Italian Traffic Rules Every Foreign Driver Must Know

Italy's Codice della Strada (highway code) has several rules that regularly surprise foreign drivers — and regularly appear in the Patente B theory exam. This guide covers the most important ones that non-Italian drivers tend to get wrong.

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Speed Limits

Road type	Standard limit	First 3 years
Urban roads	50 km/h	50 km/h
Main extra-urban roads	110 km/h	90 km/h
Secondary extra-urban roads	90 km/h	90 km/h
Motorways	130 km/h	100 km/h

In rain or snow: 110 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main extra-urban roads (CdS art. 142).

The exam tests whether you know the new-driver (neopatentato) limits specifically: for the first 3 years, 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main extra-urban roads, at all hours.

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Right-of-Way Rules

At unmarked intersections: the vehicle coming from the right has priority. This is the single most tested concept in the entire exam.

Priority road (strada con diritto di precedenza): marked by a yellow diamond sign. You have priority over all traffic entering from side roads — until you see the crossed-out version of the same sign, which ends the priority.

Roundabouts: in Italy, vehicles already inside the roundabout have priority over vehicles entering — the opposite of some countries.

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ZTL Zones (Limited Traffic Zones)

Most Italian city centres have ZTL zones — areas where entry is restricted to authorised vehicles (residents, taxis, delivery vehicles). Where a zone has entry cameras, they enforce it during the hours set for that zone. Foreigners driving rental cars into ZTL zones often receive fines weeks later via their rental company.

Look for a white rectangular sign reading zona traffico limitato above a red-ringed circle, with the zone's exceptions underneath, at entry points.

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Blood Alcohol Limits

• General limit: 0.5 g/l
• Drivers in their first 3 years after licence: 0.0 g/l
• Professional drivers (trucks, buses, taxis): 0.0 g/l

The exam frequently presents scenarios about these different limits — especially the zero-tolerance rules for new drivers.

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Overtaking Rules

You may overtake when the road ahead is clear AND the centre line is dashed. You must never overtake:

• On solid white centre lines
• At pedestrian crossings
• In tunnels (unless a second lane exists)
• On hills or bends where visibility is limited
• At intersections

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Using Mobile Phones While Driving

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited. This includes texting, holding the phone to your ear, and resting it on your shoulder. Hands-free systems are permitted.

The fine is substantial and includes penalty points.

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