Generally, rental car companies in Italy require you to be 21 or over and no older than the maximum age (usually 70-75 years). All drivers must present a valid driver’s license, an ID as proof of their identity, and a credit card to make the payment.
While you’re spending time in Italy, having a car is essential, unless you’re planning on using your vehicle for sightseeing in downtown Rome. Parts of the city are restricted to motorists completely (ZTL zones), and you could find yourself facing heavy fines for traffic infringements.
Is renting a car worth it?
The monthly cost is often lower than a traditional auto loan payment. You are (usually) not responsible for repairs needed on your car for the length of the lease or rental. Renting or leasing a new-model car is cheaper than buying one. You don’t need to try to sell the car when you want to upgrade.
If you’re visiting as a tourist, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver’s license. If you’re living here in Italy, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver’s license, but only if you’re not a resident or have been a resident for less than one year.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Italy? – Related Questions
Is driving in Italy difficult?
Italians have a reputation for fast and dangerous driving; along with the narrow and cobbled streets in the historic towns, you’ll need to have your A game on.
Do I need an international permit to drive in Italy?
Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S. If the permit expires while abroad, you may apply for a new one by mail through the American Automobile Association (AAA), Worldwide Travel Dept., 1000 AAA Dr., Heathrow, FL 32746, tel.
Can I use my US driver’s license in Italy?
Can foreigners drive in Italy? Yes, if you’re visiting, you’ll need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your legal driving license. If you’re a resident in Italy, you will need to obtain an Italian driving license after one year of becoming a resident.
What do you need to drive a car in Italy?
Checklist for Driving in Italy
Driver’s license (required)
IDP (recommended)
Proof of liability insurance (required)
ID/passport (required)
Reflective safety vest (required to have in car)
Reflective triangle (required to have in car)
Spare tire (recommended)
Fire extinguisher (recommended)
Can you drive an American car in Italy?
The Highway Code states: “It is forbidden for anyone who has resided in Italy for more than 60 days to drive a vehicle registered abroad.” So that means if you move to Italy with your car, you have to register it with Italian licence plates within two months of obtaining your residency in Italy.
“Don’t think that you can’t get into the Italian countryside without a car,” Jhawar says. With trains, ferries, water buses, taxis, drivers, mountain cable cars and funiculars, bikes, e-bikes and hiking paths, “you can really explore the corners of Italy for quite a ways before you need a car.”
Is it worth to rent a car in Rome?
I recommend against renting a car in Italy if you:Plan on visiting large cities such as Venice (car-free), Rome, Bologna, Florence, Milan or Naples. They are all well connected by high-speed trains and very difficult to explore by car, with crazy traffic and hard-to-grasp parking rules.
Is there free parking in Rome Italy?
Is there Free Parking in Rome? To the surprise of many, there actually is free parking in Rome. Free parking zones in Rome are marked by white spaces, and have a maximum time limit of 3 hours.
Should I rent a car on my trip to Italy?
Italy has a good train system so you absolutely do not need a car if you will only be visiting Italian cities (large and small). And if you are combining a visit to major Italian cities with time in the countryside, please wait to rent you car until you are traveling into the country.
How do I pay a rental car toll in Italy?
Italy has a system called Telepass
Telepass
Telepass is the brand name for an electronic toll collection system used to collect toll (pedaggio) on motorways (autostrade) in Italy operated by Autostrade per l’Italia S.p.A., its affiliates, and other legal entities. The system was introduced in 1989.
, which allows drivers to pay tolls electronically via a transponder placed on their windshield (similar to the E-ZPass and FasTrak systems used in parts of the U.S.).
What is parking like in Italy?
Parking spots in Italy are color coded: White spaces are free, blue are paid, yellow spaces are reserved for handicapped permits, taxis or official vehicles, and pink spaces are the domain of expectant mothers or mothers traveling with infants.
What is driving in Italy like?
Driving in Italy is generally very easy once you get used to driving on the right side of the road. Main roads are in good condition and well signposted. Be careful on steep mountain roads if you’re unaccustomed to them, and be wary if you go off the beaten track as the quality of the roads and signage can vary.
Is driving in Rome difficult?
Is driving in Rome difficult? Many first-time visitors to Rome will find driving in the city to be a bit challenging. The streets are narrow and congested, and it can be difficult to find parking. However, if you take a few precautions and plan ahead, you can make your experience of driving in Rome a lot easier.
Can you turn right on red in Italy?
Traffic lights
A red light definitely means stop in Italy. (There’s no equivalent of turning right on red
right on red
A turn on red is a principle of law permitting vehicles at a traffic light showing a red signal to turn into the direction of traffic nearer to them (almost always after a complete stop, depending on the jurisdiction) when the way is clear, without having to wait for a green signal.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Turn_on_red
Turn on red – Wikipedia
.) A flashing amber light means you must slow down and proceed with caution.
Is driving in Italy stressful?
Driving in Italy can be a stressful experience especially if it’s not in the language you speak or the side of the road you drive on. Personally, as long as it’s not city driving it’s well worth getting a car in Italy to explore the towns and regions.
Do they drive on the right side of the road in Italy?
Know the rules of the Italian road
Italians drive on the right side of the road, just like Americans. That may seem basic, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t know. Traffic lights and stop signs work the same as most other countries, but, like most of Europe, right turns during red lights are ALWAYS ILLEGAL.