Article 1(2) of Directive 91/439/EEC stipulates that all valid driving licences have to be mutually recognised within the European Union. Where the holder of a valid driving licence acquires "normal residence" in a Member State other than that which issued the licence, the host country has to recognise the licence and may apply to the holder of the licence its national rules on the period of validity of the licence, medical checks and tax arrangements and may enter on the licence any information indispensable for administration. For further informations, visit website: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/home/drivinglicence/index_en.htm By car The following documents are required to drive in Italy:
 Valid UK passport
 A valid full driving licence (not provisional). All valid UK driving licences should be accepted in Italy, however if you have the older license, you are strongly recommended to have it updated to a photo card licence for travel to Italy.
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive temporarily imported car and/or motorcycle (over 125cc or with passenger) is 18.
 The original vehicle registration document. If the car is borrowed, this document is required along with a letter of authority from the vehicle's owner.
 Motor insurance - third-party compulsory. Check with your insurance company if it is valid in Italy.
 A clearly displayed GB sticker
Compulsory equipment: spare bulbs, warning triangle, reflective jacket/waistcoat of high visibility (to be worn when getting off the vehicle in intercity roads), crash helmet on two-wheeled vehicles.
Any vehicle with a overhanging load (e.g. carrying bicycle at rear) must display reflectorised square panel; a fine may be imposed if the sign is not displayed.
Seat belts: The wearing of seat belts is compulsory for front/rear seat occupants, if fitted. Children aged 3 or under cannot travel as front or rear seat passenger unless using suitable restraint system. Children between 4 and 12 cannot travel as front or rear seat passenger unless using suitable restraint system or an adaptor for a seat belt. Where no restraint system is available they must travel on the rear seats accompanied by a passenger over 16 years of age.
Mobile phones: The use of mobile telephones is prohibited if they require intervention by hand to operate.
Speed limits: Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private vehicles without trailers: in built-up areas 50 km/h (31 mph), outside built-up areas 90km/h (55 mph) on ordinary roads, 110 km/h (68 mph) on dual carriageways and 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways. NOTE in wet weather lower speed limits of 55 mph (90 km/h) apply on dual carriageways and 68 mph (110 km/h) on motorways.
Restrictions apply if vehicles are using spiked tyres.
NOTE that speed limits for caravans and campers are lower.
Drinking and driving: if the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent or more, severe penalties include fines, confiscation of vehicle and imprisonment.
Fines: On-the-spot. Particularly heavy for speeding offences. The police can impose the fine and collect 1 quarter of the maximum fine, and must give a receipt for the amount of the fine paid. Illegally parked vehicles can be clamped or towed away and a fine imposed.

Limited Traffic Areas (Zona Traffico Limitato)
Limited traffic areas have been created in the historical centres of most Italian cities. This measure has been taken to increase pedestrian areas, commercial activities and reduce pollution to preserve historical sites.
In these limited traffic areas only authorized vehicles are allowed to drive, such as: buses, police cars, ambulances etc. Residents have access as well. All of the authorized vehicles have their licence plate registered with the Municipal Police.
If a vehicle crosses a limited traffic area, cameras will take a picture of the licence plate. The photo is automatically sent to a computer of the Municipal Police and if the licence plate is not registered a violation ticket is generated and sent to the owner of the vehicle.
The limited traffic areas are clearly indicated with a sign marked with a white circle with red borders (see picture), stating the hours during which the area is restricted.
Due to the authority held by the local Municipal Police, the Italian State Tourist Board cannot act as an intermediary in settling disputes over traffic violations.