Is the steering wheel on the left side in Italy?

Yes. In Italy, vehicles are left-hand drive, meaning the steering wheel is on the left, because traffic keeps to the right side of the road. Visitors accustomed to right-side driving will find the road layout, toll booths, and signage designed for this configuration.

How Italy drives

Italy follows right-hand traffic rules, aligning with most of continental Europe. As a result, the standard vehicle configuration is left-hand drive (LHD). This setup simplifies highway merging, toll payments, and overtaking for drivers seated on the left, and it matches road signage and lane markings intended for right-side traffic.

Are there exceptions?

Right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles do appear in Italy, typically as private imports, classic cars, or foreign visitors’ vehicles. They are legal to drive, but there are practical considerations worth noting.

• RHD vehicles are allowed but uncommon; most Italians drive LHD cars.
• Headlights on RHD cars may require beam deflectors or an adjustment to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic when driving at night.
• Toll booths, parking machines, and drive-through facilities are oriented to the left-seat driver, which can be awkward in an RHD car.
• Overtaking sightlines favor LHD on right-side roads; extra caution is needed in an RHD vehicle.

In short, while you can use an RHD car in Italy, day-to-day driving is optimized for LHD, and small inconveniences can add up.

What visitors should know

If you plan to drive in Italy, a few rules and norms will help you stay legal and comfortable behind the wheel.

• Licensing: EU/EEA/Swiss licenses are valid. Most non‑EU/EEA drivers (e.g., from the U.S., Canada, Australia) are expected to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home license; fines are possible if you’re stopped without one.
• Age: Minimum legal driving age is 18. Rental firms often require 21–25, with young-driver surcharges.
• Seat belts and children: Seat belts are mandatory. Children under 150 cm must use appropriate child restraints; rear-facing seats are allowed in front only with the passenger airbag deactivated.
• Speed limits (typical): 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on main extra-urban roads, 130 km/h on autostrade. Limits drop in rain and for novice drivers (less than 3 years licensed).
• Alcohol: 0.5 g/L blood alcohol limit for most drivers; 0.0 for drivers under 21, those licensed less than 3 years, and professional drivers.
• Tolls: Autostrade are tolled; pay by ticket, card/contactless, or Telepass. Keep right except to overtake.
• ZTLs: Many city centers have camera-enforced restricted zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato). Unauthorized entry results in automatic fines mailed to you or your rental agency.
• Parking lines: Blue usually means paid parking, white is free or residents (check signs), yellow is reserved.
• Sign colors: Motorways (autostrade) use green signs; ordinary roads use blue. Roundabouts typically give priority to vehicles already circulating unless signed otherwise.
• Vehicle tech: From July 2024, all new cars sold in the EU (including Italy) must include Intelligent Speed Assistance and other safety features, which you will notice in newer rentals.

Following these basics will help you avoid common pitfalls, from ZTL fines to misunderstanding speed limits or equipment rules.

Renting and driving a left-hand-drive car

Most rentals in Italy are LHD by default. Availability, equipment, and policies vary by company and location, so plan ahead—especially if you have specific requirements.

• Transmission: Manuals are common; automatics are widely available in major locations but should be reserved early.
• Winter rules: On certain roads and in many regions, winter tires or snow chains are mandatory during signed periods (often 15 November to 15 April). Check your route and the rental’s equipment.
• Cross-border travel: Inform your rental company if you plan to drive into neighboring countries; extra insurance or fees may apply.
• Enforcement: Speed cameras and limited-traffic zones are widespread; fines can be issued internationally to renters.
• Fuel and payments: Unattended fuel stations may require chip-and-PIN or contactless cards; keep a physical card enabled for international use.

Verifying equipment and policies before pickup will save time and reduce the risk of fines or unexpected charges.

Summary

Italy drives on the right, so cars are left-hand drive with the steering wheel on the left. While right-hand-drive vehicles are legal, they’re uncommon and less convenient. If you’re visiting, bring the correct license documents (often including an IDP), observe speed and alcohol limits, watch for ZTLs and tolls, and consider booking an automatic early if you need one.

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.

Is it hard for an American to drive in Italy?

While driving in Italy requires good driving skills, common sense, and careful preparation, it’s not impossible for tourists. You can navigate even the most intricate city streets with a reliable GPS.

When did Italy switch to left-hand drive?

1926. Probably because it took longer to make the change in a city with an extensive tram network milan even had the first traffic light in Italy in 1925. Italian car makers were quick to adapt.

Which country has the left side steering wheel?

LHT was introduced by the UK in British India (now India, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh), British Malaya and British Borneo (now Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore), as well as British Hong Kong. These countries, except Myanmar, are still LHT, as well as neighbouring countries Bhutan and Nepal.