Motorways and Roads

ROAD RULES
  • An emergency triangle must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
  • Seat belts must be worn in the front and rear seats.
  • The use of mobile phones is prohibited if they are being handheld.
  • Helmets must be worn on two-wheeled vehicles.
  • The alcohol limit is 0,5 grams per litre.
SPEED LIMITS
  • Motorway: 130km/h
  • Highway: 110km/h
  • Major Road: 90km/h
  • Towns / Cities: 50km/h
Penalties for violation of speed limit vary in proportion to the amount excessed.

The Italian Motorway Code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy by using international road signs.

Motorway signs are indicated by the letter “A” followed by a number written in white on a green background. They are almost all subject to tolls, except for some brief stretches, especially approaching urban areas.
PAYING TOLLS
Tolls can be paid through the following methods:
TELEPASS
A telematic system that allows you to pay the toll without stopping.
CASH
When the sign background is white, it means that the lane is exclusively for cash payment. The sign shows the icon of cash with the addition the symbol of a hand, indicating the presence of a cashier.
ENTRANCE GATE
The lanes reserved for Telepass owners have new signage settled above the marquee, characterized by a yellow background sign reading “reserved Telepass owners”. All the other gate lanes where tickets are issued are characterized by signs nearer to the ground at the entrance of the lane.
VIACARD CHARGE CARD
A magnetic prepaid charge card, of the amount of €25, €50 or €75, which can be used to pay tolls in all automatic toll lanes and in lanes with cashier of all motorway network in Italy. The Viacard charge card can be used for any type of vehicle travelling on motorways, either private or commercial. The Viacard charge card in euros can be used anywhere on the Italian motorway network disregarding its expiry date.
CREDIT & MAESTRO CARDS
A new signage layout has been implemented to achieve major directness and visibility, based on colour identification associated with the different payment options and on a standard use of colours, icons and symbols. Clear and immediate understandable signs allow drivers arriving at the toll to choose quickly the lane corresponding to their payment option, avoiding both confusions, and slowing down of the car flow near the pay tolls and, more importantly, help cut down the number of accidents due to sudden manoeuvring or moving from one gate lane to the other.
EXIT GATE
The new signage is meant to quicker the payment, allowing users, along the 2.855 km of the Autrostrade per l’Italia network, to see and locate clearly and immediately the various payment options available at each exit gate.
PETROL
Almost all service stations in the country are equipped with pumps for unleaded petrol and diesel fuel. Service stations are usually open from 07:00 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 19:30. During weekends and public holidays they operate with an alternative shifting system, generally only in the morning. Service is guaranteed 24 hours a day on the motorways. Carrying petrol in containers is prohibited. Please make sure you obtain an International driving permit before your trip to Italy.
International driving permits can be obtained through state and territory motoring clubs.
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