Never Do These Things When Renting and Driving a Car in Italy: Essential Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Renting a car in Italy opens up incredible opportunities to explore scenic countryside, charming hill towns, coastal roads, and regions like Tuscany, Umbria, or Sicily at your own pace. However, many tourists—especially first-time visitors—encounter unexpected pitfalls that lead to stress, high fines (often hundreds of euros), or disputes with rental companies. Italian driving rules, road etiquette, and enforcement systems differ significantly from those in many other countries, and penalties can arrive months later via mail.

Here are the most important things never to do when renting and driving a car in Italy, drawn from common traveler experiences and current regulations (updated as of 2026).

1. Never Drive Without All Required Documents

Always carry your valid driver’s license, passport or ID, the rental agreement, and ideally an International Driving Permit (IDP). While rental agencies may not always check for the IDP at pickup, police stops are frequent, and lacking it can result in fines or complications. Keep documents on your person rather than leaving them in the car.

2. Never Enter a ZTL Zone (Zona Traffico Limitato) Without Permission

This is by far the most common and expensive mistake for rental car users. ZTLs are restricted traffic zones in nearly every historic city center (including Rome, Florence, Milan, Siena, Bologna, and countless smaller towns) designed to curb pollution and congestion. Entry is monitored by automatic cameras.

• Signs indicate “ZTL” with active hours (look for “attivo” or time restrictions).
• Fines typically range from €80–€130 per violation, plus rental company administrative fees of €40–€100 or more.
• With a rental car, the ticket often arrives at your home address months later (sometimes up to 1–1.5 years), after the company forwards your details.
• GPS apps frequently route through ZTLs unknowingly.

Solution: Park outside city centers, use public transport, or confirm hotel registration for access if staying inside a ZTL. Never assume it’s okay just because no barriers are visible.

3. Never Attempt to Drive in Major Cities Unless Absolutely Necessary

Italian cities like Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan, or Palermo feature chaotic traffic, aggressive drivers, swarms of scooters, narrow medieval streets, pedestrians, and pervasive ZTLs. Driving here is stressful and often unnecessary—excellent trains, buses, and walking options exist.

Reserve your rental car for rural or inter-city travel. If you must enter a city, drop off the car on the outskirts and use alternatives.

4. Never Ignore Speed Limits or Speed Cameras

Italy enforces speed limits rigorously with widespread autovelox (speed cameras), many unmarked. Standard limits include:

• 130 km/h on autostrade (highways)
• 110 km/h on main extra-urban roads
• 90 km/h on secondary roads
• 50 km/h in built-up areas

Italians often drive quickly and overtake aggressively, but exceeding limits triggers automatic fines passed on through the rental company. Stick to limits to avoid surprises.

5. Never Skip Thorough Insurance and Vehicle Documentation

Decline unnecessary upsells at the counter, but ensure adequate coverage (such as CDW or Super CDW), as many credit card policies exclude Italy. At pickup and drop-off, take detailed photos and videos of the car’s exterior, interior, and mileage/fuel level to dispute any later damage claims.

Opt for a smaller car (e.g., compact like a Fiat 500) for easier navigation on narrow roads and parking.

6. Never Mishandle Tolls or Fuel

Autostrade tolls are common—use cash/coin lanes if unsure, or accept Telepass if offered. Wrong lanes or unpaid tolls add fees.

For fuel, many stations are self-service or require cash/cards; always have cash handy, especially for the final fill-up before return, as some machines reject foreign cards.

7. Never Use Your Phone While Driving or Exceed Alcohol Limits

Hands-free phone use only—no holding the device. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l (0.05%) for most drivers, dropping to 0.0% for those under 21, new drivers, or professionals. Even one glass of wine can exceed this—fines, license suspension, and points follow violations.

8. Never Park Indiscriminately

Parking rules are strict:

• Blue lines: paid parking
• White lines: free (limited in cities)
• Yellow lines: no parking

Never leave valuables visible—break-ins occur. In cities, parking is scarce and expensive.

By avoiding these pitfalls and planning routes carefully (use apps like Waze with ZTL alerts), renting a car becomes a rewarding way to experience Italy’s beauty rather than a source of regret. Focus on countryside drives, stay vigilant in towns, and enjoy the journey safely! Safe travels across la bella Italia. 🚗🇮🇹

About The Author