To the newcomer, traffic in Italy can seem a bit

chaotic and intimidating at times. Rules are interpreted very flexibly

and traffic functions in an unorthodox but fluid way. The

further south you travel the more this is the case.

Above Right The Reggio Emilia Mediapadana Train Station.  Straight Ahead In The Distance The Calatrava Road Bridge (One Of Three Near Reggio Emilia) Spanning The A1 Motorway.

Here is what to expect: Speed limits and road signs are quite often not respected. Drivers overtake when it is not permitted. Illegally or awkwardly parked cars are frequently an obstacle and slow down circulation, because people leave their vehicles on the pedestrian crosswalk, the curb, in a roundabout or directly in front of a shop entrance. There is a red light in the countryside and no traffic in sight? The driver in front of you may just decide to drive through that red light, because it makes sense to him or her under the circumstances.

Parked Cars Are Often At Least Partially In The Roadway

Major road junctions without traffic lights can get congested with everyone pushing, trying to make it across. The miracle of this approach is that somehow

it functions. To keep going confidently without insisting too much appears to be the path to success here.

Sometimes You Need A Small Car To Make It Through The Narrow Streets

Some foreigners get frustrated by these situations, because they aren't accustomed to the Italian way of driving. Here is my advice: stay calm, don't get upset, fore you might get upset a lot during your precious vacation time. Be generous with other drivers. Be flexible and make room for them on the road (they will generally do the same for you) and accept the fact that this is their country. Stay attentive, because you may have to adapt to unexpected situations and react quickly quite often.  

In the many years that I have traveled through Italy by car, I have not encountered any serious aggression from other motorists. People throw their arms up in excitement from time to time, but that's just a way of letting off steam.

Overall, I find Italian drivers to be cooperative, quick in their reactions and kind to tourists. Deviating from the rules a little here and then gives everyone, including visitors, a sense of freedom.

A Relaxing Drive On The A14 Motorway In Northern Puglia

Important To Know:

Italians may not always take speed limits and road signs too seriously, but there are 2 things they do respect: ZTL zones and toll road payments.

ZTL zones:

These are inner city areas temporarily restricted to traffic. Signs will show you when it is allowed (or not allowed) to enter these video monitored zones by car. Fines are high and will be sent to vehicle owners also abroad. High surcharges are possible (please see below).

Toll road payments:

It is important that you pay your toll (as small as it may be) before leaving a toll station. If you have problems of any kind with your payment, request help from the employee at the pay station or use the intercom. Fines will be sent to your country, often months or even a year later. They are sometimes handled by third parties and excessive surcharges are possible. If you don't pay, you are likely to

run into trouble at toll stations and with the police next time you visit Italy.

In This Case The ZTL Zone Is Active (Attiva), Cars Cannot Enter 

Driving Up To A Toll Station With The Possibility To Pay Via Telepass, by Credit Card Or Cash

Free-flow-systems:

On a few highways in Northern Italy a free-flow system has been installed, i.e., toll is charged electronically via number plates. The Autostrada Pedemontana Lombardia near Como north of Milan and the A33 near Asti in Piedmont are examples of this. 

Please inform yourself ahead of time on how to pay your toll in this case and about toll roads and Italian traffic rules and regulations in general before your trip. Good sources for this are the internet and the automobile clubs in your country.

Extra Tip:

Avoid being on the road on June 2nd (Festa della Repubblica) when traffic jams are enormous. Heavy traffic can also be expected throughout the month of August, when Italians take their summer vacation.

One Of The Three Calatrava Road Bridges Near Reggio Emilia In Emilia-Romagna

I would love to hear from you. Your comments will be treated confidentially and will not be published.