Any Other Special Reminders of Driving In Italy?
Apr 11th, 2015, 02:06 PM
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Any Other Special Reminders of Driving In Italy?
I've looked at a couple of sites to get a general feel for laws and signs. We're now headed for Tuscany on 4/17.
I know to have lights on when on the autostrada. Familiar with signs. I remember all the comments about speeding and ZTL zones.
One site I saw talked about no right turns on red in Italy. I would have never thought of that one so would probably have done it. I got me thinking - other than that one, any other normal U.S. thing not to do while driving there?
I know to have lights on when on the autostrada. Familiar with signs. I remember all the comments about speeding and ZTL zones.
One site I saw talked about no right turns on red in Italy. I would have never thought of that one so would probably have done it. I got me thinking - other than that one, any other normal U.S. thing not to do while driving there?
Apr 11th, 2015, 02:42 PM
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Apr 11th, 2015, 03:18 PM
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This may help:
DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [888-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO!
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit [IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $20. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [888-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO!
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit [IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $20. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
Apr 11th, 2015, 03:25 PM
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Bob--a few questions about toll roads:
1. If you use a credit card to pay a toll, does it have to be a chip and pin card?
2. Where do you purchase a VIACARD?
3. Do you put money on the VIACARD when you purchase it?
1. If you use a credit card to pay a toll, does it have to be a chip and pin card?
2. Where do you purchase a VIACARD?
3. Do you put money on the VIACARD when you purchase it?
Apr 11th, 2015, 03:44 PM
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Yep - we have the IDP. Knew about that one.
Digydog -
1. Good question - I'd like to know the answer on that one too.
2./3. I read you can purchase them at the toll booths or the Service Centers. See this link: http://www.autobspd.it/viacardAScalare.do
Digydog -
1. Good question - I'd like to know the answer on that one too.
2./3. I read you can purchase them at the toll booths or the Service Centers. See this link: http://www.autobspd.it/viacardAScalare.do
Apr 14th, 2015, 03:35 PM
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Expanding on BTN's Other Road Tips #3:
You need to know a few large cities in the direction of travel you want, both before and after your actual destination.
For example, you may want to get to Aix en Provence from Marseilles. In the USA, you would follow I-xxx North (or West). But highway numbers (other than on the Autoroute or AutoStrada) are hard to find. Usually, they will just list "Avignon-Aubagne-Roqueweir" and not "Aix" at all.
Two suggestions: (1) have a GOOD (Michelin is recommended) local map and (2) print written directions from the ViaMichelin website.
Bonne chance!
You need to know a few large cities in the direction of travel you want, both before and after your actual destination.
For example, you may want to get to Aix en Provence from Marseilles. In the USA, you would follow I-xxx North (or West). But highway numbers (other than on the Autoroute or AutoStrada) are hard to find. Usually, they will just list "Avignon-Aubagne-Roqueweir" and not "Aix" at all.
Two suggestions: (1) have a GOOD (Michelin is recommended) local map and (2) print written directions from the ViaMichelin website.
Bonne chance!
Apr 14th, 2015, 03:37 PM
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patandhank--thanks for the link about the Viacard. I don't want to end up with money left on the card, so I would prefer to use my credit card.
Hopefully, Bob will come back on let us know if a non-chip and pin card will work. Otherwise, I will be prepared with plenty of cash, which is what we did in France 2 years ago.
Hopefully, Bob will come back on let us know if a non-chip and pin card will work. Otherwise, I will be prepared with plenty of cash, which is what we did in France 2 years ago.
Apr 14th, 2015, 05:18 PM
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patadhank and Lee Ann,
Here are a few from my experiences driving once in France, 2x in Italy and 1x in Sicily:
Be sure to have the detailed Michelin maps
If using a GPS, understand that you still need the paper map and need to be familiar with your route on the map! A good sense of direction helps.
You will quickly learn when to ignore to your GPS. They are great, BUT they often don't know that a stairway with a name is NOT a street. They often cannot give directions and "recalculate" quickly enough to make the turns required in ancient towns.
If you are in a city/town and are having a hard time finding your lodging, just get as near as you can, park and walk to find it. Much less stressful and asking directions from locals or wandering a bit on foot is relaxing. Once you find your lodging, the hotel/B&B can help you navigate and park.
When visiting hilltowns, watch for the square blue with a white P =parking signs. Go for the first one you see! If you pass it up, you may discover it was the ONLY public parking before you enter the narrow streets of a hilltown - from my personal experience in Montepulciano.
Remember - roundabouts are FUN! The car in the circle has the right of way. Wait for an opening and enter. If you don't see the sign for your exit the first time, just go around again
Getting "lost" can be the best adventure you have! You can't really get lost, only temporarily misdirected. Besides you will see some incredible scenery.
Buon viaggio!
Here are a few from my experiences driving once in France, 2x in Italy and 1x in Sicily:
Be sure to have the detailed Michelin maps
If using a GPS, understand that you still need the paper map and need to be familiar with your route on the map! A good sense of direction helps.
You will quickly learn when to ignore to your GPS. They are great, BUT they often don't know that a stairway with a name is NOT a street. They often cannot give directions and "recalculate" quickly enough to make the turns required in ancient towns.
If you are in a city/town and are having a hard time finding your lodging, just get as near as you can, park and walk to find it. Much less stressful and asking directions from locals or wandering a bit on foot is relaxing. Once you find your lodging, the hotel/B&B can help you navigate and park.
When visiting hilltowns, watch for the square blue with a white P =parking signs. Go for the first one you see! If you pass it up, you may discover it was the ONLY public parking before you enter the narrow streets of a hilltown - from my personal experience in Montepulciano.
Remember - roundabouts are FUN! The car in the circle has the right of way. Wait for an opening and enter. If you don't see the sign for your exit the first time, just go around again
Getting "lost" can be the best adventure you have! You can't really get lost, only temporarily misdirected. Besides you will see some incredible scenery.
Buon viaggio!
Apr 14th, 2015, 07:28 PM
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I have more interesting situations driving in Italy than any other country. We always rent the car on the periphery of a city so we do not have drive through it.
Embrace Italian driving, so not be intimidated by it.
Embrace Italian driving, so not be intimidated by it.
Apr 15th, 2015, 05:31 AM
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We had no problems driving, but parking was another matter. Familiarize yourself with the colors used for coding parking regulations. I dont remember them exactly, but I'm sure someone here can tell you the specifics or it's in tour guide books. Different colored stripes on parking places mean different things. I think yellow was paid parking. You put money in a machine and get a ticket out to put on your car. The machine may not be near where you park, you have to look for it. If the ticket isn't on your car, it's quite likely there will be a far more expensive one on your car when you return. Definitely worth the time to figure this out before you need to park somewhere.
