Ireland, Australia, or Japan may need a brief adjustment.

Key Rules and Conventions on Italian Roads

The following points summarize the most important rules and norms you’ll encounter when driving in Italy, from basic road position to common safety requirements.

• Road side and vehicles: Drive on the right; vehicles are predominantly left-hand drive. Overtake on the left.
• Priority and roundabouts: Unless signed otherwise, give priority to vehicles already in the roundabout. In cities, watch for marked pedestrian crossings and trams that may have priority.
• Speed limits (unless posted): 50 km/h in urban areas; 90 km/h on secondary rural roads; 110 km/h on main divided roads (superstrade); 130 km/h on autostrade. Lower limits apply in rain or poor visibility, and for novice drivers (typically within the first three years of licensing).
• Seat belts and child restraints: Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants. Approved child seats are required based on age/height; children under 150 cm must use appropriate restraints.
• Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/L blood alcohol concentration (about 0.05% BAC). Zero tolerance for novice and professional drivers. Enforcement is strict.
• Lights: Use headlights in tunnels and when visibility is reduced. Daytime running lights or low-beam are required outside urban areas on many roads; modern cars’ DRLs generally comply.
• Mobile phones: Hands-free only. Holding a phone while driving can result in immediate fines and potential license suspension for repeat offenses.
• Winter equipment: Where signed (commonly mid-November to mid-April, especially in mountainous/ northern regions), winter tires or snow chains are mandatory.
• Safety kit: A warning triangle and reflective vest are required; keep the vest accessible for roadside stops.
• Documents: Carry a valid driver’s license, passport/ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. EU/EEA licenses are valid; non-EU visitors may need an International Driving Permit alongside their home license.
• Emergency numbers: Dial 112 for all emergency services EU-wide.

While signage and enforcement are consistent across the country, local conditions—weather, terrain, and city regulations—can alter posted limits and obligations, so always follow the latest road signs.

Practical Tips for Visitors and Newcomers

Beyond left-hand-drive vehicles and right-side traffic, Italy’s urban design, toll system, and local restrictions can surprise first-time drivers. These practical tips help you avoid common pitfalls.

• ZTLs (Zona a Traffico Limitato): Many historic centers restrict vehicle access by time or permit. Cameras enforce violations and fines are mailed internationally. Know your route and confirm hotel access in advance.
• Tolls and Telepass: Most autostrade are tolled. Take a ticket at entry and pay at exit by cash/card, or use Telepass lanes if your rental includes it. Watch lane markings to avoid Telepass-only gates.
• Parking colors: Blue lines indicate paid parking (use meters or apps); white is typically free (often time-limited with a disc); yellow is reserved (residents, disabled, or deliveries).
• Fuel and services: “Senza piombo” is unleaded gasoline (Benzina), “Gasolio” is diesel. Self-service is cheaper than full-service. Many stations accept cards, but rural automated pumps can be finicky—carry a backup payment method.
• City driving: Expect scooters filtering through traffic, narrow lanes, and limited space. Stay alert, use mirrors frequently, and signal early.
• Car type and transmission: Automatics are less common and may cost more to rent. Consider vehicle size carefully for old-town streets and parking garages.
• Foreign RHD vehicles: Right-hand-drive cars from abroad are generally legal to use temporarily if properly registered and insured, but visibility for overtaking and toll booths may be less convenient.

With a bit of planning—especially around ZTLs, tolls, and parking—driving in Italy can be smooth and scenic, from autostrade to mountain passes and coastal roads.

Regional and Seasonal Considerations

Mountain regions such as the Alps and Apennines can impose stricter winter equipment rules and occasional chain requirements during snow events. Summer holiday traffic raises congestion on key autostrade corridors, particularly Friday evenings and weekends. Always check local advisories and observe temporary electronic signs for variable speed limits and incident management.

Summary

Italy is a right-side driving country with left-hand-drive vehicles. Keep right except to pass, observe posted limits, and watch for ZTLs in city centers. With proper documents, awareness of tolls and parking rules, and respect for local driving norms, visitors will find Italy’s roads straightforward to navigate.

Is it hard for an American to drive in Italy?

Driving in Italy as an American presents unique challenges, but is manageable with preparation. Americans face a learning curve due to aggressive driving styles, narrow city streets, and the mandatory ZTL zones in historic centers, which can lead to heavy fines if entered without a permit. Essential preparations include obtaining an International Driving Permit, using GPS or a smartphone for navigation, and understanding toll roads. For cities, it’s often better to park on the outskirts and use public transport or walk. 
Challenges for Americans

• Aggressive Driving & Aggressive Drivers: Opens in new tabItalian drivers can be impatient and aggressive, often tailgating and making quick passes. 
• Narrow Roads: Opens in new tabMany streets, especially in historic areas, are very narrow and may be challenging to navigate for American drivers. 
• ZTLs (Restricted Traffic Zones): Opens in new tabThese are common in city centers and are enforced by cameras. Entering a ZTL zone, even by mistake, can result in significant, cumulative fines that can be sent to your U.S. address long after the violation. 
• Roundabouts: Opens in new tabMastering roundabouts, which require yielding to oncoming traffic before exiting, is crucial. 
• Parking: Opens in new tabFinding parking in cities can be difficult and may require parallel parking skills, according to Quora users. 
• Road Rules: Opens in new tabLane markers may be considered optional, and some drivers may treat stop signs as yield signs. 

Tips for a Smoother Drive

• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP): It is legally required and can be obtained through AAA in the U.S. 
• Plan Ahead: Use a reliable GPS or smartphone app to navigate, especially for avoiding ZTLs. 
• Avoid City Driving: Park your car outside the city center and use public transportation or walk to explore major attractions. 
• Learn About ZTLs: Research and understand the location of ZTLs and how to avoid them. 
• Understand Toll Roads (Autostrada): Familiarize yourself with the toll system before you get there to avoid confusion and potential accidents. 
• Go with the Flow: Try to adapt to the local driving style; aggressive drivers will likely continue their behavior. 
• Be Patient: Allow for a relaxed pace and enjoy the journey, as driving in Italy is an adventure. 

Is Italy left or right-hand drive for tourists?

right-hand
The basic rules when driving in Italy
Italians drive on the right-hand side. It is illegal to make a right-hand turn when the traffic light is red. Often in historic city centres, cars without a permit are not allowed.

Can an USA driver drive in Italy?

Tourists may also use their valid American driver’s license if accompanied by an official translation in Italian. Americans registered as residents with the local Vital Records Bureau (known as Anagrafe) must apply for an Italian license within one year of the date of registration.

Which side is the steering wheel on in Italy?

In Italy, the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. This is because Italians, like people in the United States and much of continental Europe, drive on the right-hand side of the road. Having the steering wheel on the left places the driver closer to the center of the road.
 
Here’s why this setup is used:

• Right-hand traffic: Italy follows a right-hand traffic rule, meaning vehicles keep to the right side of the road. 
• Proximity to the center line: Placing the steering wheel on the left allows the driver to sit closer to the middle of the road, which is crucial for safety and visibility. 
• Familiarity for visitors: For people who drive in the U.S. or other right-hand traffic countries, the left-hand steering wheel configuration will be familiar.