Driving in Italy

Planning a drive to Italy? Besides the usual kit, watch out for camera-enforced ZTL zones in historic centres and the winter equipment rules on many roads from mid-November.

Checked on 17 October 2026 against GOV.UK and the RAC and AA guides. Rules change, so check the official sources at the bottom before you travel.

What you must have

  • UK sticker on the rear if your number plate doesn't show the UK identifier (or still shows GB)
  • Warning triangle (50 m behind outside towns, 100 m on motorways)
  • Reflective (hi-vis) jackets: worn by anyone getting out on the road outside towns, at night or in poor visibility, so carry one per person
  • Headlamp beam deflectors or adjusted headlamps
  • Winter tyres or snow chains (or snow socks) where signed, 15 Nov–15 Apr; from 15 Oct in Valle d'Aosta

Worth packing

  • First aid kit (recommended, not mandatory: AA)
  • Fire extinguisher (recommended, not mandatory: AA)
  • A red-and-white warning panel if you carry bikes on a rear rack (AA)

Documents

  • Your full UK driving licence (photocard). If you still have a paper licence, GOV.UK says you may need to update it to a photocard or get an international driving permit.
  • Your V5C logbook. If the car is hired or leased in the UK, you need a VE103 certificate instead.
  • Your motor insurance certificate. Check with your insurer that you're covered abroad.
  • Your passport.
  • UK sticker: you need one unless your number plate shows the UK identifier with the Union flag. An old GB sticker must be covered or removed (GOV.UK).

Clean-air zones and stickers

Many historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones. Cameras record number plates, and without a permit you'll be fined (GOV.UK, AA). Milan's Area C is a congestion charge and low-emission zone that also applies to foreign cars. Rome can ban some vehicles from its 'fascia verde' when pollution is high (GOV.UK). There's no national sticker to buy.

Official sites:

Tolls and vignettes

Most motorways are tolled by distance: take a ticket on entry, pay on exit by cash or card, or use a Telepass tag (AA, RAC).

Winter rules

National winter rules 15 Nov–15 Apr on signed roads and regions; Valle d'Aosta 15 Oct–15 Apr. Winter tyres or chains/snow socks on board. Max 50 km/h on chains (AA, RAC).

Speed limits (cars)

Road Limit
Motorways 130 km/h (110 in rain)
Main roads outside towns 110 km/h (90 in rain)
Secondary roads outside towns 90 km/h
Built-up areas 50 km/h

Signs always take priority over these general limits.

Drink-driving limit

The limit is 0.5 g/l of blood (0.05%). It's zero for drivers with under 3 years' experience (AA). The limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 0.8 g/l.

Fines to know about

  • Driving into a ZTL without a pass: camera-recorded fine (GOV.UK)
  • Fines can be doubled if a drink-driver causes a crash (AA)
  • Pedestrians can be fined for crossing within 100 m of a crossing without using it (GOV.UK)

Shop the kit

We don't currently stock UK stickers, headlamp beam deflectors, spare bulb kits or breathalysers. Ferry ports, Eurotunnel and most motoring shops sell them, so pick them up before you cross. Italy accepts snow socks in place of chains, according to the AA.

See the full Driving abroad range. Clean-air stickers, vignettes and toll passes come only from the official sites linked above. We don't sell them.

FAQs

What is a ZTL?

A Zona a Traffico Limitato is a limited-traffic zone, usually in a historic centre. Cameras record number plates, and driving in without a permit means a fine.

When do Italy's winter rules apply?

Nationally from 15 November to 15 April on signed roads and regions, and from 15 October in Valle d'Aosta. You need winter tyres, or chains or snow socks on board.

Is a first aid kit compulsory in Italy?

No. The AA says a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher are recommended but not mandatory.

Who needs a hi-vis vest in Italy?

Anyone who gets out of a stopped car on the road outside towns, at night or in poor visibility, so carry one per person.

Are Italian motorways tolled?

Most are. Take a ticket on entry and pay on exit by cash or card, or use a Telepass tag.

Sources

Checked 17 October 2026:

This page is a general guide for UK-registered cars, not legal advice. Always check the official sources before you travel.