You are required to have your driver's license as well as an International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your driver's license. You will need to have both of these on you when driving in Italy. You may obtain an International Driving Permit at an automobile association such as AAA. It is only good for one year so be sure yours is up-to-date before you go to Italy.
Italy used to be known for having fast cars and no speed limits. As of 2003, they still have fast cars but now there are speed limits. In cities, the speed limit is 50 kph; 90 kph when you are outside of the city; 110 kph on highways; and 130 kph on the autostrada. Speed limits are now being enforced and the use of cameras has increased. If you are speeding, you may receive a ticket several months later. Otherwise, if you are using a rental car, the Italian police will contact your car rental agency and the car rental agency will charge the ticket fee on the credit card you used to rent the car.
Drunk driving laws are very strict in Italy. In fact, the alcohol level for a DUI (driving under influence) changed from .08 to .05 blood alcohol count. This means that having a glass of wine and a grappa (alcoholic beverage similar to brandy) with dinner could result in a fine as you will be over the limit.
There are two lanes going in each direction on the Autostrada. There is a divider in the middle separating the northbound from the southbound lanes. The second left lane is used only for passing and should be used cautiously as vehicles are moving very quickly. It is easy to misgauge the distance of the vehicle behind you. Drivers are not pleased when they have to slow down in the passing lane. Once you have passed the vehicle, you will want to immediate pull back into the slow lane.
