Car Hire in Italy

Tourist information - Italy

Italy (Italian Italia) is a republic in southern Europe. Bordered on the north by Switzerland and Austria, on the east by Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea, on the south by the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ligurian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, and on the northwest by France. In addition to the Italian mainland, the Mediterranean islands of Elba, Sardinia, and Sicily are Italian territories. There are enclaves within mainland Italy that are independent countries being San Marino and Vatican City. Rome is the capital and largest city of Italy.

Climate

The climate of Italy is highly diversified, too much so for these brief notes.

Principal Cities

The capital and largest city of Italy is Rome which is a famous cultural and tourist center. Other important cities include Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo in Sicily, Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Bari, Catania in Sicily and Venice.

Rome is the capital city of Italy and sits on the on the Tiber River. The Vatican City, is located within an enclave of Rome. It is the seat of the papacy of the Roman Catholic church and is recognized as an independent state by the Italian government. The dome of Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City dominates the Roman skyline. Rome has been called the Eternal City, a title earned because of its importance as one of the great cities of Western civilization. Since 1871 it has been the capital of all Italy.

Equipment
You must carry a warning triangle in your vehicle and a spare bulb kit. A first aid kit and a fire extinguisher are recommended.

SPEED LIMITS

Cars only
Built-up areas = 50 kph
Secondary Roads = 90 kph
Main Roads = 110 kph
Motorways = 130 kph

MOTORWAYS

Motorways are known as Autostrades and signs are green.
Most require the payment of a toll payable in cash, a Viacard (purchased from tollbooths, fuel stations, some banks, tourist offices, and tobacconists) or a credit card. Viacards can be used in automatic and manual booths.

SEAT BELTS

Front seat = Compulsory
Rear seat = Compulsory if fitted
Children = Child safety harnesses are compulsory for 3 to 12 year olds.

DRIVING LICENCE

Minimum Driving age 18.

International Driving Permit is required unless you have a Photo card licence.

FINES

Motoring offences attract a fine where foreigners must pay 25 percent on-the-spot .
An official receipt should be issued.

DRINKING and DRIVING

Blood / Alcohol limit is 0.08%.

PARKING

Blue zones operate in most major towns.

FUEL

Unleaded Super 95/98 = Senza Piombo
Diesel = Gasolio

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Police 113
Fire Service 115
Ambulance 118

MasterCarsDirect offers car hire in the following locations in Italy

Bologna, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Pisa, Rome, Turin, Venice and hundreds of other locations, both airport and downtown pick up points are available.