Driving
Latest news and important information on driving licences, law changes, speed limits, fines, and more in Italy.
EXPLAINED: Do you need to switch your tyres for summer in Italy?
Italy's road rules require a switch from winter to summer tyres by May 15th. But who exactly does this rule apply to? Here’s what you need to know.
Why fuel prices are still rising despite Italy's tax cut
As petrol and diesel prices continue to rise despite a government duty cut, on Thursday the industry minister demanded that oil companies must pass on savings to consumers.
How and where to find the cheapest fuel in Italy
With fuel prices still high in Italy, here are some practical ways for drivers to keep costs down.
What are European countries doing to keep fuel costs down?
War in the Middle East has caused energy market volatility around the globe, forcing governments in Europe to intervene and keep fuel costs down for consumers.
What Italy is doing to push down the price of fuel
The cost of petrol or diesel at the pump is starting to drop from Thursday as new measures to control pricing kick in. Here are the details of Italy’s plan to limit the price shock.
Italy slashes fuel taxes as diesel hits €2 a litre
Italy on Wednesday cut excise duties on fuel to help drivers cope with price spikes caused by the war in the Middle East.
Can you only take Italy's practical driving test if you drive a manual car?
Some of Italy’s international residents need to take an Italian driving test due to the absence of licence exchange agreements – but do you have to be able to drive a manual car to pass the road exam or is there an option for automatic vehicles?
How war in Iran is driving up fuel costs in Italy
With the expanding conflict between Iran and the US and Israel disrupting the global fuel trade, motorists in Italy are already taking a hit.
How long can you drive on a US license in Italy?
Whether you’re coming to Italy as a tourist or plan to stay for the longer term, will you be able to drive on your US license?
‘Città 30’: Bologna keeps low speed limit despite court ruling
Bologna’s mayor on Wednesday said the city would maintain its 30km/h speed limit in spite of a regional court judgement against it following a petition by taxi drivers.
Rome brings in 30km/h speed limit in city centre
The Italian capital became the latest European city to restrict speeds to 30km/h in parts of the historic centre on Thursday amid efforts to improve road safety.
Why it’s getting more expensive to drive in Italy in 2026
Higher motorway tolls and fuel prices are making it increasingly costly to drive on Italy’s roads.
Everything that changes for drivers in Italy in 2026
From shifting fuel prices and motorway tolls to new speed limits and a clampdown on e-scooters, there's a lot that changes for motorists on Italy's roads in 2026.
Why will new EU driving licence rules take 4 years to come into force?
New driving license rules rolled out by the European Commission have apparently already entered 'into force', but closer inspection reveals that they will take years to make it onto the roads.
EXPLAINED: What are Italy's rules on switching to winter tires?
Italian road rules require motorists in parts of the country to fit their vehicles with winter tires by November 15th. Here are the requirements (and penalties) for the cold season.
Driving in Europe: New EU law to require medical tests and end 'licences for life'
The European parliament has adopted a new law making EU-issued driving licences valid for just 15 years, requiring drivers undergo a medical test before renewing.
How to apply for discounts on a new electric car in Italy
Italy is offering a grant or 'bonus' to help cover the costs of buying a new electric vehicle – but applicants will need to move fast.
'This will save lives': EU adopts new rules on Europe-wide driving bans
It will be more difficult for drivers in Europe who committed serious traffic offences in another EU country to dodge a driving ban, as new rules adopted on Tuesday aim to ensure that disqualifications are recognised across the 27 member states.
Reader question: Can I buy a car in Italy if I'm not a resident?
If you spend extended periods of time in Italy, can you buy a car to use while in the country? It all depends on your residency status.
The differences between getting your driving licence in Italy and the US
If you’re moving from the US to Italy, you’ll need to get an Italian driver’s licence to drive here long term. But how do the two systems compare?
Rome to introduce 30km/h speed limit in city centre
Rome was to impose a 30km/h speed limit in its historic centre in a bid to reduce traffic accidents, councillors said, following the success of similar schemes in other Italian cities.
Heavy traffic warnings on Italy’s roads for last August holiday weekend
If you’re planning a long car journey in Italy this weekend, you'll have to be patient as it's forecast to be one of the busiest of the year for traffic.
Why throwing litter out of your car in Italy could now cost you thousands
Anyone throwing rubbish out of their car now faces fines of up to €18,000, as Italy says it is cracking down on littering and environmental damage.