July 3, 2026
Italian Traffic Rules Every Foreign Driver Must Know
The essential Italian traffic rules foreigners get wrong most often — speed limits, right-of-way, ZTL zones, motorway rules, and what the Patente B exam tests.
Italy's Codice della Strada (highway code) has several rules that regularly surprise foreign drivers — and regularly appear in the Patente B theory exam. This guide covers the most important ones that non-Italian drivers tend to get wrong.
Speed Limits
| Road type | Standard limit | First-year drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Urban roads | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Extra-urban roads | 90 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Motorways | 130 km/h | 100 km/h |
In rain or fog: limits drop by 10–20 km/h. On motorways in rain: 110 km/h instead of 130.
The exam tests whether you know the first-year (neopatentato) reductions specifically. If you are preparing for the exam, memorise that neopatentati are limited to 100 km/h on motorways for the first 3 years.
Right-of-Way Rules
At unmarked intersections: the vehicle coming from the right has priority. This is the single most tested concept in the entire exam.
Priority road (strada con diritto di precedenza): marked by a yellow diamond sign. You have priority over all traffic entering from side roads — until you see the crossed-out version of the same sign, which ends the priority.
Roundabouts: in Italy, vehicles already inside the roundabout have priority over vehicles entering — the opposite of some countries.
ZTL Zones (Limited Traffic Zones)
Most Italian city centres have ZTL zones — areas where entry is restricted to authorised vehicles (residents, taxis, delivery vehicles). Cameras enforce these 24/7. Foreigners driving rental cars into ZTL zones often receive fines weeks later via their rental company.
Look for the round red sign with "ZTL" text or the standard restricted zone signs at entry points.
Blood Alcohol Limits
- General limit: 0.5 g/l
- Drivers in their first 3 years after licence: 0.0 g/l
- Professional drivers (trucks, buses, taxis): 0.0 g/l
The exam frequently presents scenarios about these different limits — especially the zero-tolerance rules for new drivers.
Overtaking Rules
You may overtake when the road ahead is clear AND the centre line is dashed. You must never overtake:
- On solid white centre lines
- At pedestrian crossings
- In tunnels (unless a second lane exists)
- On hills or bends where visibility is limited
- At intersections
Using Mobile Phones While Driving
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited. This includes texting, holding the phone to your ear, and resting it on your shoulder. Hands-free systems are permitted.
The fine is substantial and includes penalty points.
Study All 7,400 Official Questions
The Patente B exam draws all questions from a public database. Driving Freedom lets you study all of them with explanations in your own language — Farsi, Arabic, English, Urdu, Bengali, or Hindi.
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