Italian here: service areas (Autogrill) are fine but DON'T fill the tank there unless you absolutely are in need. You pay up to 20% more than outside the Autostrada. Fill your tank before entering the Autostrada.
yeah service areas are almost like a tourist trap. Pumped prices as they know that if you're in need there is no other option while traveling on the Autostrada. Be it fuel or food or whatever. So if you buy do it knowngly that they're narrowly scamming you.
Caro ilariomichelini4616 Chiaramente tu non hai la piu' pallida idea di come si comportano gli inglesi per strada. Abito in questo paese da 5o anni e so esattamente le cazzate che molti, molti inglesi fanno quando sono alla guida. Infatti gli inglesi non sono tanto migliori degli italiani, e' solo che ancora oggi gli inglesi si sentono migliori di qualsiasi altro popolo e si arrogano il diritto di dettare legge algli altri. Questo perche' sono oblivi delle loro pecche che sono molte.
Italian here: More you go near Rome (i'm Roman driver), more you have to pay attention. People drive like they have 9 life, lot of people feel like they are in formula 1, and above all, just to be in front of you, they are willing to do anything, literally. So when you drive in these areas, you need to be twice as alert, because the rules become less strict, and as the temperatures rise, people lose their sense of reason.
I just realized something about pedestrian stripes: NEVER NEVER take for granted that drivers will stop to let you cross! It depends a lot from town to town and from the driver itself. Always seek for eye contact and let them slow down enough before to cross. It is for your safety! Tip: in Switzerland you can be pretty sure every one will brake to stop and let you cross… in Italy it deserves attention!
this changed a lot in the last years, 20 years ago nobody stopped at the pedestrian crossing, today many more people do it, especially young people. Anyway Italy is 159° in the global ranking of traffic related deaths rate (8th in EU). And the vast majority of the fatal accidents happened on rural streets. The European roads are by far the safest in the world and will be even safer, the EU is implementing a policy that aims to eliminate road deaths by 2050.
@andreabruson5568 We started doing it during the oil crisis of the early 70s as a way to reduce fuel usage. You can do it, as long as there is no sign prohibiting it at that intersection, most everywhere than in NYC - or at least Manhattan.
Ok, now I need an Italian dubbed version of this video to be shown to my fellows italian compatriots, because many... many... MANY of us need those instructions... 🤣 Jokes aside, I think that this little gem of a video is the most relevant and complete guide to what to expect and how to handle driving in my country that I ever seen. And i want to praise the grace and clarity of presentation you put into it. Hope to meet you somewere here in Italy one day! Byeeee!
@@OurBigItalianAdventure ho visto il vostro sito internet e ho visto la zona in cui avete costruito la vostra splendida casa. Complimenti è un posto meraviglioso: ho sempre adorato quei posti. People from that area are simple and kind hearted, I had some friends from the Macerata area during my years in Ancona university: they were the best companions, so polite and easy going.
As a well travelled Italian, I recommend driving in my Country only to very confident drivers and to follow all the instructions and advice on this video. It is very well made. As a side note, if you're driving a car in a small narrow road and end up damaging it, please mind that you might have damaged a private property wall as well so, be very careful.
another tip: in big cities you're gonna get honked a lot! don't get mad about it, it's a common thing here. just keep going on your way and you'e gonna be fine. 😄
Italian living near the Swiss border here. This is the most comprehensive and clear guide to driving in my own country that I have ever watched. I’m sharing this video to all my (Italian and non Italian) friends, it’s just perfect. Thank you - and drive safe.
I did all the driving when I spent a month in Italy…the hardest part about it was honestly ending up down ever shrinking roads until nearly stuck (in a compact vehicle)! Once I had to parallel park on a steep hillside and somehow also start the car and attempt to get out…but otherwise I did a great job. My dad was the backseat driver so it was a high pressure situation lol 😂
1 month after passing my test in the UK I hired a car in Verona and headed up to Pergine. My satnav took me down a super narrow road that ended up in a hilltop village with no way out but the way I had come. That was an experience and a half. Next week I’m driving all the way there from the UK.
The speed camera in Autostrada are called tutor, tutor use a different tecnique than normal speed camera, the normal speed camera take the istant speed that you are going in that point, tutor instead count the time that you travel in a cert amount of space, like 3km, you pass one camera keep your plate and start a stopwatch after 3km there is another camera that take for the second time your plate, and see your time travel, if it is under the time limit you are ok, of not it send your plate with the speed that you were traveling to the autorities.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure They are capable to do both usually. Since those systems have been built and installed on the various autostrada in different period of time, they can implement simultaneously different technologies: the most recent systems have a single station equipment with intelligent cameras that can detect the type of vehicle is passing by (car, truck, trailer) just by reading the licence plate and then apply the proper speed limit.
Yes, in my whole life I never got a ticket from the tutor even when driving a bit over the limit, while I got MAAANY tickets from speed cameras outside the highway, in towns or secondary roads, even when I was a little bit over the limit. Let’s say Tutors are much more forgiving. great video BTW
@@giulianogaia that's because the Tutor system is active only every now and then. And beside this the entire system is set to ignore all violations of speed limit that stand within 10 km/h from the allowed speed. You have to consider that speedometer on cars always indicate an exaggerated value, so if the speed limit is 130 you can go up to 140 (measured with a GPS device) and no ticket will be issued. In Italy a speed excess up to 10 km/h is usually considered as "velocità pericolosa ("dangerous speed") and not "eccesso di velocità" ("speed excess"): even if "dangerous speed " is enough to let you get a ticket, the fee to pay is so low that police doesn't bother to issue it, at least on autostrada. It's the reason why you see all truck and trailers go at 90/92 km/h on autostrada while they have a specific speed limit of 80 km/h... They stand within the 10 km/h tolerance plus other 1 or 2 km/h of calibration tolerance of speed traps granted by law.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure yeah they get smarter and smarter. Cause once italians knew where speedtraps where they'd drive slowly just there to avoid the ticket and then run like it's a race. That way you can't do it. Cause if you travel too fast between the 2 check points it means you went above speed limits and fine you.
Italian here: such a thoughtful and lovely video. I really like the way you present information, one could even use that to teach Italians how to drive 😂
È vero, siamo molto attenti a cosa fanno gli altri automobilisti perché sappiamo che ci sarà sempre un italiano che non rispetta le regole stradali😂 Bellissima guida, l ho guardata con piacere. Ciao❤
6:01 the white sign with a red border means that access is forbidden from both sides (yes, unless authorized). The next sign, the red sign with the white rectangle, means that access is forbidden by this side, but it is allowed from the other side, because it's a one-way street and if you enter from there you are going in the wrong direction.
I am Italian, and I live in Rome, which is a hellish city for traffic, and it may seem crazy to foreigners, forced to drive in a big city, don't do it...!!! this guide is 100% accurate, well done...!!!!
Hi! Actually, if you mistakenly pass through a Telepass lane, you can go to a customer center (Puntoblu) and if you explain what happened they will sort you out. It is a mess though, expect long lines. Also, if you find yourself in the Telepass lane, just press the red button. When the bar lifts or if there is bo bar, GO THROUGH. DO NOT REVERSE OUT. That is an immediate license suspension and there will be cameras.
@@OurBigItalianAdventureI have had problems with telepass not triggering a couple of times, I pushed the talk to the operator button and told them where I got in so that they could calculate the toll and send it to the card registered to the license plate number. Just to inform people that may encounter similar situations
Hello folks. I'm italian and I fonund interesting your video. Thanks a lot. Some points to consider: 1. May be you'll find easier to refuel in highway but consider that highway gas stations are legal robbery. During "office" time it's easy to find a station with operator or a self working with credit/debit card and ... PIN outside highways! But it's all a question of money. 2. When you pay highway toll the automatic voice say you arrivederci-goodby. It's really italian to answer. Yes we are used to chat a lot and we chat to machines too. Feel free to answer in english. Really italian is to answer very bad words: it's catartic! But it is a long story so stick to your attitude and simply say goodby! 3. Roundabout: the sign is correct but first consideration is that it is a "danger" sign. Roundabout are not dangerous, they are really static and have no erratic behaviour. Many time erratic are drivers: you described perfectly what is the law but you may find many drivers out of the law. Possible deviations to take care: following car horning. As before we chat a lot and we love to inform the rest of the world our feelings (In Italy we have many poets and musicians, it's not a case). The car is our body/mind extension and horning is a way to chat, communicate (refer to point 2 and talking to machines). So disregard the horny(ng) advice and drive safely your way. More important is approaching the roundabout: there is a second unwritten rule. I'm not suggesting this rule but to defend yourself. The rule is that if you drive into the roundabout fast enough you have right of way! Obviously as in a F1 Race little mistakes may results in serious accidents! As me and you are not payed to race we must rely on insurance ... I heard you had bad experience so I suggest avoid that competition and interacting with insurance company. 4. Signs are important but sometimes may be erratic. Ok you are right it is not erratic the sign but could be the worker who posed it. In particular speed limit signs. Avoiding speeding fine sometimes it's impossible, could be easier to win casino! Italians have two opinions. First one is that speed limits and autovelox are part of a global plot: majours need money so signs and autovelox are theire moneymachine! No way for money to survive into your wallet... Second one is that speeding fine is the fate, when it's your time there is no way to avoid. May be seems a joke but the reality could be signs covered by other signs (advertizing signs ...), bushes cars or trucks so invisible, and speed limits that sometimes means "I know you'll drive twice the speed"! For now it's all: take care and have nice and safe holiday in italy!
Grazie! Hai certamente ragione nei tuoi punti. 1. Sì, senza dubbio. Ho menzionato la convenienza delle pompe sull’autostrade perché negli USA non usiamo il PIN con una carta di credito e non voglio che persone siano sorprese. 2. Molto interessante. Io rispondo alla “donna” e dice “arrivederci” ma pensavo de essere un po’ pazzo! 3. Mi piace la raccomandazione di cercare di essere un guidatore F1!! 4. In America, di solito, è illegale usare i autovelox. La polizia usa radar, ma solo quando il poliziotto è presente in una macchina, per seguirci e fermarci per darci il biglietto di multa. 5. Principalmente mi piace guidare in Italia, fino a quanto evito le città!
@@OurBigItalianAdventure it's usually a bit rude, it's common in southern dialects and it roughly translates to "and say hi to your sister", but can be used for any close relative (siblings, parents, grandparents etc.). Mothers and sisters are more common for pretty obvious reasons.
As a Sicilian who has also lived and driven in both the US ( in Boston which has the alleged worst drivers in the US) and in a major central Italian city, Rome, Italy presents a very challenging driving environment full of perils. I would not recommend driving here if you aren't used to driving on twisting mountain roads first of all. Sicily is super dangerous in this regard. Then I would add driving experiences in cities like Palermo and Naples are for only more mature drivers. They take the top of "defensive drivers" who will challenge all of your patience and sense of motorist respect.
I agree. I did Napoli once, over 30 years ago, well before gps. Just driving into town to the train station was difficult with only a map and terrifying. I also did Palermo once, not quite as stressful but not something I’d recommend to my friends.
Lovely, and very clear! The orange cones at the side of the road indicated as speed cams are actually bogus and do not contain any equipment (the black rectangular marks are stickers, not openings).These are known as speed-deterrents, and rather very effective as many drivers won't take the risk. There are also blue speed cam boxes but these can only contain a speed cam if there is a police squad nearby performing speed control.
Excellent video. As expats (just over a year), we took classes for 5 months to pass our driver's test. It's VERY hard. Lots of information that US drivers have never thought about.
Congrats. I known some very intelligent Americans who say it’s by far the hardest test they ever took, harder than the SAT or the like. And they speak Italian very well.
Yeah, for the theoretical test the key is to do at least a hundred quizzes and read the book they give to you, but imo the driving test is much worse because if you forget to correctly indicate with a blinker you will not pass.
What an awesome video this is! Being Italian and having lived in the USA for some years, I find it spot-on. The only thing I can think of missing is a small (but VERY important) info about the place you have to stop at the traffic light. In US the light is ACROSS the intersection, while in Italy, it is right where you have to stop. Keep this in consideration if you don't want to burn a red light or worse😉😉 Keep it up, folks!
Great video! Small tip regarding ZTLs: if you happen to enter one by accident, you can quite often park at one of the fairly expensive parking garages within the ZTL (these are the privately owned ones, often referenced by hotels, ...). These guys will communicate you plate number to the authorities and you will avoid getting fines, as parking garage customers are allowed to enter the ZTL on their way to the garage.
1:05 true!!! when driving on Italian roads my rule is "watch 1/5 what you do, 4/5 what others do". We are aggressive, I know 😅 but thank you guys for saying we're one of the best ones in the world 🥰 you guys are awesome!
As a newer Italian homeowner from the states, let me say I absolutely love driving in Italy. Instead of stopping every 200 feet for a signal or a stop sign, you can drive for hours in the countryside and never really have to stop other than sometimes for a few seconds to enter a roundabout, or getting in and out of an Autostrada. I drive 2 hours and 15 minutes from Umbria to Rome when we go to the airport, and there are no stop lights the whole way and really the only stop is to get a biglietto at the Autostrada, and another to pay. Absolutely love that!
A very nice summary! I've driven rental cars all over Italy for decades without many problems and agree with all your points. I advise taking pictures of all sides of the rental car in situ when you pick it up so that pre-existing damage can't be blamed on you. Some rental agencies are clean, spacious, and well run. But more often the attendant doesn't do more than glance at the odometer and send you on your way, coming or going. Once, in Palermo, there was no attendant outside, and the desk clerk told us to just leave the car---triple-parked on the busy street. You never know! It seems that the autostrada police are getting more vigilant. They sometimes lurk at exits coming into major cities like Firenze and make random stops to look at International Driving Permits. Can mean a big fine or even confiscation of the car if you don't have one. Also, if you really really need to travel into a ZTL like we did when moving from Roma to Firenze, note that they often don't operate on Sunday. You can get into the city, take your time to load or unload the car, then turn the car in or move it to a legal lot.
Good points...we usually take photos of the car even if we get full coverage. I didn't know the police were getting more vigilant about checking for International Driving Permit on the autostrada, though we have been stopped in a small town and asked to show it.
You can also pay a small fee to get in without being fined (5 euros per day in Florence if you just want to get in, 15 if you also want to park within the ZTL perimeter).
Brit here, what a great video. The first time I drove to Italy years ago was an eye opener. We all know how different countries have different cultures and attitudes but I wasn't expecting to see it so clearly in the way people drive. It's obvious now but for first timers, be ready! The French seem to drive with a more laid back, don't really care attitude; so what if I'm driving in the middle of the road, yes we'll all get there in the end. The Swiss drive with respect, to the rules and each other; only once in Switzerland have I seen a driver way over the speed limit, 1am VW golf on the autobahn/motorway/freeway and went past me like I was standing still. The Italians drive like racing drivers; I'm not a slow driver but I lost count of the times either a teenage girl in an Opel corsa or an old lady in her little fiat tried to overtake me on narrow winding country roads! It literally changes as you cross the border.
You described exactly how to drive in Italy: NEVER assume that other drivers are doing what they are supposed to do. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but this way you'll be less likely to get involved in a car accident. And remember this: this unwritten rule is more important as you are in big cities and as you are in the South. And don't let this scare you, just don't speed on a green light and don't assume that if you have the right of way other drivers will adjust and you'll be fine! (usually by mistake: don't be scared!) A few days ago I also crossed an intersection with a red light because they changed the rule for that specific intersection: the day before there was a green light for the straight direction and the left turn, now it only allows the straight, they added green for left turns. And, of course, they changed the green circle to two green arrows: up and left.
Especially: don't rely on turning indicators from other cars (but please try to use them properly when appropriate): always double check with the car to initiate the actual manouver. Many times people will take a turn without flashers. Or forget/improperly set the indicator and then go straight or even turn the opposite way.
I drove in Italy last year. Driving into Naples and Sorrento on a Friday afternoon was very challenging. The Italian lady thought that we were crazy to drive in Italy. Nothing different from what we are used to though.
I remember the one time I drove in Naples. 30+ years ago, just to get to the train station to drop off a car. Only a paper map, surrounded by Neopolitani, it was quite the experience. As was Palermo on a different trip. I’d never drive in NYC and avoid Boston, for other reasons. Elsewhere, I’m fine in North America and most other places outside of Asia and Africa.
Hi there! Nicely done video! My wife and I traveled to Italy twice for 30 days each time. We rented a car and I have to honestly say you were 100 percent spot on throughout your presentation! We rented a villa in Tuscany each time, so most of our driving was done within that region. Took the trains to Rome, Florence, Lake Como and other major cities....(thank goodness that I did)😊 Gotta love those ZTLs, hidden speed cameras, Tolls, rotaries (round-abouts) and the many, many different road signs😂😂😂 I've also watched all of your videos and especially enjoyed seeing your beautiful home (I personally would not change anything to it). Keep up the great work and we look forward to seeing more of your excellent videos! Thanks for sharing! John from New England (USA)
I'm 73 and going alone and the ONE place out of any city I want to go to has a train layover of ....5 minutes! OH, DEAR! I'm going to get my international license just in case... I used to drive a stick, so....This is SO helpful! COURAGE!
I'm Italian. Grate video! You have my admiration. I just wanted to point it out that the prices in Autogrill, for fuel and food, are around 20-25% higher than on normal roads. it is always convenient to get out from the highway, refill in a nearby service station, eat at a bar or restaurant and then go back on your route. Also, you should point out that on the highway, a speed infraction can be inssued also if your average speed exceeds the limit between two checkpoint. Basically, if your speed is ok under the firse and second autovelox is within the limit, but you speed between the checkpoints, thay will calculate your average using the plate and you'll be screwed. Also, about renting cars, then website you made me discover is amazing. Thank you. I found exceptional prices. You should maybe point out that, even if a person doesn't want to pay for the full coverage of the insurance, the "cristalli" (glasses) coverage should always be bought. Windshield are extremely expensive nowadays and most of the time, a damage to a window doesn't depends on the poor abilities of the driver. Its fate, most of the times... Like a branch that fall from a tree of an object on the road pulled up by the can in front of you (ask me). For the rest i would suggest to watch you video to all the people who are planning to visit my country by car. Amazing job. Ps. Almost forgot. If a person is crossing the street 7 meters before of 14 meters after the crossing stripes, the pedestrian is always in the right by law. Anyway, if a pedestrian crosses the street far away from the crossing zebra lines in a urban area (50kmh speed limit), the pedestrian will always be right if you hit. Urban areas always have a 50kmh limit: sometimes urban areas are not signalled by a sign but the limit always applies. So, it's a good (conservative) rules to always let the pedestrian cross calmly. Always. It's never convenient to hit a pedestrian. You're always wrong in this country if you hit a pedestrian. From June 24, same applies on cyclists because of a brand new law.
Kudos for the infos provided on this video. I'm watching it as an Italian and I can confirm what you have said its accurate. Just a side note on the CC insurance, make sure to read the fine prints because sometimes rentals in Italy are not included and Alfa Romeos are considered "exotics". Have fun in Italy!
pay attention with regards to the difference between TUTOR and SPEED CAMERA. How ever I am also happy to see such enthusiasm when visiting my country! Take care
I have driven miles upon miles or should I say kilometers upon kilometers in Italy, from Sicily all the way to Switzerland. I love it! If you can drive in Italy with no issues, you are a very good driver.
Just another Italian providing some tips 🙂. When you see speed check signs, be careful: "Controllo elettronico della velocità" means that your CURRENT speed will be checked on a spot right ahead (either by "Autovelox" or "Telelaser"), while "Controllo velocità con sistema Tutor" means that your AVERAGE speed is checked over a road section which can be quite long (up to 15-20 Km or more). "Tutor" is a generic name for such checking systems, but it is actually used on motorways (toll highways), while on the ordinary road network you may encounter systems like "SICVE" or "Celeritas", which actually work the same way. HINT - There is a number of smartphone apps allowing you to get a warning when approaching to such check points, which are perfectly legal in Italy. That doesn't mean you can disregard the limits, but at least you get a reminder. Have a nice trip in Italy!
Italian here. Very well done video and instructions! KUDOS... Just one thing: as you say, Italian drivers can get pretty agressive sometimes. If you have the bad luck to find one of these drivers, just let them pass as soon as you can and your day will be just fine: don't even think to sart an argumento or, veen worse, a road rage, becasue you never know who you can find on the street and it could just rouin your vacation. Luckily, most of the people are ok, but we have our amount of mor0ns here too, like everywhere in the world!
@@OurBigItalianAdventure in the US I wouldn't dare to open my mouth, becasue (unlike here) you have too many people carring a weapon in their cars... ;-)
Great video, very in depth. For some reason I found it in my recommended page, even though I’m Italian. Another thing I’d add on parking lots is family reserved spots. You can find them in big parking lots (such as mall lots) and they’re usually painted in pink. Given the fact that they’re usually placed on private property (never seen them on public streets) you won’t get a fine, but it’s a nice gesture not to park over them as they’re reserved to families with small kids (who have to carry trolleys around) or pregnant women. We also have EV reserved parking spaces, I’m not solely referring to Tesla superchargers. They’re usually green but they may vary. When you see a totem pole resembling an electric charge station, don’t park there: you’ll get a fine. Another little tip about parking spaces (this time in the city center) is to be very careful of local markets. I personally work at the market selling clothes. They’re very common here, and on the days when the market takes place, you absolutely can not leave your car parked. You can usually park the car overnight, but if your vehicle is still there by the time workers reach the square/street where the market takes place (usually around 5am), you can rest assured that you won’t find your car parked there. I unfortunately often have to call a tow truck as I sometimes find cars parked on my assigned market spot, and fines are huge. It may end up costing you 200-300€. (I had some tourists get mad at me, truth is I don’t enjoy having vehicles removed, but I have to work!). Last tip is to enjoy your time, take it easy and always be safe on the roads. Enjoy your stay! * I’ll add something about driving and alcohol, as you may want (and should!) try some of our wine. The legal limit in order to drive after drinking is 0.5 g/l of alcohol per blood if you’re older than 21 or if you had your license for less than three years. In case you’re younger/had your license for less than 3 years the limit for alcohol is ZERO, no exceptions. Police takes DUI very seriously. They won’t ask you to get out of your car and perform maneuvers or tests. They’ll only use a breathalyzer test, if you blow higher than 0,5 g/l you’ll have issues, with big fines and potential arrest. Worst case scenario, if you end up in an accident, insurance WON’T cover anything. Don’t drink and drive!
Thanks. We’re as puzzled as you are why RUclips is suggesting the video to Italians. We clearly made it for tourists - or at least clearly to us! But the majority of our views are from Italy and we’ve gotten many nice comments about the video, which is nice, as it reassures us we weren’t presenting bad information . Thanks for your nice comment and wonderful suggestions about parking cautions. We may do a new driving video in 2025, and we’ll be able to incorporate your suggestions. Cheers from Le Marche and South Carolina!
there are two kinds of roundabouts. the one you described where you yield to merge in, and can exit at any time is the most common (we call it the european roundabout), but be careful about the other type where you enter freely and have to yield to exit (also known as the italian roundabout). the first type is indicated with a blue circular sign with three rotating white arrows AND a yield sign (separated). the second kind is indicated with a yield sign with three rotating black arrows inside of it.
In Italy only ONE general rule applies and not only in terms of traffic : everyone does what they want , the rules only apply to others and never to themselves. Then there is the law that rewards the guilty and punishes the victims. Long live italy.
I’m far more confident after viewing this to take on driving. Just have to adjust from driving on LHS. Thank for such observant and practical advice. I’d like to know about cash to carry, card use and best cards if you have time. Kind regards.
That’s great! I’m glad we could help. We’re working on a “using money” video, but here are a few key points: 1. these days cards are accepted nearly everywhere, so there’s no need for a lot of cash. I usually carry less than €100. 2. Make sure you have a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. It can add 3% or so to the cost of everything. 3. If you have a choice to pay in euro or sterling, pay in euro. You’ll get a much better exchange rate. 4. Similarly, don’t exchange money at a cambio/exchange place or a free-standing ATM. You get a horrible exchange rate. Use a bank ATM 5, I can’t really recommend a non-US card. I have no knowledge. 6. Beware of pickpockets in major cities. As backup, have a spare credit card with you, and most of your cash carried in a money belt. I hope this helps.
There are more italians in comments than americans. I've expected it. Btw the video is wonderful and absolutely correct. (of course I'm italian too :D )
Another italian here, just one info: tollerance for speed is 5% so if limit is 100 and you get caught at 105 you're good - most cars will show about 110 on tacho. Also regarding speeding: if limit is lets say 90 and see most traffic go 110-120 usually it means there are no traps, however, if you see bunch of cars slowing down for no reason usually there is a trap. Finally, do make a difference between traps and tutor as the former is average speed on a strech of road and not immediate speed. Moreover, quick tip: most of what has been said in the video regarding traffic, crosswalk and all other road behavior is very much not valid south of Florence or Umbria (which is the area I suppose you are exploring) and in particular in Rome, Naples, Bari, Palermo, Catania and other large cities.
Our house is in Marche, so much of our experience is central and north. But we were in Puglia in the spring and we saw a lot of crosswalk compliance. But your point about cities is certainly valid. Thanks,
Lovely video and lovely couple! One other thing, some cities could have parking with blue and yellow lines around, they behave like blue parking spots but for a limited time (from 8am to 8pm) and outside this window of time, it not allowed to park there because its reserved for residents
Nice video you were objective without falling into our usual stereotypes I liked what you said about the "defensive" driving of the Italians It's absolutely true! as I told my daughter that in one year she had 3 small accidents in the city ok always without his fault but a good driver not only doesn't get into accidents but also avoid them!!
Italian here: also the closer you get to a remote town or a small one watch out on randabouts cuz ppl from there are used to low level of traffic and might speed a bit because used to noone being around
677 / 5.000 if you are in Campania I suggest you not take the car, except in rural areas. The traffic rules are quite different there. Above all, pay attention to roundabouts because the rules of precedence are completely different. Those in the roundabout do not have absolute priority and are required, as a measure of civility, to allow entry to some of those queuing outside. Whoever is on the outside expects that whoever is in the roundabout will soon give up space for him and therefore after a short he will enter as if he had the right of way. Be careful! If you find yourself driving in Naples then the only sensible thing is to find a parking space as soon as possible
@@jimbotron70 Dipende dalle zone, ma le regole non sono proprie. Sono semplicemente un po' diverse da quelle del resto del paese. In particolare per quanto riguarda le rotonde. Se ti ci ritrovi e non lo sai, rischi di fare l'incidente
@@jimbotron70 esatto! basta essere molto intuitivi e capire quale sia il codice stradale non scritto. Io (romana) ci sono riuscita e da allora sento di avere un superpotere: posso guidare ovunque 🤣
As an Italian I can only reiterate that the best way to visit a city is to find a car park, leave the car and walk. With the exception of Rome, our cities are small and walkable, at least the parts that you'd want to visit. Milano is relatively large, but the centre of the city is served by a reasonably efficient public transport system.
Milano is walkable in its historic centre which is definitely smaller than Rome's one. But the metropolitan area is huge, you need metro and suburban trains to move
Milano isn't large at all, it's not even in the top 100 of the largest italian cities. To have a comparison, Roma is 1287 square kilometers, Venezia 415, Matera 392, Parma 260, Ostuni 225, Verona 195, Milano 181. The historic center on the other hand is quite large, about 9 square km, but still smaller than the 15 of Rome and the 17 of Venice (194 considering the internal waters).
9:25 Tolerance is 5 km/h below 100 km/h of speed limit, and 5% above 100 km/h of speed limit. In a motorway the usual speed limit is 130 km/h and one must be measured at more than 136,5 km/h in order to be fined.
Relax guys........if you are from Texas, driving in Italy is a relaxing beautiful experience. They don't drink a "lot" and drive. They don't speed up when it rains so they get home before the streets flood, Not as many people are on their phones when they drive, They don't do "Texans never miss a turn" like switching over two or three lanes to make that last second turn, They do not have as many 18 wheelers barreling down the highway, You don't have to worry about a road rage person carrying a gun, they do not mind the motorcyclists shooting through the traffic at high speeds (keep them in mind when driving), and I feel safe riding a bicycle here....they respect cyclists...........I moved to Italy, and I love the roundabouts. Roundabouts are all about not sitting at a red light when there is no traffic coming through the crossing green light. Pedestrians have crossings that are not that well marked......everyone respects these crossings, and you have to pay attention when you are driving for pedestrians. Also.....compared to Texas, I think the traffic moves slower here because they are moving kilometers per hour. All this adds up to a general population that is paying attention because there are not a lot of traffic signals to tell us how to drive. My only complaint is that streets are not marked hardly at all. You have to guess if you are on the right street......buuuuuut.........we have GPS today, and that pretty much solves that problem. I do not know about traffic fines.......my car dealer drove me to another town to look at a car, and he was cruisin 90 MPH! the whole time in his twenty year old Honda Civic Diesal Manual ...........I was blowin and goin on my vacation with the fast cars during my vacation last year and there was no ticket presented to me?????? Oh, by the way, we moved to Abruzzo......it is chill......where the Italians go for vacation........Love Abruzzo......would not want to live anywhere else......laid back, bellissima..........
"Not as many people are on their phones when they drive" Well, no, not exactly. In Italy everyone uses a phone or a tablet when driving. It seems that in Italy you necessarily have to drive sometring (a car, a truck, a motorcycle, bycicle, scooter...) in order to make the phone work
@@voxhumana4950 I don't know which Italy you've been to But it is not true that everyone drives with their phone. Someone obviously does it But saying all is wrong
@@Lexforlife74 Due to my job, I'm compelled to spend a lot of time on the road. Besides, I am (was?) a runner, and I often run along pheripheral roads, watching the drivers that go towards me; I can see them through the wind screen. When I run along a straight stretch of road, I count the drivers that use their phone: about 85 % (8 every ten cars or 9 every ten cars/truckc/buses, etc.) Everybody talks, send messages... ordinary drivers, policemen, bus drivers, nuns... On the highway, I seen someone holding his tablet with both hands, watching at it instead of looking through the windscreen. I've always lived in Italy, and I'm 66; in my experience, the only italian area in which not a lot of people use the phone when driving is Sardinia.
Italian here! Still watching but hopefully this is helpful 6:57 please avoid the "centro" of anything like it's a nuclear blast zone. Here's why: 1) I see you touch upon it at 17:25, but it's important: the "ZTL" - limited traffic areas - often cover the central areas and they're PURPOSEFULLY vague in the signalling (except major cities) because that's how small towns rack in the cash with fines. So when you see a "center" arrow, keep it in mind as that's probably where you'll want to be eventually if you want to visit the town, but keep your eyes peeled for signs with "ZTL" written on them and a bunch of warnings. Just park well outside of the center and go by foot, in small towns it's never an issue. In large cities the ZTL areas may be way more complex so either completely avoid driving or do very in depth research. ZTL's are traps, they're hard to figure out for EVERYONE, in Rome they switched around the signage like 3 times to confuse people (in the past "active" means no entry, then it meant good to enter, then it reverted back to no entry. 2) Parking. It's just generally harder to park and, when allowed, often comes with expensive "blue lines" paid parking. 3) Traffic and higher influx of people that are on a hurry and will make your driving life impossible. So, really, don't plan in using your car to reach any city center. Park well outside of it, and take public transport for the rest. ALSO **EXTREMELY IMPORTANT** PLEASE NEVER LEAVE ANY OF YOUR BELONGINGS IN A PARKED CAR THAT IS UNGUARDED. IF YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO, USE PAID, GUARDED PARKING. IN ROME, NAPLES AND MILAN AND OFTEN IN HIGHWAY SERVICE AREA STOPS - BUT ESPECIALLY ROME - YOU CAN AND WILL GET YOUR CAR SMASHED AND ROBBED WITHIN 10 MINUTES. The record so far is a friend of mine, left car unsupervised 6 minutes to pick up some keys he forgot at home, when he came back the car was smashed. THIS IS SERIOUS YOU HAVE A 90% CHANCE OF LOSING ALL YOUR LUGGAGE SO PLEASE JUST DON'T. The danger level rises with proximity to large transport hubs (train stations) or event venues. Edit: I mean it. Nothing. Leave nothing. No, not hidden: nothing. There's thieves with devices that scan for bluetooth/wireless signal strenght and will nick your electronics. A single jacket that looks interesting may be enough to smash a windshield and nab it. If you open and close the boot, someone will notice it and it may be enough to smash it. I am serious, it's a pandemic of sorts here. Leave nothing in your car if unsupervised. I only go to the bathroom in turns during car trips with a car full of luggage, have done so for the last 20 years of my life, every time I change my mind someone loses all their belongings and I remember why I do this. Don't.
adding to 7:23 : there's exceptions. You don't want to bother too much about them, take for granted the general rule, but there are exceptions and you notice them by the complete lack of "Yield" signage outside the roundabout. A major one is the large Piazza Della Repubblica next to Termini station in Rome.
This cracks me up. Italians are the most polite and decent drivers in the world. Yes. The rules in italy are more a suggestion but drivers in Italy pay attention way better than in US. Also USA is not a homogeneous place. I live in San Francisco and it’s way worse than anywhere in Italy even Napoli. Really good video. I got caught in telepass lane a few times and had to pay it later via internet. If this happens. You don’t have to pay the fine. Just go online and enter the ticket number and pay the normal toll.
Hi, i’m italian. I live near Milano. Italian drivers are crazy, undisciplined, impatients, they often use the horn. They’re not all like that, but a good portion is. Pay attention to the roundabouts! I’ve been in Wales last month, and it seems to me an another world! I have rent a car in Manchester. Calm drivers, perfect in roundabouts, no horn, for me no problem drive on the right. Good video!
A milano è una giungla dove se non suonano per più di 5 secondi di fila gli viene un ictus. Fuori da Milano la musica cambia, ma in città può capitare spesso la stessa situazione
Be safe while on the streets. Driving here in Italy can be dangerous sometimes. There are people from lots of countries here that drives every kind of vehicles. So it's not always safe. Have a foot on the brakes can really save lives sometimes. 😉👍
Hi guys, congrats for your nice video, totally spot on and informative… even if you were too kind with us sometimes! Beware drivers overtaking from the right lane (DANGEROUS) and dirty toilets in autogrill! Love from Italy!
Grazie! I haven't seen Italian overtaking from the right but Americans do it all the time...as for Autogrill toilets...sometimes a little dirty but I have seen worse!
Little precisation on the roundabouts: you don't have to yield at every roundabout, only when there's the signal. Roundabouts work as regular crossroads, where the one with the free right has to pass first. In a roundabout this would be the person entering, as they go anti-clockwise and cars in the roundabout come from the left only. But. There's always a but, that being the yield signal (the upside down white triangle with the red edge). According to the italian driving code you "always have precedence at the roundabout unless there's the apposit sign", so if you see to your right the upside down triangle sign and on the road there's painted a stopping line made out of little white triangles you have to let the cars in the roundabout pass first. It's an almost useless specification cause almost all roundabouts in Italy have the yield signal and triangles line, but there's a few roundabouts that don't, so even if you always watch out for other drivers' probable and impending incompetence you have the right to pass first and if they crash on you insurance will pay you, not them (same as if someone cuts your lane, if you hit them they'll have to pay you. Also suddenly braking when someone is driving too close to you, they reared you, so they have to pay you, even if you braked suddenly and with no reason since there's no way of proving that "a cat jumped in front of my car")
You guys are fantastic! I am Italian but living in the USA for many years, but I am from Tuscany, and I think I recognized some places from Tuscany near Florence in your video , thank you for the nice video!
Italian here, the video is perfect but I want to give you a pro-tip. The speed traps aren't always active, for example the orange one, who has written VeloOk, 99% of them are inactive. The blue ones are another story, if you look inside the holes in the sides and see nothing they are inactive, but if you see that there is something inside always slow down and look for a police car, by law they MUST be near it while is active. There is another case, which is a mobile signal warning, usually on the ground, telling you that there is a "controllo elettronico della velocità" and this is the worst scenario because 100% in front of you there is a police car with a laser monitoring your speed, and if you're speeding they are going to stop and fine you in place. I got lucky one time because they were already stopping another driver so the officer was occupied fining the poor guy and was not checking my speed.
Good and precise video. One more tip as to the road signs. A triangular shape means danger ⚠️. A round shape ⭕️🚫⛔️ means an obligation or prohibition (that is, an obligation to perform or to not perform a certain behavior: speed limits, no parking, turn right only, etc.). Finally, a squared or rectangular shape means a mere indication (arrows mean directions quite obviously). All these signs (with very few exceptions) will be exactly the same all throughout Europe, or at least certainly within the European Union countries (for a reason: it was the result of very specific agreements, so to make sure that someone who drives through 4 or 5 nations in a day will not get confused). And the relative absence of words (i.e., pictograms only) is due to the fact that many languages are spoken in Europe, so if every nation posted signs with lots of words in their language, non-natives will not be able to understand and obey.
“Speed traps” are usually memorized in navigators. I use “Amigo” on my phone. There are 2 types of speed traps: 1)Speed check 2)Average speed check. It’s only in Autostrada. It measures your average speed from “tutor cartel” to others. In Italia you can exceed speed limit of 5 km/h (no mph), or 5% (if 5% is higher then 5 km/h ). 70 km/h = 75 130 km/h = 136,5
I guess your video ended up exploding in Italy itself, considering the amount of comments made by Italians acknowledging what you said! I'm one of them
I lived both in Italy and North America. I definitely prefer driving in Italy MUCH better. At first, to those not used to it, it could appear crazy but it’s the opposite. I call it organized chaos, 😅 On the other end when I drive in North America, I feel more in danger as many people don’t seem to have enough experience in driving. The move they make are scary and dangerous at best. Most people don’t respect the rules of proper and safe driving, especially on the highway. Like passing on the right… In Italy such thing DOES NOT happen….
@@OurBigItalianAdventure yeah, we are. I noticed the difference when driving in the South of France (not Marseille). They dutifully respected the "code de la route" and I had to do the same basically because I could see they would really be very confused if I did something, let's say, different. They drove well but they just weren't good at dealing with unexpected situations (something people who drive in Rome and Naples are definitely used to). But, after a little adaptation on my part, I have to say it was a nice change :)
Good video. I would have needed one too when I moved to the US. Gasoline on the highway is not only more expensive in Italy. Gasoline is also more expensive in Switzerland and France than on the highway or in cities/villages. Modern GPS can also provide (like in the US the cost of gas on the display). The shops at the motorway distributors are very expensive, once when everything was state-owned they were much less expensive, because they were designed for citizens on the road. Now they profit from necessity. By the way, even in other countries supermarket products are more expensive on the highway. The concept of a service like WaWa or Sheetz no longer exists in Italy. As in all of Europe, including England (so be careful everywhere), speed cameras are installed in Italy too and the police also have instruments to measure speed. Limited traffic zones (ZTL) do not exist in the US, but were introduced to reduce traffic in historic centers. Municipalities use international debt collection companies to collect fines from residents abroad. Of course, some traffic rules are different than in the United States, so don't turn right on a red light. So consult a guide to the rules. As in all American cities, free parking, if it is limited in time, is controlled by people from the municipality. Fortunately, the fine is less expensive than in the US. The lanes at the Telepass toll booths, (Equivalent to EZPass in the North East) are enabled for owners of the device (the same applies in France and Spain), but the toll booths accept either debit or credit cards or cash. Be careful when accessing roundabouts, unfortunately this way of sorting traffic was essentially imported from Great Britain, but they drive on the opposite side and access is easier, also to guess who has priority. I must also point out that many of my fellow countrymen are not clear about which lane is correct to take to exit roundabouts with multiple lanes.
If you drive in Italy take the Auto Strata it is very good develop with all the off ramps clearly mark but beware if you must retrack your route and must go trough a toll at the end of the day it is costing because there are not a lot of bridges on the toll roads where you can turn.
I can understand that. As our expression goes, “rules are made to be broken.” I think we’re just a bit less cautious about someone else who might break a rule and that causes accidents.
Bello questo video, molto bravi questi signori nello spiegare come si deve guidare in Italia! Io uso il Telepass in quanto da circa 20 anni giro per vacanza e lavoro tutta l'Italia, però secondo me sarebbe meglio avere le autostrade gratuite come in Germania oppure al massimo pagare una tassa annuale (vignetta) come in Svizzera o Austria.
Italian here: service areas (Autogrill) are fine but DON'T fill the tank there unless you absolutely are in need. You pay up to 20% more than outside the Autostrada. Fill your tank before entering the Autostrada.
yeah service areas are almost like a tourist trap. Pumped prices as they know that if you're in need there is no other option while traveling on the Autostrada. Be it fuel or food or whatever. So if you buy do it knowngly that they're narrowly scamming you.
Autostrada=highway, anyway isn’t a tourist trap, is what it is, you pay 20% / 50% more than outside
Yes. I tried to add a message on the screen about that but I should have said it out loud.
@@ArcamNight for "autostrada" is best to use "motorway", "highway" resebles more our "tangenziale"...
@@herrrorschach590 hai ragione
as an italian, I have to say you understood italian traffic rules better than many italians. Nice video.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Ma vai a dormire insieme a loro, li si ammazzano per strada a colpi di mitra, ma dove vivi ? in Angola ?
Caro ilariomichelini4616 Chiaramente tu non hai la piu' pallida idea di come si comportano gli inglesi per strada. Abito in questo paese da 5o anni e so esattamente le cazzate che molti, molti inglesi fanno quando sono alla guida. Infatti gli inglesi non sono tanto migliori degli italiani, e' solo che ancora oggi gli inglesi si sentono migliori di qualsiasi altro popolo e si arrogano il diritto di dettare legge algli altri. Questo perche' sono oblivi delle loro pecche che sono molte.
Non posso commentare sugli inglesi, ma sugli americani il punto è giusto. È imbarazzante per noi.
Italian here: More you go near Rome (i'm Roman driver), more you have to pay attention. People drive like they have 9 life, lot of people feel like they are in formula 1, and above all, just to be in front of you, they are willing to do anything, literally. So when you drive in these areas, you need to be twice as alert, because the rules become less strict, and as the temperatures rise, people lose their sense of reason.
Yes. The GRA is always an exercise in caution.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure a place full of angry people.
I think, we are unable to enjoy our beauties.
Agree.
Roman here, when she said "Italians are some of the best drivers". Uhhh, not really ahahah
Drive in Milan and it's the same ahahaahaa
I just realized something about pedestrian stripes: NEVER NEVER take for granted that drivers will stop to let you cross! It depends a lot from town to town and from the driver itself. Always seek for eye contact and let them
slow down enough before to cross. It is for your safety! Tip: in Switzerland you can be pretty sure every one will brake to stop and let you cross… in Italy it deserves attention!
That’s a good point!
this changed a lot in the last years, 20 years ago nobody stopped at the pedestrian crossing, today many more people do it, especially young people. Anyway Italy is 159° in the global ranking of traffic related deaths rate (8th in EU). And the vast majority of the fatal accidents happened on rural streets. The European roads are by far the safest in the world and will be even safer, the EU is implementing a policy that aims to eliminate road deaths by 2050.
Agree with all of your points. Thanks!
the norther you go the more people respect traffic rules usually
@@Nick-rg8oz ahahah, try to go in Turin
As an Italian, I never realized how much I took for granted.
I think that’s true for most of us in our home country. The right turn on red that we do in the US and our lack of speed cameras are good examples.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure I remember myself feeling guilty the first times I did turn right on red in U.S. 😂
@andreabruson5568 We started doing it during the oil crisis of the early 70s as a way to reduce fuel usage. You can do it, as long as there is no sign prohibiting it at that intersection, most everywhere than in NYC - or at least Manhattan.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure wow interesting info, I did not know it! thanks!
We are used to blame ourselves, when there's no reason for that.
Ok, now I need an Italian dubbed version of this video to be shown to my fellows italian compatriots, because many... many... MANY of us need those instructions... 🤣
Jokes aside, I think that this little gem of a video is the most relevant and complete guide to what to expect and how to handle driving in my country that I ever seen.
And i want to praise the grace and clarity of presentation you put into it. Hope to meet you somewere here in Italy one day! Byeeee!
Thanks so much for this kind comment. It makes us feel good.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure ho visto il vostro sito internet e ho visto la zona in cui avete costruito la vostra splendida casa. Complimenti è un posto meraviglioso: ho sempre adorato quei posti. People from that area are simple and kind hearted, I had some friends from the Macerata area during my years in Ancona university: they were the best companions, so polite and easy going.
Non posso essere d’accordo più. È una bella zona con un popolo molto accogliente.
As a well travelled Italian, I recommend driving in my Country only to very confident drivers and to follow all the instructions and advice on this video. It is very well made.
As a side note, if you're driving a car in a small narrow road and end up damaging it, please mind that you might have damaged a private property wall as well so, be very careful.
Great suggestions. Thanks.
another tip: in big cities you're gonna get honked a lot! don't get mad about it, it's a common thing here. just keep going on your way and you'e gonna be fine. 😄
Good advice. Honking is certainly a common occurrence, like it is in New York and New Jersey.
this video is incredibly well made!
Wow! Sorry for the late thanks. But thanks!
Italian living near the Swiss border here.
This is the most comprehensive and clear guide to driving in my own country that I have ever watched. I’m sharing this video to all my (Italian and non Italian) friends, it’s just perfect.
Thank you - and drive safe.
Thank you so much!
I did all the driving when I spent a month in Italy…the hardest part about it was honestly ending up down ever shrinking roads until nearly stuck (in a compact vehicle)! Once I had to parallel park on a steep hillside and somehow also start the car and attempt to get out…but otherwise I did a great job. My dad was the backseat driver so it was a high pressure situation lol 😂
That has happened to us, too!
1 month after passing my test in the UK I hired a car in Verona and headed up to Pergine. My satnav took me down a super narrow road that ended up in a hilltop village with no way out but the way I had come. That was an experience and a half. Next week I’m driving all the way there from the UK.
It’s always a good idea to be a bit skeptical of satnav directions, especially in Italy. It seems that the databases aren’t that accurate.
The speed camera in Autostrada are called tutor, tutor use a different tecnique than normal speed camera, the normal speed camera take the istant speed that you are going in that point, tutor instead count the time that you travel in a cert amount of space, like 3km, you pass one camera keep your plate and start a stopwatch after 3km there is another camera that take for the second time your plate, and see your time travel, if it is under the time limit you are ok, of not it send your plate with the speed that you were traveling to the autorities.
Interesting. I didn’t know they used average speed. It’s a fact worth knowing. Thanks.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure They are capable to do both usually. Since those systems have been built and installed on the various autostrada in different period of time, they can implement simultaneously different technologies: the most recent systems have a single station equipment with intelligent cameras that can detect the type of vehicle is passing by (car, truck, trailer) just by reading the licence plate and then apply the proper speed limit.
Yes, in my whole life I never got a ticket from the tutor even when driving a bit over the limit, while I got MAAANY tickets from speed cameras outside the highway, in towns or secondary roads, even when I was a little bit over the limit. Let’s say Tutors are much more forgiving. great video BTW
@@giulianogaia that's because the Tutor system is active only every now and then. And beside this the entire system is set to ignore all violations of speed limit that stand within 10 km/h from the allowed speed. You have to consider that speedometer on cars always indicate an exaggerated value, so if the speed limit is 130 you can go up to 140 (measured with a GPS device) and no ticket will be issued.
In Italy a speed excess up to 10 km/h is usually considered as "velocità pericolosa ("dangerous speed") and not "eccesso di velocità" ("speed excess"): even if "dangerous speed " is enough to let you get a ticket, the fee to pay is so low that police doesn't bother to issue it, at least on autostrada.
It's the reason why you see all truck and trailers go at 90/92 km/h on autostrada while they have a specific speed limit of 80 km/h... They stand within the 10 km/h tolerance plus other 1 or 2 km/h of calibration tolerance of speed traps granted by law.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure yeah they get smarter and smarter. Cause once italians knew where speedtraps where they'd drive slowly just there to avoid the ticket and then run like it's a race. That way you can't do it. Cause if you travel too fast between the 2 check points it means you went above speed limits and fine you.
Italian here: such a thoughtful and lovely video. I really like the way you present information, one could even use that to teach Italians how to drive 😂
Thanks! Hat makes us feel good.
È vero, siamo molto attenti a cosa fanno gli altri automobilisti perché sappiamo che ci sarà sempre un italiano che non rispetta le regole stradali😂
Bellissima guida, l ho guardata con piacere. Ciao❤
Ti ringraziamo per il commento e il complimento.
Oppure uno straniero che non rispetta le regole
✅
6:01 the white sign with a red border means that access is forbidden from both sides (yes, unless authorized). The next sign, the red sign with the white rectangle, means that access is forbidden by this side, but it is allowed from the other side, because it's a one-way street and if you enter from there you are going in the wrong direction.
Yes. That’s a good explanation.
Funny how youtube is suggesting this video to a lot of italians!
@marcocorizza274 We don’t understand it. Over 40% of our views are from Italy, only about 10% from the US. It’s wild!
😂
The trend continues. Lots of views, 73% from Italy.
Kudos to you for this video, as an Italian I can assure you it's 100% accurate.
Thanks! That’s great to hear.
As an Italian, thank you for this video. It'll be useful for fellow tourists
Thanks! We hope so. We want everyone to have the best trip they can.
I am Italian, and I live in Rome, which is a hellish city for traffic, and it may seem crazy to foreigners, forced to drive in a big city, don't do it...!!! this guide is 100% accurate, well done...!!!!
It's not Rome but every big city in the world. If americans come from a small town of midwest they will be in troubles even in new York...
We could have been more forceful about no cities. I stopped driving in cities when ZTLs became common.
Exactly right.
As an italian, i said you make a excellent video…good job!!
Grazie mille!
Hi! Actually, if you mistakenly pass through a Telepass lane, you can go to a customer center (Puntoblu) and if you explain what happened they will sort you out. It is a mess though, expect long lines. Also, if you find yourself in the Telepass lane, just press the red button. When the bar lifts or if there is bo bar, GO THROUGH. DO NOT REVERSE OUT. That is an immediate license suspension and there will be cameras.
That’s good to know. I’ve never made that mistake and have heard horror stories about fines from those who have.
@@OurBigItalianAdventureI have had problems with telepass not triggering a couple of times, I pushed the talk to the operator button and told them where I got in so that they could calculate the toll and send it to the card registered to the license plate number.
Just to inform people that may encounter similar situations
Good info. Thanks.
I just moved to Italy and this video has been very informative.
Thanks! Enjoy your new home.
Why? Oh why did you do it??? 😲😬
??
@@OurBigItalianAdventure ??
Ok. Now I see. Why did the person move to Italy.
Hello folks. I'm italian and I fonund interesting your video. Thanks a lot. Some points to consider:
1. May be you'll find easier to refuel in highway but consider that highway gas stations are legal robbery. During "office" time it's easy to find a station with operator or a self working with credit/debit card and ... PIN outside highways! But it's all a question of money.
2. When you pay highway toll the automatic voice say you arrivederci-goodby. It's really italian to answer. Yes we are used to chat a lot and we chat to machines too. Feel free to answer in english. Really italian is to answer very bad words: it's catartic! But it is a long story so stick to your attitude and simply say goodby!
3. Roundabout: the sign is correct but first consideration is that it is a "danger" sign. Roundabout are not dangerous, they are really static and have no erratic behaviour. Many time erratic are drivers: you described perfectly what is the law but you may find many drivers out of the law. Possible deviations to take care: following car horning. As before we chat a lot and we love to inform the rest of the world our feelings (In Italy we have many poets and musicians, it's not a case). The car is our body/mind extension and horning is a way to chat, communicate (refer to point 2 and talking to machines). So disregard the horny(ng) advice and drive safely your way. More important is approaching the roundabout: there is a second unwritten rule. I'm not suggesting this rule but to defend yourself. The rule is that if you drive into the roundabout fast enough you have right of way! Obviously as in a F1 Race little mistakes may results in serious accidents! As me and you are not payed to race we must rely on insurance ... I heard you had bad experience so I suggest avoid that competition and interacting with insurance company.
4. Signs are important but sometimes may be erratic. Ok you are right it is not erratic the sign but could be the worker who posed it. In particular speed limit signs. Avoiding speeding fine sometimes it's impossible, could be easier to win casino! Italians have two opinions. First one is that speed limits and autovelox are part of a global plot: majours need money so signs and autovelox are theire moneymachine! No way for money to survive into your wallet... Second one is that speeding fine is the fate, when it's your time there is no way to avoid. May be seems a joke but the reality could be signs covered by other signs (advertizing signs ...), bushes cars or trucks so invisible, and speed limits that sometimes means "I know you'll drive twice the speed"!
For now it's all: take care and have nice and safe holiday in italy!
Grazie! Hai certamente ragione nei tuoi punti.
1. Sì, senza dubbio. Ho menzionato la convenienza delle pompe sull’autostrade perché negli USA non usiamo il PIN con una carta di credito e non voglio che persone siano sorprese.
2. Molto interessante. Io rispondo alla “donna” e dice “arrivederci” ma pensavo de essere un po’ pazzo!
3. Mi piace la raccomandazione di cercare di essere un guidatore F1!!
4. In America, di solito, è illegale usare i autovelox. La polizia usa radar, ma solo quando il poliziotto è presente in una macchina, per seguirci e fermarci per darci il biglietto di multa.
5. Principalmente mi piace guidare in Italia, fino a quanto evito le città!
"Arrivederci!"
"E salutam'assoretə"
Puoi tradurre per un americano?
@@OurBigItalianAdventure it's usually a bit rude, it's common in southern dialects and it roughly translates to "and say hi to your sister", but can be used for any close relative (siblings, parents, grandparents etc.). Mothers and sisters are more common for pretty obvious reasons.
😁
As a Sicilian who has also lived and driven in both the US ( in Boston which has the alleged worst drivers in the US) and in a major central Italian city, Rome, Italy presents a very challenging driving environment full of perils. I would not recommend driving here if you aren't used to driving on twisting mountain roads first of all. Sicily is super dangerous in this regard. Then I would add driving experiences in cities like Palermo and Naples are for only more mature drivers. They take the top of "defensive drivers" who will challenge all of your patience and sense of motorist respect.
I agree. I did Napoli once, over 30 years ago, well before gps. Just driving into town to the train station was difficult with only a map and terrifying. I also did Palermo once, not quite as stressful but not something I’d recommend to my friends.
Lovely, and very clear! The orange cones at the side of the road indicated as speed cams are actually bogus and do not contain any equipment (the black rectangular marks are stickers, not openings).These are known as speed-deterrents, and rather very effective as many drivers won't take the risk. There are also blue speed cam boxes but these can only contain a speed cam if there is a police squad nearby performing speed control.
Good info. We had never heard that before our comments to this video. Thanks!
Italian here: you are awesome and this was very fun to watch!
Thanks! This makes us feel good.
Excellent video.
As expats (just over a year), we took classes for 5 months to pass our driver's test. It's VERY hard. Lots of information that US drivers have never thought about.
Congrats. I known some very intelligent Americans who say it’s by far the hardest test they ever took, harder than the SAT or the like. And they speak Italian very well.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure
I must be a glutton for punishment, tomorrow I take the test for the Patente Nautica! 🤪
Buona fortuna!
Yeah, for the theoretical test the key is to do at least a hundred quizzes and read the book they give to you, but imo the driving test is much worse because if you forget to correctly indicate with a blinker you will not pass.
We’re toying more seriously with becoming residents. That test is one of our stumbling blocks.
What an awesome video this is! Being Italian and having lived in the USA for some years, I find it spot-on. The only thing I can think of missing is a small (but VERY important) info about the place you have to stop at the traffic light.
In US the light is ACROSS the intersection, while in Italy, it is right where you have to stop. Keep this in consideration if you don't want to burn a red light or worse😉😉
Keep it up, folks!
Thanks! We really appreciate it.
That’s good advice. We’ll add it when we do an updated video, probably next year.
Great video! Small tip regarding ZTLs: if you happen to enter one by accident, you can quite often park at one of the fairly expensive parking garages within the ZTL (these are the privately owned ones, often referenced by hotels, ...). These guys will communicate you plate number to the authorities and you will avoid getting fines, as parking garage customers are allowed to enter the ZTL on their way to the garage.
This advice is very useful!
Really good tip. Expensive parking < ZTL fine. Very creative.
Agree
1:05 true!!! when driving on Italian roads my rule is "watch 1/5 what you do, 4/5 what others do". We are aggressive, I know 😅 but thank you guys for saying we're one of the best ones in the world 🥰 you guys are awesome!
You’re welcome!
As a newer Italian homeowner from the states, let me say I absolutely love driving in Italy. Instead of stopping every 200 feet for a signal or a stop sign, you can drive for hours in the countryside and never really have to stop other than sometimes for a few seconds to enter a roundabout, or getting in and out of an Autostrada. I drive 2 hours and 15 minutes from Umbria to Rome when we go to the airport, and there are no stop lights the whole way and really the only stop is to get a biglietto at the Autostrada, and another to pay. Absolutely love that!
Agree.
A very nice summary! I've driven rental cars all over Italy for decades without many problems and agree with all your points. I advise taking pictures of all sides of the rental car in situ when you pick it up so that pre-existing damage can't be blamed on you. Some rental agencies are clean, spacious, and well run. But more often the attendant doesn't do more than glance at the odometer and send you on your way, coming or going. Once, in Palermo, there was no attendant outside, and the desk clerk told us to just leave the car---triple-parked on the busy street. You never know!
It seems that the autostrada police are getting more vigilant. They sometimes lurk at exits coming into major cities like Firenze and make random stops to look at International Driving Permits. Can mean a big fine or even confiscation of the car if you don't have one.
Also, if you really really need to travel into a ZTL like we did when moving from Roma to Firenze, note that they often don't operate on Sunday. You can get into the city, take your time to load or unload the car, then turn the car in or move it to a legal lot.
Good points...we usually take photos of the car even if we get full coverage. I didn't know the police were getting more vigilant about checking for International Driving Permit on the autostrada, though we have been stopped in a small town and asked to show it.
You can also pay a small fee to get in without being fined (5 euros per day in Florence if you just want to get in, 15 if you also want to park within the ZTL perimeter).
Never heard that. I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks.
Brit here, what a great video. The first time I drove to Italy years ago was an eye opener. We all know how different countries have different cultures and attitudes but I wasn't expecting to see it so clearly in the way people drive. It's obvious now but for first timers, be ready!
The French seem to drive with a more laid back, don't really care attitude; so what if I'm driving in the middle of the road, yes we'll all get there in the end.
The Swiss drive with respect, to the rules and each other; only once in Switzerland have I seen a driver way over the speed limit, 1am VW golf on the autobahn/motorway/freeway and went past me like I was standing still.
The Italians drive like racing drivers; I'm not a slow driver but I lost count of the times either a teenage girl in an Opel corsa or an old lady in her little fiat tried to overtake me on narrow winding country roads!
It literally changes as you cross the border.
Thanks. Yes, Italian drivers seem to love to overtake (pass) on narrow, winding roads. Then they zoom off out of sight. A lot braver than I am.
Siete fantastici!!! Date sempre delle spiegazioni perfette.
Grazie!
Very informative! Planning to drive through Tuscany on my upcoming trip. Thank you so much for this video!
Our pleasure!
Greetings from italy..!
The video is totally accurate.
Hope you enjoyed your trip
Thanks! 😃
Great video
.... From italian Guy
Thanks! We appreciate it.
You described exactly how to drive in Italy: NEVER assume that other drivers are doing what they are supposed to do. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but this way you'll be less likely to get involved in a car accident. And remember this: this unwritten rule is more important as you are in big cities and as you are in the South.
And don't let this scare you, just don't speed on a green light and don't assume that if you have the right of way other drivers will adjust and you'll be fine! (usually by mistake: don't be scared!)
A few days ago I also crossed an intersection with a red light because they changed the rule for that specific intersection: the day before there was a green light for the straight direction and the left turn, now it only allows the straight, they added green for left turns. And, of course, they changed the green circle to two green arrows: up and left.
Always paying attention is good advice.
Especially: don't rely on turning indicators from other cars (but please try to use them properly when appropriate): always double check with the car to initiate the actual manouver. Many times people will take a turn without flashers. Or forget/improperly set the indicator and then go straight or even turn the opposite way.
Yes. Turn indicators (or as we Yanks call them turn signals) are the most misused device in the world.
I smiled throughout the entire video. It is 100% accurate and you are so lovely people. Thank you for appreciating our Country ❤
Thanks. Such a nice comment. We love Italy.
Guys you have serious skills. Your video is the best informative one I've watched so far on youtube about driving in Italy
Wow! Thanks! We really appreciate it.
I drove in Italy last year. Driving into Naples and Sorrento on a Friday afternoon was very challenging. The Italian lady thought that we were crazy to drive in Italy. Nothing different from what we are used to though.
Well, these places are the most difficult and chaotic
I remember the one time I drove in Naples. 30+ years ago, just to get to the train station to drop off a car. Only a paper map, surrounded by Neopolitani, it was quite the experience. As was Palermo on a different trip.
I’d never drive in NYC and avoid Boston, for other reasons. Elsewhere, I’m fine in North America and most other places outside of Asia and Africa.
A balanced and clear way to explain the battle zone Italian roads really are.
Thanks.
Hi there!
Nicely done video!
My wife and I traveled to Italy twice for 30 days each time. We rented a car and I have to honestly say you were 100 percent spot on throughout your presentation! We rented a villa in Tuscany each time, so most of our driving was done within that region.
Took the trains to Rome, Florence, Lake Como and other major cities....(thank goodness that I did)😊
Gotta love those ZTLs, hidden speed cameras, Tolls, rotaries (round-abouts) and the many, many different road signs😂😂😂
I've also watched all of your videos and especially enjoyed seeing your beautiful home (I personally would not change anything to it).
Keep up the great work and we look forward to seeing more of your excellent videos!
Thanks for sharing!
John from New England (USA)
Thanks for your kind comment, John. It sounded like you’ve had some great Italy experiences.
Thorough and accurate, you guys hit the nail right on the head. Cheers from Italy (and nice Wayfarers!)
Thank you!
Grazie!
I'm 73 and going alone and the ONE place out of any city I want to go to has a train layover of ....5 minutes! OH, DEAR! I'm going to get my international license just in case... I used to drive a stick, so....This is SO helpful! COURAGE!
If it’s a smaller station 5 minutes might work. It just takes a little while to get used to driving here.
I'm Italian. Grate video! You have my admiration.
I just wanted to point it out that the prices in Autogrill, for fuel and food, are around 20-25% higher than on normal roads. it is always convenient to get out from the highway, refill in a nearby service station, eat at a bar or restaurant and then go back on your route.
Also, you should point out that on the highway, a speed infraction can be inssued also if your average speed exceeds the limit between two checkpoint. Basically, if your speed is ok under the firse and second autovelox is within the limit, but you speed between the checkpoints, thay will calculate your average using the plate and you'll be screwed.
Also, about renting cars, then website you made me discover is amazing. Thank you. I found exceptional prices. You should maybe point out that, even if a person doesn't want to pay for the full coverage of the insurance, the "cristalli" (glasses) coverage should always be bought. Windshield are extremely expensive nowadays and most of the time, a damage to a window doesn't depends on the poor abilities of the driver. Its fate, most of the times... Like a branch that fall from a tree of an object on the road pulled up by the can in front of you (ask me).
For the rest i would suggest to watch you video to all the people who are planning to visit my country by car.
Amazing job.
Ps. Almost forgot. If a person is crossing the street 7 meters before of 14 meters after the crossing stripes, the pedestrian is always in the right by law. Anyway, if a pedestrian crosses the street far away from the crossing zebra lines in a urban area (50kmh speed limit), the pedestrian will always be right if you hit. Urban areas always have a 50kmh limit: sometimes urban areas are not signalled by a sign but the limit always applies.
So, it's a good (conservative) rules to always let the pedestrian cross calmly. Always. It's never convenient to hit a pedestrian. You're always wrong in this country if you hit a pedestrian. From June 24, same applies on cyclists because of a brand new law.
Thank you for your comment! I learned some new things from. you about driving in Italy.
Kudos for the infos provided on this video. I'm watching it as an Italian and I can confirm what you have said its accurate. Just a side note on the CC insurance, make sure to read the fine prints because sometimes rentals in Italy are not included and Alfa Romeos are considered "exotics". Have fun in Italy!
Thanks! Good advice. That fine print is a key factor in our recommendation to not rely on credit card insurance.
I love this ... I'm a bit in shame, but tourists are not alone... I took a double ZTL ticket too... In Trento where I was born and raised
It happens, I’m sure.
pay attention with regards to the difference between TUTOR and SPEED CAMERA. How ever I am also happy to see such enthusiasm when visiting my country! Take care
Thanks. Will do.
I have driven miles upon miles or should I say kilometers upon kilometers in Italy, from Sicily all the way to Switzerland. I love it! If you can drive in Italy with no issues, you are a very good driver.
It can be a challenge but also a lot of fun!
Tip: If you use Waze for navigation you can set it so that is avoids ZTL zones altogether and it works pretty well
I have heard that, but I've forgotten to try it. I'll do it tomorrow. Thanks.
Another great video. Thank you
Thanks!
Just another Italian providing some tips 🙂.
When you see speed check signs, be careful: "Controllo elettronico della velocità" means that your CURRENT speed will be checked on a spot right ahead (either by "Autovelox" or "Telelaser"), while "Controllo velocità con sistema Tutor" means that your AVERAGE speed is checked over a road section which can be quite long (up to 15-20 Km or more).
"Tutor" is a generic name for such checking systems, but it is actually used on motorways (toll highways), while on the ordinary road network you may encounter systems like "SICVE" or "Celeritas", which actually work the same way.
HINT - There is a number of smartphone apps allowing you to get a warning when approaching to such check points, which are perfectly legal in Italy. That doesn't mean you can disregard the limits, but at least you get a reminder.
Have a nice trip in Italy!
Thanks! Excellent explanation of the meaning of the two signs. I didn’t know there as a difference.
Italian here. Very well done video and instructions! KUDOS...
Just one thing: as you say, Italian drivers can get pretty agressive sometimes. If you have the bad luck to find one of these drivers, just let them pass as soon as you can and your day will be just fine: don't even think to sart an argumento or, veen worse, a road rage, becasue you never know who you can find on the street and it could just rouin your vacation. Luckily, most of the people are ok, but we have our amount of mor0ns here too, like everywhere in the world!
Thanks for the compliment.
Good advice for the US, too. No reason to be involved in a road rage situation.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure in the US I wouldn't dare to open my mouth, becasue (unlike here) you have too many people carring a weapon in their cars... ;-)
Assolutamente.
Great video, very in depth. For some reason I found it in my recommended page, even though I’m Italian.
Another thing I’d add on parking lots is family reserved spots.
You can find them in big parking lots (such as mall lots) and they’re usually painted in pink.
Given the fact that they’re usually placed on private property (never seen them on public streets) you won’t get a fine, but it’s a nice gesture not to park over them as they’re reserved to families with small kids (who have to carry trolleys around) or pregnant women.
We also have EV reserved parking spaces, I’m not solely referring to Tesla superchargers. They’re usually green but they may vary. When you see a totem pole resembling an electric charge station, don’t park there: you’ll get a fine.
Another little tip about parking spaces (this time in the city center) is to be very careful of local markets. I personally work at the market selling clothes.
They’re very common here, and on the days when the market takes place, you absolutely can not leave your car parked.
You can usually park the car overnight, but if your vehicle is still there by the time workers reach the square/street where the market takes place (usually around 5am), you can rest assured that you won’t find your car parked there. I unfortunately often have to call a tow truck as I sometimes find cars parked on my assigned market spot, and fines are huge. It may end up costing you 200-300€. (I had some tourists get mad at me, truth is I don’t enjoy having vehicles removed, but I have to work!).
Last tip is to enjoy your time, take it easy and always be safe on the roads. Enjoy your stay!
*
I’ll add something about driving and alcohol, as you may want (and should!) try some of our wine.
The legal limit in order to drive after drinking is 0.5 g/l of alcohol per blood if you’re older than 21 or if you had your license for less than three years. In case you’re younger/had your license for less than 3 years the limit for alcohol is ZERO, no exceptions.
Police takes DUI very seriously. They won’t ask you to get out of your car and perform maneuvers or tests. They’ll only use a breathalyzer test, if you blow higher than 0,5 g/l you’ll have issues, with big fines and potential arrest. Worst case scenario, if you end up in an accident, insurance WON’T cover anything. Don’t drink and drive!
Thanks. We’re as puzzled as you are why RUclips is suggesting the video to Italians. We clearly made it for tourists - or at least clearly to us! But the majority of our views are from Italy and we’ve gotten many nice comments about the video, which is nice, as it reassures us we weren’t presenting bad information .
Thanks for your nice comment and wonderful suggestions about parking cautions. We may do a new driving video in 2025, and we’ll be able to incorporate your suggestions.
Cheers from Le Marche and South Carolina!
there are two kinds of roundabouts. the one you described where you yield to merge in, and can exit at any time is the most common (we call it the european roundabout), but be careful about the other type where you enter freely and have to yield to exit (also known as the italian roundabout). the first type is indicated with a blue circular sign with three rotating white arrows AND a yield sign (separated). the second kind is indicated with a yield sign with three rotating black arrows inside of it.
That is interesting...I don't think I've ever seen the second type of roundabout but n ow will be on the lookout for them!
In Italy only ONE general rule applies and not only in terms of traffic : everyone does what they want , the rules only apply to others and never to themselves. Then there is the law that rewards the guilty and punishes the victims. Long live italy.
I’m far more confident after viewing this to take on driving. Just have to adjust from driving on LHS. Thank for such observant and practical advice. I’d like to know about cash to carry, card use and best cards if you have time. Kind regards.
That’s great! I’m glad we could help.
We’re working on a “using money” video, but here are a few key points: 1. these days cards are accepted nearly everywhere, so there’s no need for a lot of cash. I usually carry less than €100. 2. Make sure you have a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. It can add 3% or so to the cost of everything. 3. If you have a choice to pay in euro or sterling, pay in euro. You’ll get a much better exchange rate. 4. Similarly, don’t exchange money at a cambio/exchange place or a free-standing ATM. You get a horrible exchange rate. Use a bank ATM 5, I can’t really recommend a non-US card. I have no knowledge. 6. Beware of pickpockets in major cities. As backup, have a spare credit card with you, and most of your cash carried in a money belt.
I hope this helps.
Wonderful video. Useful and elegant.
Love from Italy!
Speravamo di creare qualcosa utile, ma elegante! È stata davvero un trionfo. Grazie.
There are more italians in comments than americans. I've expected it. Btw the video is wonderful and absolutely correct.
(of course I'm italian too :D )
Thanks! Yes, we have gotten a very large number of views from Italians.
Another italian here, just one info: tollerance for speed is 5% so if limit is 100 and you get caught at 105 you're good - most cars will show about 110 on tacho. Also regarding speeding: if limit is lets say 90 and see most traffic go 110-120 usually it means there are no traps, however, if you see bunch of cars slowing down for no reason usually there is a trap. Finally, do make a difference between traps and tutor as the former is average speed on a strech of road and not immediate speed. Moreover, quick tip: most of what has been said in the video regarding traffic, crosswalk and all other road behavior is very much not valid south of Florence or Umbria (which is the area I suppose you are exploring) and in particular in Rome, Naples, Bari, Palermo, Catania and other large cities.
Our house is in Marche, so much of our experience is central and north. But we were in Puglia in the spring and we saw a lot of crosswalk compliance. But your point about cities is certainly valid. Thanks,
Lovely video and lovely couple! One other thing, some cities could have parking with blue and yellow lines around, they behave like blue parking spots but for a limited time (from 8am to 8pm) and outside this window of time, it not allowed to park there because its reserved for residents
Ah. This is good to know. Thanks.
What a wonderful video. Great job, thanks for the high quality content ❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice video
you were objective without falling into our usual stereotypes
I liked what you said about the "defensive" driving of the Italians
It's absolutely true!
as I told my daughter that in one year she had 3 small accidents in the city
ok always without his fault
but a good driver not only doesn't get into accidents
but also avoid them!!
Thanks. It’s hard to get a young person to drive defensively, in my experience. They think nothing will go wrong.
Italian here: also the closer you get to a remote town or a small one watch out on randabouts cuz ppl from there are used to low level of traffic and might speed a bit because used to noone being around
Excellent point. Thanks.
677 / 5.000
if you are in Campania I suggest you not take the car, except in rural areas. The traffic rules are quite different there. Above all, pay attention to roundabouts because the rules of precedence are completely different. Those in the roundabout do not have absolute priority and are required, as a measure of civility, to allow entry to some of those queuing outside. Whoever is on the outside expects that whoever is in the roundabout will soon give up space for him and therefore after a short he will enter as if he had the right of way. Be careful! If you find yourself driving in Naples then the only sensible thing is to find a parking space as soon as possible
In Campania il Codice della strada è una specie di fantacalcio dove ognuno si inventa le proprie regole?
@@jimbotron70 Dipende dalle zone, ma le regole non sono proprie. Sono semplicemente un po' diverse da quelle del resto del paese. In particolare per quanto riguarda le rotonde. Se ti ci ritrovi e non lo sai, rischi di fare l'incidente
@@jimbotron70 esatto! basta essere molto intuitivi e capire quale sia il codice stradale non scritto. Io (romana) ci sono riuscita e da allora sento di avere un superpotere: posso guidare ovunque 🤣
Min 6:24 you were wrong. That sign means NOT PARKING BOTH SIDE. The one before means NOT PARKING ON THE SIDE YOU SEE THAT SIGN
Interesting. That would be my mistake.
My compliments, very well done, I think this will be very useful for people coming to Italy . Keep coming ❤
Thanks! Certamente. Non abbiamo nessuna intenzione a smetterci. Infatti, il prossimo viaggio comincia domani.
As an Italian I can only reiterate that the best way to visit a city is to find a car park, leave the car and walk. With the exception of Rome, our cities are small and walkable, at least the parts that you'd want to visit. Milano is relatively large, but the centre of the city is served by a reasonably efficient public transport system.
Milano is walkable in its historic centre which is definitely smaller than Rome's one.
But the metropolitan area is huge, you need metro and suburban trains to move
Yes but better than having a car!
For the love of all that is holy, never drive in Rome. People are absolutely insane there, especially scooter drivers...
Milano isn't large at all, it's not even in the top 100 of the largest italian cities. To have a comparison, Roma is 1287 square kilometers, Venezia 415, Matera 392, Parma 260, Ostuni 225, Verona 195, Milano 181. The historic center on the other hand is quite large, about 9 square km, but still smaller than the 15 of Rome and the 17 of Venice (194 considering the internal waters).
Couldn’t t agree more. I do:wish the metro was a bit more convenient for visitors. It doesn’t go near many interesting sights.
9:25 Tolerance is 5 km/h below 100 km/h of speed limit, and 5% above 100 km/h of speed limit. In a motorway the usual speed limit is 130 km/h and one must be measured at more than 136,5 km/h in order to be fined.
Very good info to have. Thanks!
Relax guys........if you are from Texas, driving in Italy is a relaxing beautiful experience. They don't drink a "lot" and drive. They don't speed up when it rains so they get home before the streets flood, Not as many people are on their phones when they drive, They don't do "Texans never miss a turn" like switching over two or three lanes to make that last second turn, They do not have as many 18 wheelers barreling down the highway, You don't have to worry about a road rage person carrying a gun, they do not mind the motorcyclists shooting through the traffic at high speeds (keep them in mind when driving), and I feel safe riding a bicycle here....they respect cyclists...........I moved to Italy, and I love the roundabouts. Roundabouts are all about not sitting at a red light when there is no traffic coming through the crossing green light. Pedestrians have crossings that are not that well marked......everyone respects these crossings, and you have to pay attention when you are driving for pedestrians. Also.....compared to Texas, I think the traffic moves slower here because they are moving kilometers per hour. All this adds up to a general population that is paying attention because there are not a lot of traffic signals to tell us how to drive. My only complaint is that streets are not marked hardly at all. You have to guess if you are on the right street......buuuuuut.........we have GPS today, and that pretty much solves that problem. I do not know about traffic fines.......my car dealer drove me to another town to look at a car, and he was cruisin 90 MPH! the whole time in his twenty year old Honda Civic Diesal Manual ...........I was blowin and goin on my vacation with the fast cars during my vacation last year and there was no ticket presented to me?????? Oh, by the way, we moved to Abruzzo......it is chill......where the Italians go for vacation........Love Abruzzo......would not want to live anywhere else......laid back, bellissima..........
cavolo.... guidare in texas deve essere come guidare a Napoli o Roma..... immagino.
E a proposito.... Abruzzo è bellissimo si...
Sounds like Rome or, better, Naples. Glad to know I can drive in Texas
"Not as many people are on their phones when they drive"
Well, no, not exactly. In Italy everyone uses a phone or a tablet when driving.
It seems that in Italy you necessarily have to drive sometring (a car, a truck, a motorcycle, bycicle, scooter...) in order to make the phone work
@@voxhumana4950 I don't know which Italy you've been to
But it is not true that everyone drives with their phone.
Someone obviously does it
But saying all is wrong
@@Lexforlife74 Due to my job, I'm compelled to spend a lot of time on the road.
Besides, I am (was?) a runner, and I often run along pheripheral roads, watching the drivers that go towards me; I can see them through the wind screen.
When I run along a straight stretch of road, I count the drivers that use their phone: about 85 % (8 every ten cars or 9 every ten cars/truckc/buses, etc.)
Everybody talks, send messages... ordinary drivers, policemen, bus drivers, nuns...
On the highway, I seen someone holding his tablet with both hands, watching at it instead of looking through the windscreen.
I've always lived in Italy, and I'm 66; in my experience, the only italian area in which not a lot of people use the phone when driving is Sardinia.
We are aggressive drivers but good ones as you said :)
Italian here! Still watching but hopefully this is helpful 6:57 please avoid the "centro" of anything like it's a nuclear blast zone. Here's why:
1) I see you touch upon it at 17:25, but it's important: the "ZTL" - limited traffic areas - often cover the central areas and they're PURPOSEFULLY vague in the signalling (except major cities) because that's how small towns rack in the cash with fines. So when you see a "center" arrow, keep it in mind as that's probably where you'll want to be eventually if you want to visit the town, but keep your eyes peeled for signs with "ZTL" written on them and a bunch of warnings. Just park well outside of the center and go by foot, in small towns it's never an issue.
In large cities the ZTL areas may be way more complex so either completely avoid driving or do very in depth research. ZTL's are traps, they're hard to figure out for EVERYONE, in Rome they switched around the signage like 3 times to confuse people (in the past "active" means no entry, then it meant good to enter, then it reverted back to no entry.
2) Parking. It's just generally harder to park and, when allowed, often comes with expensive "blue lines" paid parking.
3) Traffic and higher influx of people that are on a hurry and will make your driving life impossible.
So, really, don't plan in using your car to reach any city center. Park well outside of it, and take public transport for the rest.
ALSO **EXTREMELY IMPORTANT** PLEASE NEVER LEAVE ANY OF YOUR BELONGINGS IN A PARKED CAR THAT IS UNGUARDED. IF YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO, USE PAID, GUARDED PARKING. IN ROME, NAPLES AND MILAN AND OFTEN IN HIGHWAY SERVICE AREA STOPS - BUT ESPECIALLY ROME - YOU CAN AND WILL GET YOUR CAR SMASHED AND ROBBED WITHIN 10 MINUTES. The record so far is a friend of mine, left car unsupervised 6 minutes to pick up some keys he forgot at home, when he came back the car was smashed. THIS IS SERIOUS YOU HAVE A 90% CHANCE OF LOSING ALL YOUR LUGGAGE SO PLEASE JUST DON'T. The danger level rises with proximity to large transport hubs (train stations) or event venues.
Edit: I mean it. Nothing. Leave nothing. No, not hidden: nothing. There's thieves with devices that scan for bluetooth/wireless signal strenght and will nick your electronics. A single jacket that looks interesting may be enough to smash a windshield and nab it. If you open and close the boot, someone will notice it and it may be enough to smash it. I am serious, it's a pandemic of sorts here. Leave nothing in your car if unsupervised. I only go to the bathroom in turns during car trips with a car full of luggage, have done so for the last 20 years of my life, every time I change my mind someone loses all their belongings and I remember why I do this. Don't.
adding to 7:23 : there's exceptions. You don't want to bother too much about them, take for granted the general rule, but there are exceptions and you notice them by the complete lack of "Yield" signage outside the roundabout. A major one is the large Piazza Della Repubblica next to Termini station in Rome.
Wow! Great comment. I hope our viewers from the US read it.
Always exceptions.
This cracks me up. Italians are the most polite and decent drivers in the world. Yes. The rules in italy are more a suggestion but drivers in Italy pay attention way better than in US. Also USA is not a homogeneous place. I live in San Francisco and it’s way worse than anywhere in Italy even Napoli. Really good video. I got caught in telepass lane a few times and had to pay it later via internet. If this happens. You don’t have to pay the fine. Just go online and enter the ticket number and pay the normal toll.
Thanks- good advice about paying the toll online instead of the fine!
Hi, i’m italian. I live near Milano. Italian drivers are crazy, undisciplined, impatients, they often use the horn. They’re not all like that, but a good portion is. Pay attention to the roundabouts! I’ve been in Wales last month, and it seems to me an another world! I have rent a car in Manchester. Calm drivers, perfect in roundabouts, no horn, for me no problem drive on the right. Good video!
Well, yes, Milan drivers are like that, and cities tend to do that effect to people
Thank you- yes the Brits do drive politely! But where's the challenge in that? Haha
A milano è una giungla dove se non suonano per più di 5 secondi di fila gli viene un ictus.
Fuori da Milano la musica cambia, ma in città può capitare spesso la stessa situazione
Davvero!
Be safe while on the streets.
Driving here in Italy can be dangerous sometimes. There are people from lots of countries here that drives every kind of vehicles. So it's not always safe.
Have a foot on the brakes can really save lives sometimes. 😉👍
Hi guys, congrats for your nice video, totally spot on and informative… even if you were too kind with us sometimes! Beware drivers overtaking from the right lane (DANGEROUS) and dirty toilets in autogrill! Love from Italy!
Grazie! I haven't seen Italian overtaking from the right but Americans do it all the time...as for Autogrill toilets...sometimes a little dirty but I have seen worse!
Little precisation on the roundabouts: you don't have to yield at every roundabout, only when there's the signal.
Roundabouts work as regular crossroads, where the one with the free right has to pass first. In a roundabout this would be the person entering, as they go anti-clockwise and cars in the roundabout come from the left only.
But.
There's always a but, that being the yield signal (the upside down white triangle with the red edge). According to the italian driving code you "always have precedence at the roundabout unless there's the apposit sign", so if you see to your right the upside down triangle sign and on the road there's painted a stopping line made out of little white triangles you have to let the cars in the roundabout pass first.
It's an almost useless specification cause almost all roundabouts in Italy have the yield signal and triangles line, but there's a few roundabouts that don't, so even if you always watch out for other drivers' probable and impending incompetence you have the right to pass first and if they crash on you insurance will pay you, not them (same as if someone cuts your lane, if you hit them they'll have to pay you. Also suddenly braking when someone is driving too close to you, they reared you, so they have to pay you, even if you braked suddenly and with no reason since there's no way of proving that "a cat jumped in front of my car")
Good explanation. Thanks for adding it.
You guys are fantastic! I am Italian but living in the USA for many years, but I am from Tuscany, and I think I recognized some places from Tuscany near Florence in your video , thank you for the nice video!
Thanks!
yeah, is it Colle Val d'Elsa at 18:40 ?
Yes right, 😊 ty for the update..
I think so.
👍
Italian here, the video is perfect but I want to give you a pro-tip. The speed traps aren't always active, for example the orange one, who has written VeloOk, 99% of them are inactive. The blue ones are another story, if you look inside the holes in the sides and see nothing they are inactive, but if you see that there is something inside always slow down and look for a police car, by law they MUST be near it while is active. There is another case, which is a mobile signal warning, usually on the ground, telling you that there is a "controllo elettronico della velocità" and this is the worst scenario because 100% in front of you there is a police car with a laser monitoring your speed, and if you're speeding they are going to stop and fine you in place. I got lucky one time because they were already stopping another driver so the officer was occupied fining the poor guy and was not checking my speed.
Very good info. Thanks.
Good and precise video. One more tip as to the road signs. A triangular shape means danger ⚠️. A round shape ⭕️🚫⛔️ means an obligation or prohibition (that is, an obligation to perform or to not perform a certain behavior: speed limits, no parking, turn right only, etc.). Finally, a squared or rectangular shape means a mere indication (arrows mean directions quite obviously). All these signs (with very few exceptions) will be exactly the same all throughout Europe, or at least certainly within the European Union countries (for a reason: it was the result of very specific agreements, so to make sure that someone who drives through 4 or 5 nations in a day will not get confused). And the relative absence of words (i.e., pictograms only) is due to the fact that many languages are spoken in Europe, so if every nation posted signs with lots of words in their language, non-natives will not be able to understand and obey.
Excellent points. Noted for when we update the video. Thanks.
Thank you so much for visiting our country and for explaining how it all works :) benvenuti, baci e abbracci ❤
Grazie. Ci piace l’Italia. Ogni giorno troviamo un nuovo posto strepitoso.
@OurBigItalianAdventure if you haven't been please visit Trieste:)
We have and can’t wait to go back. It’s more or less unknown to Americans, but it’s a great city.
You know better than most of the fellows Italians, you should translate this video for them
That might be fun to do.
0:09 Italian here, that's plenty of space 😄 Also, avoid Palermo in Sicily as that beatiful city is for seasoned experts only 😉
I can believe you think it’s a lot. You could probably go in reverse at 30 kph through those streets!
Your video is lovely! ❤
Thanks! We appreciate it.
“Speed traps” are usually memorized in navigators. I use “Amigo” on my phone.
There are 2 types of speed traps:
1)Speed check
2)Average speed check. It’s only in Autostrada. It measures your average speed from “tutor cartel” to others.
In Italia you can exceed speed limit of 5 km/h (no mph), or 5% (if 5% is higher then 5 km/h ).
70 km/h = 75
130 km/h = 136,5
Thanks.
How do the stand alone autovelox machines work? What are each of the openings for? (Assuming that any of these devices work?)
I guess your video ended up exploding in Italy itself, considering the amount of comments made by Italians acknowledging what you said! I'm one of them
I know! Not sure why RUclips has decided to show it to Italians. You obviously don’t need our help!
Such a good explanation! Bravi! 👏👏👏👏
Grazie! Ci piace il sostegno.
love your video, saluti 😊🇮🇹
Grazie!
I lived both in Italy and North America.
I definitely prefer driving in Italy MUCH better.
At first, to those not used to it, it could appear crazy but it’s the opposite.
I call it organized chaos, 😅
On the other end when I drive in North America, I feel more in danger as many people don’t seem to have enough experience in driving. The move they make are scary and dangerous at best.
Most people don’t respect the rules of proper and safe driving, especially on the highway. Like passing on the right…
In Italy such thing DOES NOT happen….
Excellent points. I definitely think Italians are more aware of what might be a problem.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure yeah, we are. I noticed the difference when driving in the South of France (not Marseille). They dutifully respected the "code de la route" and I had to do the same basically because I could see they would really be very confused if I did something, let's say, different. They drove well but they just weren't good at dealing with unexpected situations (something people who drive in Rome and Naples are definitely used to). But, after a little adaptation on my part, I have to say it was a nice change :)
👍
Thanks for this video… very useful!
We have found EasyPark really useful. One important note about white spaces: do NOT park in white spaces designated for residents only.
Good point about the residents' spaces. It's a detail I forgot to mention.
Bravi e perfetti come sempre del resto
Grazie mille!
Good video. I would have needed one too when I moved to the US. Gasoline on the highway is not only more expensive in Italy. Gasoline is also more expensive in Switzerland and France than on the highway or in cities/villages. Modern GPS can also provide (like in the US the cost of gas on the display). The shops at the motorway distributors are very expensive, once when everything was state-owned they were much less expensive, because they were designed for citizens on the road. Now they profit from necessity. By the way, even in other countries supermarket products are more expensive on the highway. The concept of a service like WaWa or Sheetz no longer exists in Italy. As in all of Europe, including England (so be careful everywhere), speed cameras are installed in Italy too and the police also have instruments to measure speed. Limited traffic zones (ZTL) do not exist in the US, but were introduced to reduce traffic in historic centers. Municipalities use international debt collection companies to collect fines from residents abroad. Of course, some traffic rules are different than in the United States, so don't turn right on a red light. So consult a guide to the rules. As in all American cities, free parking, if it is limited in time, is controlled by people from the municipality. Fortunately, the fine is less expensive than in the US. The lanes at the Telepass toll booths, (Equivalent to EZPass in the North East) are enabled for owners of the device (the same applies in France and Spain), but the toll booths accept either debit or credit cards or cash. Be careful when accessing roundabouts, unfortunately this way of sorting traffic was essentially imported from Great Britain, but they drive on the opposite side and access is easier, also to guess who has priority. I must also point out that many of my fellow countrymen are not clear about which lane is correct to take to exit roundabouts with multiple lanes.
Good observations about the US.
Just strictly follow the driving rules, and do not expect others to do that, and you will be reasonably safe.
It’s true, but since some rules are different in Italy, we thought it wise to remind people.
I’m italian. I find this video vary nice.
Grazie!
Un grande abbraccio!
Grazie! Ci piace il tuo complimento.
If you drive in Italy take the Auto Strata it is very good develop with all the off ramps
clearly mark but beware if you must retrack your route and must go trough a toll at the
end of the day it is costing because there are not a lot of bridges on the toll roads
where you can turn.
Good point.
Excellent and accurate content (I'm Italian).
Thanks so much!
These are the same conclusion I got to driving in the US, where to observance of rules is just apparent, in reality.
I can understand that. As our expression goes, “rules are made to be broken.” I think we’re just a bit less cautious about someone else who might break a rule and that causes accidents.
Excellent video, well made and extremely helpful.
Thank you!
Just adapt to the locals and driving in Italy will be FUN.
Yes.
Bello questo video, molto bravi questi signori nello spiegare come si deve guidare in Italia! Io uso il Telepass in quanto da circa 20 anni giro per vacanza e lavoro tutta l'Italia, però secondo me sarebbe meglio avere le autostrade gratuite come in Germania oppure al massimo pagare una tassa annuale (vignetta) come in Svizzera o Austria.
Grazie! Si, sono d’accordo. In America, senza poche eccezioni, questo tipo di strada è gratuita.