Preparing for your visit to Italy
Before you drive in Italy, it’s important to be prepared for your trip. As a motorist, you’ll be expected to be equipped with documents and in-car kit that you might otherwise not need when you’re driving in the UK. Here are the some of the things you’ll need to consider:
Documents and paperwork
When driving in Italy - as anywhere in Europe - you should carry a full and valid driving licence; passport; a copy of your car insurance documents and your V5C (vehicle registration) document. Note that garages are unable to provide an estimate for repair work without a valid V5 document, so make sure that you have this with you.
Vehicle equipment
You might be used to travelling light in the UK, but items that are optional at home are compulsory in many European countries.
In Italy, you’re required by law to carry reflective jackets for all passengers if you break down, if you are not wearing a reflective jacket/waistcoat/braces you could be liable for a fine and penalty points on your licence.
You’re also required to carry a spare tyre; a warning triangle, again if you break down and need to warn other motorists that your vehicle is stationary, and beam deflectors for your car’s headlights. If you don’t have any of these items, take a look at our European Driving Kits, which include many of the must-have equipment you need.
Vehicle maintenance
Give your vehicle a thorough inspection before you start your journey to ensure it’s in good condition and ready for the road. Checks you should conduct include the state of the tyres - inflation and tread - fluid levels and windscreen wipers (look out for any tears, even minor, and replace if necessary). It might be worth booking your vehicle in for a service at a garage, too.
Rules of the road in Italy
It may sound obvious, but the rules of the road in Italy aren’t the same as in the UK. Like the majority of European countries, Italy has a number of road laws that motorists need to be aware of when driving there.
Rules of the road in Italy include driving on the right and overtaking on the left; vehicles approaching from the right have right of way and seatbelts are compulsory for everyone in the car. On motorways specifically, there are distinct rules. On those with three lanes, the right-hand lane is reserved for vehicles driving slowly. For more information on road rules in Italy, read our extensive guide here.
Other important considerations before travelling in Italy
Of course, when travelling in Italy there are other aspects you need to consider, over and above driving. You must ensure you have travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your trip, and you also let your bank know that you’re away from home for a period of time. Your bank will need to know you’re abroad so they can be aware of any payments you make while in Italy, and know they’re genuine. It’s a good idea to let your mobile phone provider know you’re away, too, so you can be sure you can use your phone as normal.