Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Auto Europe
(
www.autoeurope.com
)
Avis
(
www.avis.com
)
Budget
(
www.budget.com
)
Europcar
(
www.europcar.com
)
Hertz
(
www.hertz.it
)
Maggiore
(
www.maggiore.it
)
MOTORCYCLES
»
Agencies throughout Italy rent motorbikes, ranging from small Vespas to larger touring bikes. Prices start at around
€35/150 per day/week for a 50cc scooter, or upwards of €80/400 per day/week for a 650cc motorcycle.
»
A licence is not required to ride a scooter under 50cc but you must be aged 14 or over and you cannot carry passen-
gers or ride on an autostrada. To ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc, you must be aged 16 or over and have a li-
cence (a car licence will suffice). For motorcycles over 125cc you will need a motorcycle licence.
»
Do not venture onto the autostrada with a bike of less than 150cc.
Road Rules
Before getting behind the wheel, it's worth acquainting yourself with the country's road rules. Here are some of the most
essential:
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Cars drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
»
Seat belt use (front and rear) is mandatory.
»
Give way to cars entering an intersection from a road on your right, unless otherwise indicated.
»
In the event of a breakdown, a warning triangle is compulsory, as is the use of an approved yellow or orange safety
vest if you leave your vehicle. Recommended accessories include a first-aid kit, spare-bulb kit and fire extinguisher.
»
Italy's blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%. Random breath tests take place and penalties can be severe.
»
Some cities, including Naples, ban non-residents from driving in the
centro storico
(historic centre). Fines can be
steep.
»
Speed limits for cars are 130km/h to 150km/h on autostradas; 110km/h on other main highways; 90km/h on minor,
non-urban roads; 50km/h in built-up areas.
»
The speed limit for mopeds is 40km/h.
»
Speeding fines follow EU standards and are proportionate with the number of kilometres that you are caught driving
over the limit, reaching up to €3119 including suspension of your driving licence.
»
Helmets are required on all two-wheeled transport.
»
Motorbikes can enter most restricted traffic areas in Italian cities, and traffic police generally turn a blind eye to mo-
torcycles or scooters parked on footpaths.
»
Headlights are compulsory day and night for all vehicles on autostradas, and are advisable for motorcycles, even on
smaller roads.
