Important travel information for traveling through Italy

Anyone traveling to Italy by car or campervan should be aware of some rules that differ from those in Germany – especially since Italy significantly tightened its traffic regulations on December 14, 2024. Here are the most important travel tips for driving to Tuscany, as of 2026.

Documents and equipment

What you need to bring

• Identity card or passport (children also need their own identity document)
• Valid driving licence and vehicle registration certificate (registration certificate part I)
• Recommended: International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card)
• Warning triangle and safety vest – the vest should be readily accessible inside the vehicle.

Warning sign for bicycle carriers and load

In Italy, any load that extends beyond the rear of the vehicle must be marked with a red and white striped, reflective warning panel measuring at least 50 x 50 cm – this applies primarily to bicycle carriers on cars and motorhomes. If the load extends across the entire width, two panels are required. A previously discussed exception for rear carriers with their own lighting was not implemented; the ADAC (German Automobile Club) therefore recommends the panel even in these cases. The fine starts at €87.

Traffic rules in Italy 2026

Speed ​​limits

vehicle.	In town	country road	Expressway	Highway
Cars, motorhomes up to 3,5 t	50	90	110 (Rain 90)	130 (Rain 110)
New drivers (under 3 years old)	50	90	90	100
Motorhome over 3,5 t	50	80	80	100
Car with trailer/caravan	50	70	70	80

Speed ​​checks are frequent, including section control ("Tutor") on highways. Those exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h face fines of up to €700; repeat offenders in urban areas also risk a driving ban.

Alcohol, mobile phones and fines

• Blood alcohol limit: 0,5 ‰. For novice drivers with less than three years of driving experience and professional drivers, the limit is 0,0 ‰.
• Penalties for alcohol: Between 0,5 and 0,8 ‰, fines range from €543 to €2.170 (as of November 2026) and license revocation; above that, significantly higher fines apply, and from 1,5 ‰, imprisonment is threatened.
• Cell phone while driving: up to €1.000, in case of repeated offenses €1.400 and a driving ban.
• Overtaking cyclists: Outside of built-up areas, a minimum distance of 1,5 m is required.
• Fines (€) Enforcement is also carried out in Germany. Those who pay within five days usually receive a 30% discount.

Lights, high-visibility vest, and procedures in case of breakdowns

Outside of built-up areas and on motorways in Italy, you must always drive with dipped headlights. In the event of a breakdown or accident outside of built-up areas, anyone stepping onto the road or the hard shoulder must wear a high-visibility vest. You can reach the emergency number throughout Europe by dialing 112, and the ACI breakdown service by calling 803 116 (from foreign mobile phones, 800 116 800). More information can be found on our page " Making a call and emergency calls in Italy".

ZTL: Traffic-restricted zones in the old towns

Almost all Tuscan cities – such as Florence , Siena, Pisa, and Lucca – have a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato). Entry is only permitted with authorization during the posted hours and is monitored by cameras; tickets often arrive months later. Therefore, park on the outskirts of the historic center. If you have booked a hotel within the ZTL, check in advance whether the hotel will register your license plate for entry.

E-scooters in Italy

Since December 2024, helmets have been mandatory for all e-scooter riders. Since May 16, 2026, e-scooters in Italy have also required a license plate (contrassegno), and since July 16, 2026, liability insurance has been mandatory; the maximum speed is 20 km/h. For rental scooters, the provider takes care of the license plate and insurance – but you must provide your own helmet.

Highway tolls in Italy

Italian motorways are almost entirely subject to tolls; there is no vignette. You take a ticket upon entering and pay upon exiting in cash, by credit or debit card, or via electronic toll box (Telepass or compatible devices). Pay attention to the signs above the lanes and merge into the correct lane in good time. However, the expressways in Tuscany are toll-free, such as the FI-PI-LI (Florence–Pisa–Livorno) and the Florence–Siena expressway. You can find current prices and sample routes on our 2026 toll page.

If you have positioned yourself incorrectly at the toll booth or the machine is malfunctioning: Stop, press the help button, and wait. Reversing is dangerous and prohibited.

Safety on the go

• Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended at rest stops whenever possible, always lock it and take valuables with you.
• Don't let the often sporty driving style put you under pressure and keep your distance.
• During holiday periods, especially on Saturdays in August, the motorways towards the coast are very busy.

We describe the journey through Switzerland under Routes through Switzerland , and the routes in Italy under Routes through Italy . Detailed rules can be found on our page about the Italian traffic regulations.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Italy