Transportation

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in Italy, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States such as:

• Traffic lights are limited and often disobeyed;
• Motor scooters are very popular and may behave unexpectedly;
• Drivers frequently pass on superhighways (autostrada) at very high speeds;
• Rural roads are generally narrow and often have no guardrails with inconsistent speed limits;
• Seat belt use is compulsory;
• You must use headlights year-round and at all times outside of urban areas;
• If you are stopped, you are expected to pay the police officer issuing the ticket immediately.  Be prepared to pay in cash in local currency.  Local police can confiscate your rental car if you cannot pay the fine;
• Be careful when crossing streets even when using a marked crosswalk with a green walk (avanti) light illuminated. Purchase bus and train tickets in advance and validate the ticket using machines prior to boarding. Failure to do so will result in an immediate fine with penalties if not paid on the spot.
• Fines are imposed if driving without the proper permits in historic downtown areas of cities and towns throughout Italy. Cameras record the license plates of cars driving in parts of the city that require a permit. The fines imposed for these violations are forwarded to the driver’s home in the United States to request payment. For definitive legal guidance or to contest a fine, you should consult a lawyer licensed to practice in Italy.  See the U.S. Embassy of Rome’s transportation page for more information.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT) or the Automobile Club d’Italia (A.C.I.). For information on obtaining international drivers licenses, contact the American Automobile Association (AAA) via telephone at (407) 444-7000 or fax (407) 444-7380.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Italy’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.