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Limited traffic areas have
been created in most of the historical cente rs of Italian
cities. This measure has been taken to increase pedestrian
areas, commercial activities, and reduce pollution to
preserve historical sites.
In these limited traffic
areas only authorized vehicles are allowed to drive, such
as: buses, police cars, ambulances, etc. Residents have
access as well. All of the authorized vehicles have their
license plate registered with the Municipal Police.
If a vehicle crosses a
limited traffic area, cameras will take a picture of the
license plate.
The photo is automatically
sent back to a computer of the Municipal Police and if the
license plate is not registered a violation ticket is
generated and sent to the owner of the vehicle.
The limited traffic areas are
clearly indicated with a sign marked with a white circle
with red borders (see picture), stating the hours in which
the area is restricted.
Please
Note:
Due to the law and the
authority that is held by the local Municipal Police, the
Italian Government Tourist Board cannot act as an
intermediary in settling disputes over traffic violations.
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The main border crossings with France,
Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia are open 24 hours a day year-round. Some mountain passes are closed during the
winter. State and provincial
roads are distinguished by blue signs with white letters.
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Highways and Roads Highway
There is an extensive and well maintained road network. Tolls are charged on the autostrade (highways).
As in the rest of continental Europe, vehicles travel on the right and overtake on the left. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for front and back seat
passengers as well as for the driver. The use of portable telephones is prohibited if they require intervention
by hand to function.
Highways and Roads Highways are indicated by the letter "A" followed by a number written in white on
a green background. They are almost all subject to tolls, except for some brief stretches, especially approaching
urban areas. Tolls are paid in cash at highway exit points. It is also possible to pay by Viacard Telepass cards (systems that make automatic payment
possible without stopping at the toll booths) or Viacard a highway toll payment card which can be bought, at a value of either 25 / 50 / 75 Euro,
on the highway, in many banks or in ACI offices.
ACI provides complete car service throughout the country. Calls for assistance can be made 24 hours a day by calling
803.116 or by using the emergency booths located every 2 km along the roadway, They have buttons with a wrench
symbol, to be used in the event of a breakdown, and with a red cross symbol for a first-aid emergency.
Service areas are very frequent along all of the highways. The rest stops are always open, and, in addition to
refueling, they also offer other services such as restaurants, bars, information offices, and banking windows.
Autostrade S.p.A Highway Maps, Routes and Tolls
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Gasoline
Gasoline is called benzina, unleaded gasoline is benzina senza piombo and diesel is gasolio. Almost all the service
stations in the country are equipped with pumps for lead-free gasoline (95 octane) and diesel fuel. Service stations
are open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. They follow a shift system on weekends and holidays.
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Driving License Regulations
Italy recognises driving licenses and other traffic documents that are valid in other countries. U.S. and Canadian
driving licenses are valid in Italy but the license must be accompanied by a translation or an international license
(check your local AAA in USA or CAA in Canada). For motorists not in possession of an International Driving license,
the ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia) will issue a declaration upon presentation of a U.S. or a Canadian license.
The declaration is obtainable at any ACI offices. Seat belts are compulsory in Italy.
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ACI Services
In addition to the road assistance responding to phone number 803.116, ACI also provides motorists with a Centro
Assistenza Telefonica (CAT Phone Service Center).This center has a multilingual staff that can answer in English,
French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch.
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The CAT is on duty every day of
the year. By calling 06.491716, one can receive updated information on the road and weather conditions, highway
tolls, ferries, tourist itineraries, mileage distances, customs formalities, currency, and automotive procedures.
Automobile Club d'Italia has its own offices in each Province, the Head Office is in Via Marsala 8 - 00185 Roma,
Tel. 06 49981, Fax 06 49982469.
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Practical Information
ANAS (the state organization responsible
for the roads), in cooperation with the police and the Società Autostrade, provide information about traffic
conditions on the main roads and highways. In addition, Onda Verde is a daily radio bulletin with information about
roadwork, delays and weather conditions. The use af snow tires is allowed between November 15 and March 15. In
some regions is obligatory to keep snow chains in the car during winter.
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Traffic Tips
Speed limits are fixed at 50 km (31 miles)
per hour in urban areas, 90 km (56 miles) per hour on secondary and local roads, 110 km (68 miles) per hour on
main roads outside urban areas and 130 km (80 miles) per hour on highways, with penalties for violation in proportion
to the amount of the excess.
On highways (autostrade): no U-turns are
permitted and stopping is permitted only in emergency parking areas or parking lanes. The Italian Highway Code
follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs. Driving is on the right, passing on the
left. Violators of the highway code are fined; serious violations may also be punished by imprisonment.
Lanes: On three-lane roads, the
middle lane is reserved for passing, which must always be signalled in advance with the directional signal which
must be kept on while passing.
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Motels Along the Road
Italy has an extensive network of motels that provide motorists with modern and comfortable accommodations, parking
facilities and delicious regional food. Many motels also have swimming pools, private beaches, tennis courts, small
parks and gardens. The main motel chain on the superhighway network is AGIP (some are part of the Forte group).
Buses
Good coach services run between cities and towns and there are also good local bus services. A major Italian company
that operates throughout the country is called SITA S.p.a., Viale dei Cadorna 105 - 50129 Firenze.
Tel 055 214721, Fax 055 284661.
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Validating Rail, Bus &
Subway Tickets
Please note that in order to avoid heavy fines, it is vitally important to
remember to validate any rail, bus and subway tickets purchased for use on the Italian public transport system.
In the case of rail travel, machines for date-stamping your ticket are located on station platforms and are usually
yellow in colour. It is extremely important to validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines.
Tickets for buses and the subway tend to be time-limited (often one hour) and it is therefore necessary to complete
your journey within the allotted time and purchase a new ticket for any additional travel. Machines for date-stamping
your ticket are located in the foyers and beside barriers in the case of subway travel and on board buses. Daily,
weekly and monthly passes are also available. Tickets for buses and the subway cannot be purchased on board and
must be obtained prior to boarding from newsagents, tobacconists, ticket kiosks or bars.
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