If you're driving in Italy your checklist requirements are:

• A valid UK driving licence - both the photo and paper parts. If you don't have a photo card licence, you'll need an International Driving Permit - find out more here
• A GB sticker on the back of your car - unless your car has 'Euro-plates' (number-plates that show a circle of 12 stars on a blue background)
• Your motor insurance certificate and V5 registration document or hire car paperwork
• A warning triangle inside the car in case you break down
• Headlamp converters (stickers you put on your headlights when you're driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way)
• A reflective jacket within reach inside the car. You'll need to wear this if you stop for any reason outside built-up areas or where there's poor visibility, even if you're just setting up a warning triangle
• Snow chains and winter tyres if you're driving in the Val d'Aosta region between 15 October - 15 April

You must also:

• Be 18 or over
• Make sure everyone in the car wears a seatbelt at all times
• Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle

It's a good idea to have:

• Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
• A fire extinguisher
• A first aid kit
• A Green Card - it's a useful back-up to your motor insurance documents and shows you've got the minimum legal level of cover. If you'd like to find out more, contact your insurance company
• A Camping Card International to give you additional proof of identity, third party liability insurance, plus discounts at a wide range of campsites and tourist attractions. Find out more here

Other things you should know:

• You will have to pay tolls for most motorways, when driving through Italy
• Petrol (unleaded and lead replacement), diesel and LPG are readily available
• Speed limits vary across Italy, so check the signposts for maximum speeds
• On toll roads, police often monitor timings between tolls to make sure drivers aren't speeding
• If you're caught committing a driving offence, you'll be given an on-the-spot fine - these are usually around '150-250 and are payable in cash
• The drink driving limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - less than the UK limit of 80mg per 100ml
• You must use dipped headlights during the day on motorways, dual carriageways and out-of-town road. If you're driving iniving in cities, watch out for motorbikes and scooters - they often don't follow the rules of the road
• You shouldn't use your horn in built-up areas except in cases of extreme danger
• Outside built-up areas, use your horn to let someone know you want to pass them
• Children under age 4 must use a suitable child restraint. Children aged 4-12 can't sit in the front unless they have an appropriate seat restraint
• If you hire a car, check your insurance carefully. You might not be covered for accidents unless a third party is involved (so you wouldn't be covered if you drove into a wall) and you might not be covered against fire and theft in some areas
• It's illegal to carry any radar detection equipment, whether or not it's switched on
• Be careful at motorway service stations and rest stops as thieves often operate in these areas. It's also wise to be wary of anyone offering to help if you get a flat tyre - there have been reports of people puncturing tyres deliberately
• Private and hire cars can't drive in the centre of many historic Italian cities. If your hotel is in one of these cities, you can buy a short-term pass from most hire car companies but this is only valid for that particular city. These no-drive zones are usually marked with signs saying 'ZTL' in black on a yellow background. If you drive past one of these signs your number plate will automatically be recorded - and if you don't have a pass you'll be given a fine
• If you're carrying an overhanging load (like a bike on the back of your car) you must have a 50cmx50cm red and white striped reflective panel

Useful guides and maps

    Michelin - National Map Italy
    Michelin Motoring Atlas: Europe

What RAC can do for you

RAC offers great-value, flexible RAC European breakdown cover tailored to meet your needs. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings.

Sources Foreign & Commonwealth Office, www.nationaldrivesafe.co.uk, www.drive-alive.co.uk.

Disclaimer: RAC are not responsible for the content of external websites. The information provided is correct as of August 2009 to the best of our knowledge and should be referred to for information purposes only - it should not be relied upon as formal advice. Please always check the current requirements of the country you are visiting before you leave.