{"id":520,"date":"2022-09-21T17:27:20","date_gmt":"2022-09-21T21:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.casapaceegioia.com\/blog\/?p=520"},"modified":"2022-09-21T17:27:22","modified_gmt":"2022-09-21T21:27:22","slug":"how-to-drive-in-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.casapaceegioia.com\/blog\/how-to-drive-in-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Drive in Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Country
Photo by Luca Micheli on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Italy\u2019s most popular tourist destinations are easily reached by plane, train, or cruise ship. But to see Italy\u2019s hidden treasures, to travel like a local, to experience first-hand Italy\u2019s dolce vita<\/em>, rent a car and drive to smaller cities and tiny villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving in Italy is a sport. Italians drive fast, except when they drive slow. They tailgate, then slam on the brakes at a \u201czebra crossing.\u201d They use both hands to speak while driving, and they drive in-between designated lanes, as if to create additional ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet, my trips to Italy were more immersive and enchanting once I got behind the wheel. It will for you too. Here is everything you need to know to drive in Italy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Italian
Photo: AlexGukBo\/Depositphotos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before you Drive<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve taken pictures of your rental car and are ready to leave the lot. Before you do, turn on your headlights. Low-beam and parking lights are required at all times in suburban areas and the motorways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buckle your seatbelts, even passengers in the back seat \u2014 it\u2019s the law. Children under the age of four must be in an approved safety seat and children aged four to 12 are required to use a booster seat until they reach 1.5 meters tall (about 4.9 feet).  Your car rental company can provide both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0Program your destination into Waze,<\/a> or a similar GPS system that displays the speed limit<\/strong>, and alerts you when you\u2019re exceeding it. Speed limits change often, even on the same road, and are not always marked.\u00a0 If you\u2019re American, you may want to change your GPS settings to metric so they match the road signs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mobile phone use is allowed only in \u201chands-free\u201d mode. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leave your International Driving Permit<\/strong><\/a> in the vehicle. It won\u2019t do you any good in your luggage in your hotel room. You also need your driver\u2019s license.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s between November 1 – April 30, depending on where you are driving, you may be required to have snow chains in your car<\/strong><\/a>, or winter tires mounted.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Speed
Italian speed limits<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Speeding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, the speed limit on major freeways, (Autostrada<\/em>, some Strada Statale<\/em>) is 130 km\/h (80 mph), reduced to 110 km\/h (68 mph) in rain or bad weather. On divided highways in suburban areas (Strada Statale)<\/em>, the limit is 110, or 90 (56 mph) in inclement weather. On secondary and local roads (Strada Provinciale)<\/em> the speed limit is 90 km\/h, reduced to 80 km\/h  (50 mph) when raining. In cities it is 50 km\/h (31 mph) regardless of weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speed limits are enforced by a vast network of cameras<\/strong>, which are marked but easy to miss, especially when you don\u2019t speak the language, you\u2019re trying not to get lost, and you\u2019ve got one eye on your rearview mirror. Waze is good at warning when you approach a camera, but be advised some locations change weekly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To add to the confusion, two different systems monitor speed. One is clearly marked \u201ccontrollo elettronico della velocit\u00e0 con sistema tutor.\u201d<\/em> Usually on the Autostrade<\/em> (plural for Autostrada<\/em>), the Tutor system uses two cameras at fixed points to establish an average speed. If your average speed is over the limit, expect a ticket to arrive by mail. The second method, signaled by \u201ccontrollo elettronico della velocit\u00e0\u201d<\/em> is simply a camera with a radar, either in a box along the road or hand-held by a police officer.

As with the Tutor system, don\u2019t expect to be pulled over and fined for speeding. You\u2019ll get a ticket in the mail. If you really want to prepare, the Polizia di Stato website<\/a> publishes camera locations, updated weekly. (In Italian, but you can use Chrome or an extension to easily translate.) Many small towns also have speed cameras that should be designated, but even at a slower speed, they are easily overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As stated on my speeding ticket, drivers are given a 5% tolerance over the posted limit, with a minimum of 5 kmh for a speed limit of 100 kmh or less. Anything above that speed is subject to fees that start at \u20ac 41 and can reach \u20ac 336. Fines increase incrementally with higher speed violations, and if it occurs in the evening, a surcharge is added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your first indication that you have a ticket is if a charge appears on the credit card that you used to pay for your rental car. You might even receive an email from the car rental agency advising you that you have received a ticket and they have charged you an administrative fee to provide your information to the local authorities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ticket itself may take months to arrive. The police have 360 days to notify you. My ticket arrived by registered mail almost 4 months later. My fine, for driving 4 kmh over the threshold in a 70 kph zone, was \u20ac 44.60 including \u201cnotification and procedure costs\u201d if paid within 5 days of the receipt of the notification, which they know because they sent it certified mail. Hertz also charged me \u20ac 25 for the aforementioned administrative fee, lower than the \u20ac 50 that Europcar charged me for a \u201cZTL\u201d infraction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My ticket arrived the same day as my husband\u2019s, although his was from a different region and 4 months before mine. Both were in English and provided websites to view our crimes captured on camera. They offered methods to appeal but none were convenient for a guilty foreigner. The only way to pay was by international wire transfer, for which many American banks charge exorbitantly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know what happens if you don\u2019t pay. Our tickets stated that after 60 days, \u201crelevant tax authorities will be entitled to recover the half of the maximum amount of the violation\u201d \u2014 more than double the fine. We drive often in Italy, so for us non-payment was never a question. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Autostrada
Minimum Speeds by lane for the Autostrada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Italian Driving Quirks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Especially when driving on the Autostrada, you might think speed limits are not enforced in Italy, or that the drivers flying past you have some sort of immunity. Whether on the 8-lane Autostrada or a 2-lane country road, you\u2019ll look in the rearview mirror that you just peeked at 3 seconds ago and suddenly a car has appeared out of nowhere<\/strong>, the driver is tailgating you, flashing their headlights, and gesticulating wildly. What we consider criminal tailgating is Italian habit. Don\u2019t take it personally. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay in the middle or right lane on the freeways. Use the left-most lane only to pass and be quick about it. Signal your intent, but don\u2019t expect other drivers to do so. Constantly check your mirrors, especially when changing lanes. Don\u2019t try to understand why some drivers leave their turn signals on. I\u2019ve asked several Italians and they don\u2019t know either. If the driver behind you on a freeway flashes their lights, move to the right. Signs above the Autostrada display blue circles and speed limits by lane. Those are the minimum speeds<\/strong> you can drive in each lane. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lane dividing lines are painted but don\u2019t be surprised to see cars straddle them and drive in-between lanes, especially the left and middle ones.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entrance and exit ramps are shorter on Italian highways so accelerate quickly to merge with traffic. Italians are fairly polite about moving over to accommodate incoming cars. The next exit is painted on the pavement in the right lane in addition to roadside signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency stop areas are marked and often include a telephone. In the event of a breakdown or problem, wear the fluorescent safety vest usually found in the trunk of your rental car and place the warning triangle 50 meters from your car. In the unlikely event that you cannot reach your car rental agency, roadside assistance is available from the Automobile Club of Italy 24\/7 by calling 800.116.800 from a foreign mobile phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Autogrill
Photo courtesy of Autogrill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Autogrills<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Autogrill is the most common rest stop in Italy. I\u2019ve had a light lunch in a couple of them and have left thinking that I could have eaten better for less money elsewhere. If you\u2019re hungry and it’s lunch or dinner hours, exit the freeway, consult Google Maps, and find a local restaurant nearby. We stumbled upon a family owned bar and restaurant on the road from Rome to our house in the Marche. They source their own meats and breads locally and our lunch there was less expensive than Autogrill.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s outside serving hours, Autogrill\u2019s sandwiches are not bad. Ask them to heat it for you (caldo <\/em>means warm). I\u2019ve never had their cafeteria-style hot food. If you see several police cars or a lot of semi trucks parked at a rest stop, that\u2019s a good sign. They know where to find a good meal on the go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking and Driving<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Italy\u2019s blood alcohol limit is 0.5 gr\/l, or 0.05%, lower than many states in the U.S. If you are found above that, the penalties are severe. You can be fined \u20ac 527 to \u20ac 6,000, banned for driving, prosecuted, and imprisoned up to one year. Police routinely perform random security and sobriety checks. And not always at night. My husband Matt was driving from a wine tasting on a weekend afternoon when a police officer stepped into the road holding a stop sign. He approached our car and asked to see his license. Matt handed it to him, along with his International Driving Permit, which I think was the first one the police officer had ever seen by the curiosity with which he regarded it. The officer shook his head at his boss sitting in the car and waved us on. Thankfully, Matt had not been drinking, but don\u2019t assume you won\u2019t get stopped in broad daylight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Autostrada
Photo by dominic arizona bonuccelli \/ azfoto.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tolls<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most autostrade have tolls. At the first stop, you\u2019ll get your ticket (biglietto)<\/em>. Do not pick the Telepass lane. As you exit the autostrada, you\u2019ll have to pay. Again, do NOT take the Telepass lane. Pick a lane that shows a credit card symbol to pay by credit card (American cards accepted), or the money symbol to pay in cash. Insert your ticket, the machine will tell you what you owe, and gives change. If an agent is available, the sign will display a hand giving change. You can estimate the tolls for your route on the Autostrada website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roundabouts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I found roundabouts pretty fun once I got the hang of them and it\u2019s an easy way to turn around when I get lost. In a one-lane roundabout, you enter to the right when it\u2019s clear and signal only when you get to your exit. In a multiple-lane roundabout, if you\u2019re taking the first exit, you must use the right lane to enter and signal right. If you\u2019re going straight, use the right lane to enter, and signal only when you approaching your exit. If you need to go left, enter the roundabout from the left lane and signal left, then move to the right lane, and signal right. That sounds more complicated than it is, and it becomes intuitive. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Italy
No Passing Sign<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Passing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On two-lane country roads you might get stuck behind a tractor or a slow driver. You can pass on the left if it is not a \u201cno passing zone\u201d indicated by solid double white lines, and\/or with a sign that has a red car to the left of a black one.\u00a0 That being said, ensure you check for oncoming traffic with the understanding that an approaching car can appear seemingly out of nowhere. Likewise, if a driver wants to pass you, move to the right a bit. I recommend familiarizing yourself with Italian road signs before you get there and bringing a printed version<\/a> for quick reference.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strade Bianche<\/em> – White Roads<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are so called because they are typically white gravel. They might be paved or dirt, but in all cases, they are narrow. Commonly found in the idyllic countryside, these roads are not heavily trafficked or maintained. If you meet another car, the one going up a hill has priority. You may have to reverse to find space to allow them through. Take your time, relax, tranquillo<\/em>. Italians driving in the countryside are generally very accommodating.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ZTL
From Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZona Traffico Limitato\u201d<\/em> The Dreaded ZTL\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More than forty Italian cities have restricted traffic zones (ZTL), usually around the \u201ccentro storico\u201d<\/em> city center. In ZTLs vehicular traffic is restricted to residents, or authorized at certain times of the day, or a congestion charge is required to access. Research the areas where you plan to drive in advance and in Rome<\/a>, look for signs that say \u201cVarco Attivo\u201d<\/em> meaning the ZTL is active and you cannot enter. \u201cVarco non Attivo\u201d<\/em> means you can drive freely. A sign that says \u201cZona Traffico Limitato\u201d<\/em> with a white circle and a red border is another sign not to cross, unless the hours posted below it indicate otherwise. In Milan\u2019s center is an \u201cArea C\u201d<\/a> for which you can buy a pass online <\/a>and activate upon your arrival in Milan. In some smaller towns, your host or hotel may be able to register your car with the police to allow admittance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with speeding, ZTLs are enforced by a surprisingly efficient camera system, and if you violate one, you will be fined both by the authorities and the rental car agency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Road Signs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stop signs are red and say stop, so that\u2019s easy. If you see a red circle with a white horizontal rectangle it means wrong way, do not enter. A narrow, white arrow on blue indicates one-way traffic, is often faded, and shockingly small. You may see the words \u201csenso unico\u201d<\/em> which mean one way. A quick hint to determine if you are about to go the wrong way down a one-way is to look for parking signs on the street. If you can\u2019t see any, you may be making a mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll cover parking signs in the next article of this series but \u201cno parking\u201d is represented by a red-framed blue circle with a red line through it. Just remember, parking signs are blue and things you can\u2019t do are red<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll see \u201cVarco Aperto\u201d<\/em> on signs on the highways. It just means there\u2019s a short stretch of road ahead where the center divider is missing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galleria<\/em> means a tunnel, and they are marked with an odd sign that is clearly intended to represent a tunnel but when flying past it at 130 kmh, it doesn\u2019t look like anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Zebra
Photo by Max Nayman on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crosswalks and other town hazards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At zebra crossings, or crosswalks with black and white striped lines, you are legally required to stop to allow a pedestrian to cross, usually screeching to a halt to do so. As a pedestrian though, do not assume the driver is paying attention and cross only when you know it\u2019s safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no right turn on red in Italy. A red light means you can\u2019t go anywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Italian would want to avoid traffic and drive their car in the bus lane but it\u2019s a fineable offense. Thankfully, when I accidentally drove in the bus lane the only witnesses were curious bystanders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In villages with narrow lanes, you may want to fold in your side mirrors when negotiating tight spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t blindly obey your GPS instructions. The app does not know it\u2019s market day and the road is closed. If, like me, you find yourself driving through a crowded market in Sicily, smile and shrug in a rueful apology. You won\u2019t be the first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Gas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diesel cars are common in Italy. Double check your rental\u2019s fuel type before filling it with gas. \u201cBenzina senza piombo\u201d<\/em> is unleaded gasoline and diesel or \u201cgasolio\u201d is diesel. Getting gas in Italy can be an adventure, and one you\u2019ll pay a lot for. We recently paid \u20ac 1.73 per liter for diesel, or about \u20ac 6.65 per gallon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially in rural areas, it may be hard to find a gas station open 24\/7 and some close for lunch. Many gas stations offer full service, so if your rental car lacks washer fluid (it happens often to me) and you need your windows washed, pick full service. They sometimes give you a free coffee too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To pump your own gas, look for \u201cFai da te\u201d<\/em> which means do it yourself. You may have to pre-pay at an outdoor kiosk by entering your pump number and credit card or cash. Some gas stations let you pay inside the store afterwards, or to an attendant outside with a credit card reader, or my favorite, a drive-through booth with an attendant. Some gas stations even have disposable gloves you can use. In large cities, micro gas stations are tucked along the streets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Amalfi
eFesenko \/ Alamy Stock Photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I have been to both but have never driven them. In the Cinque Terre, the villages do not allow cars, so you pay to park outside the town, then walk (typically uphill). The narrow roads are hairpins and may induce carsickness. A train connects the villages from the La Spezia station, I recommend that or the ferryboats instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Amalfi Coast is breathtakingly beautiful and the driver will miss it all because their eyes will be on the road. The passengers may get carsick, and if you drive there in the summer, you\u2019ll spend a lot of vacation time in horrendous traffic and looking for a parking spot. The roads are narrow for two-way traffic and overridden with tour buses you can\u2019t see coming around the curve. Unless you\u2019re driving in the off-season, I recommend taking the public bus, hiring a driver for a day trip, or better yet, ride a ferryboat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sicily<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An Italian friend of mine thought his wife had not understood my Italian when she told him that I had driven in Sicilia. He later asked me, wide-eyed with incredulity, if the rumor was true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even some mainland Italians confess a fear of driving in Sicily. But if I can do it, so can you. That being said, do not drive in Palermo or Catania. Many Sicilians have cautioned me against doing so, and I heed local advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rest of Sicily is drivable, with caveats. In my experience, GPS is not as accurate, so expect to get lost. In some areas, the roads are potholed, missing shoulders, and without dividing lines. A Sicilian driver behind me blared his horn when I dared to stop at a stop sign. Another driver honked his displeasure when, at the end of a road, I stopped to look, then waited for oncoming cars to clear before I proceeded. During a morning traffic jam in Trapani, we all drove around two stopped cars while the drivers conversed in the busy intersection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sicily is one of my favorite places in the world. Sicilians are warm-hearted, and if you get lost they will help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my next articles I\u2019ll cover everything you need to know to park in Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you think I\u2019ve missed something or if you have any questions please leave a comment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buon viaggio!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Useful Links: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everything you need to know about renting a car in Italy<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waze GPS app<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polizia di Stato information on camera speed enforcement<\/a> (Italian, use Chrome or an extension to translate)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autostrada website in English<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PDF of Road Signs in English to Bring With<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rome\u2019s ZTL information in English<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milan\u2019s Area C information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autoeurope has a guidebook in English for driving in Italy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Automobile Club of Italia is an excellent resource for advice in several languages<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hertz guide to driving in Italy<\/a> \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hertz guide to ZTLs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wikipedia\u2019s Road Signs in Italy Page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Useful vocabulary:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mi sono perso<\/em> (for a man), mi sono persa<\/em> (for a woman) – I am lost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mi pu\u00f2 aiutare<\/em> – Can you help me? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limite di velocit\u00e0<\/em> – speed limit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rallentare<\/em> – slow down<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autonoleggio<\/em> – car rental<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Destra<\/em> – right<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sinistra<\/em> – left <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sempre diritto<\/em> – straight ahead<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strada<\/em> – street<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uscita<\/em> – exit
Entrata<\/em>–  entrance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rotonda<\/em> – roundabout<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Semaforo<\/em> – stoplight<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nebbia<\/em> – fog (You\u2019ll see this on signs that advise a lower speed limit in case of nebbia<\/em>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autostrada<\/em> – the high speed toll freeway, named A + the number, signs are green<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strada Statale – <\/em>highway, named SS + the number, signs are blue<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strada Provinciale – <\/em>Provincial roads, named SP + the number, signs are blue <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biglietto –<\/em> ticket <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Telepass<\/em> – A toll pass that your rental most likely does not have. Do not take this lane<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controllo elettronico della velocit\u00e0 con sistema tutor – <\/em>Average speed zone checked by camera. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controllo elettronico della velocit\u00e0 – <\/em>Speed checked by camera<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patente<\/em> – driver\u2019s license<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZTL, Zona Traffico Limitato<\/em> – Limited Traffic Zone – vehicular traffic may be restricted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Varco Attivo<\/em> – ZTL is active. If you pass, you may get fined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Varco Non Attivo<\/em> – ZTL is NOT active and you are free to drive past the sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senso Unico<\/em> – one way street<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Varco aperto<\/em> – road divider missing up ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galleria<\/em> – tunnel <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benzina senza piombo – <\/em>Unleaded gasoline<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gasolio<\/em> – diesel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pieno <\/em>– full (as in tank of gas) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fai da Te<\/em> – do it yourself, self-service gas pump<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Divieto<\/em> – Prohibited<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vietato<\/em> – Forbidden<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Macchina<\/em> – car<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lavori in corso<\/em> – road work, men at work <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incidente<\/em> – accident  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deviazione<\/em> – detour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

parcheggio<\/em> – parking<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Italy\u2019s most popular tourist destinations are easily reached by plane, train, or cruise ship. But to see Italy\u2019s hidden treasures, to travel like a local, to experience first-hand Italy\u2019s dolce vita, rent a car and drive to smaller cities and tiny villages. Driving in Italy is a sport. Italians drive fast, except when they drive … Continue reading “How to Drive in Italy”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[85,92,1],"tags":[87],"class_list":["post-520","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-driving-in-italy","category-how-to-drive-in-italy","category-uncategorized","tag-driving-in-italy"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Drive in Italy - Blog e Gioia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to know to drive a car in Italy.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.casapaceegioia.com\/blog\/how-to-drive-in-italy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Drive in Italy - 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