CHEAP CAR HIRE IN ITALY

Italy is well known as a popular holiday destination but to see another side of the country there is no better way than a car hire holiday. Get away from the cities and be free to explore the countryside with its stunning scenery and coastline, the castles and those off-the-beaten-track restaurants.

Travel Documents Required

A driving license is essential together with the vehicle registration document and certificate of motor insurance. If using the old-style license with no photo then a passport must be carried. A document from the car owner (i.e. the car hire company) authorising you to drive must be carried.

Fog

Despite Italy's hot summer climate, in the winter months fog can be a hazard on roads in the north, and in the Italian Alps it is compulsory to carry snow chains from October 15th to April 30th. it is now mandatory to use dipped headlamps at all times outside built up areas. when two oncoming cars are both turning left at a crossroads, they must turn in front of each other, not behind as is usual in the UK. If you have an overhanging load, such as a bicycle strapped to the rear of the car, you must fit a reflective square panel to it. If carrying more than one dog in your car, you must ensure they are kept caged or separated from the driver by bars.

Driving Conditions.

Although the main routes in Italy are good there are still poor road conditions in some local areas.

Most of the motorways have toll charges which can be paid in cash or by ‘Viacards' which cost Euros25 and can be bought in the toll booths, fuel stations, tobacconists and some banks.

Petrol grades and supplies are much the same as in the UK. Although cards are accepted for payment at some petrol stations, cash will be needed for most.

Italy can be hot, so when choosing your hire car think about air conditioning.

In the winter months fog is a feature, and in the Italian Alps snow chains must be carried.

Facts and figures

Some of this information is constantly changing and should be taken as a guide only. It is correct at the time of writing – 22 June 2006

Exchange rate: £1 = 1.4541 Euros

CONTACTS

British Embassy in Italy

U.K. Embassy:

Via XX Settembre 80a,

I-00187 Roma RM

(Tel.: 39-06-4220-0001;

CAR DRIVING LAWS

The minimum driving age is eighteen.

Drive on the right hand side of the road at all times (except to pass). If you've stopped on the left-hand side of the road, say, at a café or service station, then particular care should be taken when setting off again to drive in the right-hand lane.

Speed limits are enforced vigorously in Italy and there are many radar speed traps. At the time of writing the maximum speed limits are as follows:

Motorway (Autostrade) 130Km/h for vehicles with engine size over 1100cc. For smaller cars the limit is 110Km/h. There are some exceptions with three lane motorways allowing a maximum of 150km/h.

National Roads (Strade Statale) similar to British A-roads – 90km/h (outside cities)

Provincial Roads (Strade Provinciali) similar to British B-roads – 90km/h (outside cities)

Town & CityRoads 50Km/h for all vehicles.

Fines for speeding are issued on-the-spot. Make sure you get an official receipt if this happens to you.

Turning left at a crossroads must be in front of any oncoming vehicle – in the UK it is behind.

Parking is not easy in the cities and restrictions are to be obeyed, whatever the locals might do, and you run the risk of the hire car being towed away and heavy fines for non-compliance. Blue Zones (Zona Disco) are for limited stays. Different cities have different parking schemes.

Lighting. Lights should be on half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise In gloomy daytime conditions, in tunnels, on motorways and all rural roads dipped headlights must be used. The car hire company should supply a full set of replacement bulbs as it is recommended to carry them. Only use fog lights if visibility is poor. The car should also be fitted with headlamp converters.

Breakdowns: A warning triangle and a reflective vest should be provided with the car and these must be used where necessary.

If it is necessary to get out of the vehicle on the highway it is compulsory to wear the high visibility vest which must be kept in the main body of the car so that it can be put on before getting out. This does not apply to town or city roads.

Seat belts must be worn in front and rear seats if fitted. Children under four must be suitably restrained in all seats, and between four and twelve years of age cannot sit in the front seat without a suitable restraint.

It is illegal to use a mobile telephone (other than true hands-free types) while driving.

Out of town the car horn must be used when intending to pass. The horn is strictly prohibited in the towns and cities (don't follow the example of the locals).

Drink-drive laws are severe in Italy and the limit is less than in the UK. Don't drink and drive – the penalties are very severe, more so than in the UK.

Although it is not a legal requirement to carry a first aid kit, it is advisable.