How to DRIVE IN ITALY | Your Ultimate Survival Guide

Рет қаралды 28,398

Күн бұрын

Everything you need to know to drive a car in Italy: Avoiding fines and tolls, renting a car, using your GPS, reading the road signs, need for international driving permit, knowing where to park, driving on the autostrada.
You can drive confidently and safely and relax and enjoy your trip.
❗️Download FREE "Driving in Italy: Speeds, Signs, and Vocabulary" Cheat Sheet ❗️
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🚘 Leasing option: We’ve used AutoTT - Eurodrive multiple times to lease a Renault. www.auto-tt.com/
Here are two other options, but we have no experience leasing with them:
Car-2-Europe, for Citroën and Peugeot: www.car2europe.com/en/
Auto Europe, who offers leases and rentals: www.autoeurope.com/short-term...
==== VIDEOS TO HELP YOU HAVE THE BEST TRIP ====
🚂 LEARN: What You Need to Know About the Train System in Italy
WATCH: • How to Travel by Train...
🛜 LEARN: Saving Money while Staying Connected in Italy $💵 €💶
WATCH: • How to Use Your Phone ...
=== CHAPTERS: ===
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Are Italians crazy drivers?
01:36 Renting a car
03:00 International driving permit
03:35 Insurance
04:48 Driving basics
05:20 Important road signs
07:23 Roundabouts
08:02 Autostrada
10:07 Tolls
10:55 Service areas/Autogrill
14:24 Autovelox speed cameras
15:03 Parking
17:25 ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato/Traffic Limited Zone)
18:36 Crosswalks
19:02 Bonus tip: Leasing a car vs. renting
==== WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ANNE AND ED ====
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Small powerpack USB-C : amzn.to/3WtEBDr
Small powerpack lightning: amzn.to/4dofrvW
Medium powerpack: amzn.to/3y49ggj
Plug adapter with 2 US plugs, 3 USB-A, 1 USB-C: amzn.to/3LiBQh7
Packing cube set of 5: amzn.to/44xWimZ
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Dual-voltage hairdryer: amzn.to/4buoee3
==== IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT LINKS IN THIS DESCRIPTION ===
✅ A few links are affiliate links from which we receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you.
✅ The small commission we earn helps us create more videos like the one you watched.
✅ If we post an affiliate link to a product or service, it is something that we personally use, support, and would recommend even without an affiliate link.
✅ Our first priority is to provide valuable information and resources to help you create positive experiences during your visit to Italy, and we will only ever mention or link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that we feel will do that.
Sign image creator attribution:
➤ F l a n k e r - CC BY-SA 3.0, - Wikimedia Commons
Pedestrian crossing, Road Narrows, Roundabout, General caution, Yield, Stop, One lane: Red arrow must yield, No entry, No entry unless authorized, Speed limit 50, No parking, No parking or stopping, No passing, End of no passing, Mandatory turn, One way, Highway direction arrows
➤ Gigillo83 - CC BY-SA 3.0, - Wikimedia Commons
Passo carrabile, Time ranges, Controllo elettronico
➤ Rupertsciamenna - CC BY-SA 3.0, - Wikimedia Commons
Centro
➤ Di Freytagberndt - CC BY-SA 3.0, - Wikimedia Commons
Picture of safety tutor sign on autostrada
Others:
➤ Vecteezy.com
Italy flag on end card

Пікірлер: 511

@user-gh9vz6ns9b 9 күн бұрын

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.

@niuniuita 8 күн бұрын

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.

@ArcamNight 7 күн бұрын

Autostrada=highway, anyway isn’t a tourist trap, is what it is, you pay 20% / 50% more than outside

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Yes. I tried to add a message on the screen about that but I should have said it out loud.

@herrrorschach590 5 күн бұрын

@@ArcamNight for "autostrada" is best to use "motorway", "highway" resebles more our "tangenziale"...

@ArcamNight 5 күн бұрын

@@herrrorschach590 hai ragione

@GlocalAble 13 күн бұрын

As an Italian, I never realized how much I took for granted.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

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.

@andreabruson5558 12 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure I remember myself feeling guilty the first times I did turn right on red in U.S. 😂

@OurBigItalianAdventure 11 күн бұрын

@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.

@andreabruson5558 11 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure wow interesting info, I did not know it! thanks!

@dadoVRC 7 күн бұрын

We are used to blame ourselves, when there's no reason for that.

@gerardoperillo 7 күн бұрын

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!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

That’s a good point!

@nicoladc89 7 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Agree with all of your points. Thanks!

@Nick-rg8oz 6 күн бұрын

the norther you go the more people respect traffic rules usually

@nicoladc89 6 күн бұрын

@@Nick-rg8oz ahahah, try to go in Turin

@ilariomichelini4616 4 күн бұрын

as an italian, I have to say you understood italian traffic rules better than many italians. Nice video.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 4 күн бұрын

Thanks! We appreciate it.

@locked01 13 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

Great suggestions. Thanks.

@andreabruson5558 12 күн бұрын

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. 😄

@OurBigItalianAdventure 11 күн бұрын

Good advice. Honking is certainly a common occurrence, like it is in New York and New Jersey.

@SimoneGianni79 11 күн бұрын

this video is incredibly well made!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 2 күн бұрын

Wow! Sorry for the late thanks. But thanks!

@presDev 6 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Yes. The GRA is always an exercise in caution.

@presDev 6 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure a place full of angry people. I think, we are unable to enjoy our beauties.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 5 күн бұрын

Agree.

@basstard13 5 күн бұрын

Roman here, when she said "Italians are some of the best drivers". Uhhh, not really ahahah

@valerioivanov7588 3 күн бұрын

Drive in Milan and it's the same ahahaahaa

@signor_No 13 күн бұрын

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 13 күн бұрын

Interesting. I didn’t know they used average speed. It’s a fact worth knowing. Thanks.

@filuferru 9 күн бұрын

@@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.

@giulianogaia 8 күн бұрын

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

@filuferru 8 күн бұрын

@@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.

@niuniuita 8 күн бұрын

@@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.

@filuferru 9 күн бұрын

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 8 күн бұрын

Thanks so much for this kind comment. It makes us feel good.

@filuferru 6 күн бұрын

@@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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Non posso essere d’accordo più. È una bella zona con un popolo molto accogliente.

@r8chlletters 15 күн бұрын

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 😂

@OurBigItalianAdventure 15 күн бұрын

That has happened to us, too!

@uffa00001 9 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Yes. That’s a good explanation.

@simonedesanctis3887 6 күн бұрын

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 😂

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Thanks! Hat makes us feel good.

@fabiog9843 6 күн бұрын

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❤

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Ti ringraziamo per il commento e il complimento.

@eleonoravignali2434 Күн бұрын

Oppure uno straniero che non rispetta le regole

@OurBigItalianAdventure Күн бұрын

✅

@Awlo81 7 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!

@andreafasoli8460 10 күн бұрын

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!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

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!

@AngeloFiorillo 9 күн бұрын

Kudos to you for this video, as an Italian I can assure you it's 100% accurate.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Thanks! That’s great to hear.

@maxd3946 6 сағат бұрын

As an Italian I can confirm that these guys really know how to travel around Italy. Listen to their advice, you won't regret it!

@cz7978 11 күн бұрын

As an italian, i said you make a excellent video…good job!!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Grazie mille!

@marcorizza274 10 күн бұрын

Funny how youtube is suggesting this video to a lot of italians!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 8 күн бұрын

@marcocorizza274 We don’t understand it. Over 40% of our views are from Italy, only about 10% from the US. It’s wild!

@ottoneiii4353 2 күн бұрын

😂

@OurBigItalianAdventure 2 күн бұрын

The trend continues. Lots of views, 73% from Italy.

@joerosa2532 8 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 8 күн бұрын

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.

@doutorgori327 14 күн бұрын

I just moved to Italy and this video has been very informative.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

Thanks! Enjoy your new home.

@fargneta 8 күн бұрын

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...!!!!

@paolomacedone453 8 күн бұрын

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...

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

We could have been more forceful about no cities. I stopped driving in cities when ZTLs became common.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Exactly right.

@mirkoclay2357 3 күн бұрын

What a wonderful video. Great job, thanks for the high quality content ❤

@OurBigItalianAdventure 3 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@peterconover9027 11 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 11 күн бұрын

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.

@peterconover9027 11 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure I must be a glutton for punishment, tomorrow I take the test for the Patente Nautica! 🤪

@OurBigItalianAdventure 11 күн бұрын

Buona fortuna!

@rikyrossi9518 5 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 2 күн бұрын

We’re toying more seriously with becoming residents. That test is one of our stumbling blocks.

@jobsgarage 11 күн бұрын

Thorough and accurate, you guys hit the nail right on the head. Cheers from Italy (and nice Wayfarers!)

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Thank you!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Grazie!

@d8889 3 күн бұрын

Guys you have serious skills. Your video is the best informative one I've watched so far on youtube about driving in Italy

@OurBigItalianAdventure 3 күн бұрын

Wow! Thanks! We really appreciate it.

@Johnuser-bw1ru6bt2z 5 күн бұрын

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)

@OurBigItalianAdventure 4 күн бұрын

Thanks for your kind comment, John. It sounded like you’ve had some great Italy experiences.

@chiarenzaproduction 12 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 12 күн бұрын

That’s good to know. I’ve never made that mistake and have heard horror stories about fines from those who have.

@matteoceleste4406 6 күн бұрын

@@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

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Good info. Thanks.

@stefano7696 11 күн бұрын

My compliments, very well done, I think this will be very useful for people coming to Italy . Keep coming ❤

@OurBigItalianAdventure 11 күн бұрын

Thanks! Certamente. Non abbiamo nessuna intenzione a smetterci. Infatti, il prossimo viaggio comincia domani.

@fratialessandro 14 күн бұрын

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!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

Thanks! Good advice. That fine print is a key factor in our recommendation to not rely on credit card insurance.

@francescoiadicicco1266 5 күн бұрын

I smiled throughout the entire video. It is 100% accurate and you are so lovely people. Thank you for appreciating our Country ❤

@OurBigItalianAdventure 5 күн бұрын

Thanks. Such a nice comment. We love Italy.

@realeoinarmstrong 16 күн бұрын

Thanks for this video… very useful!

@realeoinarmstrong 16 күн бұрын

We have found EasyPark really useful. One important note about white spaces: do NOT park in white spaces designated for residents only.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 16 күн бұрын

Good point about the residents' spaces. It's a detail I forgot to mention.

@BrightSparkIdeas 11 күн бұрын

Excellent video, well made and extremely helpful.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Thank you!

@fpaolo63 14 күн бұрын

Great video .... From italian Guy

@OurBigItalianAdventure 14 күн бұрын

Thanks! We appreciate it.

@ZAGOR64 Күн бұрын

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 the slightly (but VERY important) 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!

@OurBigItalianAdventure Күн бұрын

Thanks! We really appreciate it. That’s good advice. We’ll add it when we do an updated video, probably next year.

@number2001 7 күн бұрын

Very well made, good job! ❤

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Thanks! We really appreciate it.

@dazag73 16 сағат бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 9 сағат бұрын

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.

@herrrorschach590 5 күн бұрын

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!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 5 күн бұрын

You’re welcome!

@paohira2 3 күн бұрын

surprisingly a great guide, very good job :D

@OurBigItalianAdventure 3 күн бұрын

Grazie mille!

@robertnyden2839 15 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 14 күн бұрын

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.

@Myria83 13 күн бұрын

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).

@OurBigItalianAdventure 12 күн бұрын

Never heard that. I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks.

@avv.massimodellapena2951 2 күн бұрын

Very good and informative video, complimenti!!! 😎👍

@OurBigItalianAdventure Күн бұрын

Thanks! We appreciate it.

@lorenzopezzali3222 4 күн бұрын

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!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 3 күн бұрын

Thanks. We’re as puzzled as you are why KZfaq 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!

@giovannellafalchetti703 16 күн бұрын

Siete fantastici!!! Date sempre delle spiegazioni perfette.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 16 күн бұрын

Grazie!

@vangestelwijnen 18 сағат бұрын

A balanced and clear way to explain the battle zone Italian roads really are.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 18 сағат бұрын

Thanks.

@marcorioti6932 6 күн бұрын

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!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@leonardospaccini8535 7 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

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!

@JeOrtiz1 12 күн бұрын

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.

@MACYNET323 12 күн бұрын

Well, these places are the most difficult and chaotic

@OurBigItalianAdventure 12 күн бұрын

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.

@lornova79 4 күн бұрын

Excellent and accurate content (I'm Italian).

@OurBigItalianAdventure 4 күн бұрын

Thanks so much!

@uffa00001 9 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Very good info to have. Thanks!

@gerardoperillo 7 күн бұрын

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!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

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!

@gliarrabbiatirestano 13 күн бұрын

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 11 күн бұрын

In Campania il Codice della strada è una specie di fantacalcio dove ognuno si inventa le proprie regole?

@gliarrabbiatirestano 11 күн бұрын

@@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

@barbarazancocchia207 9 күн бұрын

@@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 🤣

@rick3914 Күн бұрын

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!!

@OurBigItalianAdventure Күн бұрын

Thanks. It’s hard to get a young person to drive defensively, in my experience. They think nothing will go wrong.

@danielefabbro822 10 күн бұрын

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. 😉👍

@dmodmodmodmo 6 күн бұрын

Aa an italian: good job and have a great time here :)

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Thanks and thanks!

@Marco_Gennari 7 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Always paying attention is good advice.

@cochazza 2 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 2 күн бұрын

Yes. Turn indicators (or as we Yanks call them turn signals) are the most misused device in the world.

@SandroCicaliFreeEnergy 13 күн бұрын

Un grande abbraccio!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

Grazie! Ci piace il tuo complimento.

@StephenTate-n5s 12 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 12 күн бұрын

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.

@mazzaropower1420 4 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 4 күн бұрын

Very good info. Thanks.

@smusso Күн бұрын

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

@OurBigItalianAdventure Күн бұрын

Excellent point. Thanks.

@carlopoli9067 6 күн бұрын

Anarchy reigns on all Italian roads. That said, however, there is no need to get stressed, scared, just drive slowly, with a lot of patience, do not get angry at the careless driving of other drivers, just ignore them and don't give a f***. The Italian philosophy and way of life ultimately consists of this, absolutely effective against any kind of stress.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Well said.

@alessioartioli3323 2 күн бұрын

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 2 күн бұрын

Thanks for the compliment. Good advice for the US, too. No reason to be involved in a road rage situation.

@alessioartioli3323 2 күн бұрын

@@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... ;-)

@OurBigItalianAdventure 2 күн бұрын

Assolutamente.

@FulvioGa 13 күн бұрын

Just strictly follow the driving rules, and do not expect others to do that, and you will be reasonably safe.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

It’s true, but since some rules are different in Italy, we thought it wise to remind people.

@dimmacommunication 3 күн бұрын

We are aggressive drivers but good ones as you said :)

@rainwaterd 11 күн бұрын

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..........

@Lexforlife74 9 күн бұрын

cavolo.... guidare in texas deve essere come guidare a Napoli o Roma..... immagino. E a proposito.... Abruzzo è bellissimo si...

@barbarazancocchia207 9 күн бұрын

Sounds like Rome or, better, Naples. Glad to know I can drive in Texas

@voxhumana4950 8 күн бұрын

"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

@Lexforlife74 8 күн бұрын

@@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

@voxhumana4950 8 күн бұрын

@@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.

@giorgiotomasetto540 7 күн бұрын

I’m italian. I find this video vary nice.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Grazie!

@allenmontrasio8962 9 күн бұрын

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.

@user-gh9vz6ns9b 9 күн бұрын

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

@OurBigItalianAdventure 9 күн бұрын

Yes but better than having a car!

@TotallyNotASpy1 7 күн бұрын

For the love of all that is holy, never drive in Rome. People are absolutely insane there, especially scooter drivers...

@nicoladc89 7 күн бұрын

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).

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

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.

@AleSGBMFan 12 күн бұрын

Siete adorabili.... grazie di aver spiegato tutti i dettagli stradali.... spero vi troviate bene quì

@OurBigItalianAdventure 11 күн бұрын

Adorabili? Sei troppo gentile. Anne è certamente adorabile, ma io, non tanto!

@AleSGBMFan 11 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure No entrambi, mi sembra di veder i miei genitori, perchè credo abbiate la stessa età.... avete avuto una bella idea comunque, bravi.... se viaggiate, vi consiglio di fare un giro dalle mie parti, sul lago di Como.... Si mangia bene e i panorami sono unici. Ciao 😊

@OurBigItalianAdventure 11 күн бұрын

Grazie. Dobbiamo aggiungere la tua zona nella nostra lista di destinazioni.

@AleSGBMFan 11 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure non ve ne pentirete... magari incontrate Clooney su per il lago ahahah....

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Certamente! Prevedo che George ci inviterà a cena!

@DD123EE 14 күн бұрын

At the end you bought the Kia Stonic? Good car!!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 14 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@carloberruti178 17 сағат бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 9 сағат бұрын

Excellent points. Noted for when we update the video. Thanks.

@marcocatelli1 10 күн бұрын

Cheers from Italy. I was curious to watch this video, and I can say it’s extremely good and complete. Only 1 thing: where the hell did you find gas at 1.5€/liter😵‍💫😅 it’s almost 2€ about everywhere where I live

@OurBigItalianAdventure 8 күн бұрын

I bet you’d like to know my secret. It’s to use an old photo. It’s all I could find when I was editing the video. I debated using it, but figured I could make my point about liters vs gallons. If I’d used current prices, I would have really scared people 😉

@marcocatelli1 6 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure 😄 oooook

@OurBigItalianAdventure 2 күн бұрын

👍

@AlessandroGenTLe Күн бұрын

Also, as practically everything in Italy, changing area means also changing drive style (other than food, dialect etc etc). I live between Milan and Switzerland and I think we drive decently here, but you can recognize people used to drive only within Milan when they are on fast roads near the lakes: they just don't know how to drive there. And probably it's the same for us used to drive in less crowdy places when we're in a big city. Also beware to big cities in the south... Driving around Naples or Palermo (I did it) is a real nightmare... The code there is a "suggestion" more than something "enforced"...

@OurBigItalianAdventure Күн бұрын

That matches our experience. Thanks.

@corradodeluca1320 12 күн бұрын

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 11 күн бұрын

Excellent points. I definitely think Italians are more aware of what might be a problem.

@barbarazancocchia207 9 күн бұрын

@@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 :)

@OurBigItalianAdventure 2 күн бұрын

👍

@stefanoR4327 2 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure Күн бұрын

Good observations about the US.

@claudiofiero8523 8 күн бұрын

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

@OurBigItalianAdventure 8 күн бұрын

I know! Not sure why KZfaq has decided to show it to Italians. You obviously don’t need our help!

@Freddels1 16 күн бұрын

We usually travel by train or plane between cities and hire a driver for day trips. This fall, we are going to my ancestral comune of Sulmona, so we will be renting a car from Rome and driving there. A little bit nervous about it but hopefully it'll all go well. How long have you been living in Italy? Did you get your Italian drivers license? How did you deal with the Neo Patente driving restrictions?

@OurBigItalianAdventure 15 күн бұрын

We are only in Italy half-time so we haven't had to get our Italian driver's license (which is quite a challenge, we hear!).

@Freddels1 15 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure When we finally retire, we're also thinking about doing it part-time as my wife is not an EU citizen so we'd still be limited to the 90 days at a time (unless I declare residency).

@Queerz4Palestein 14 күн бұрын

Ancestral comune is something only an American would say.

@Freddels1 14 күн бұрын

@@Queerz4Palestein Your point?

@solinvictus1234 13 күн бұрын

We Italians indirectlt comunicate eachother also when we drive. So my most important suggestion, as they said, is to not assume that some other driver will do what you would do. Just follow the flow and everything will be fine. The only mistake to avoid when you're driving in Italy is to think only at what you're doing driving. Let's put that in this way, it's like a dance where you and the other drivers have to reach the same tempo to do what both of you want to do.

@UrbanTales106 5 күн бұрын

If I may, lane discipline is stricter in Italy in the sense that you are required to stay in the rightmost lane if not overtaking , even with 3 or more lanes . I remember in the US, despite having the same rule to stay on the right, you are used to pass cars on the right since drivers occupy all lanes; here it should be avoided as considered dangerous. Also, you may often experience aggressive drivers flashing their high beam lights. Do not panic, they are often just entitled and impatient, just complete your overtake and move in the right lane1

@OurBigItalianAdventure 4 күн бұрын

You’re 100% right about drivers in the US blocking the left lane and forcing faster cars right. It’s a problem. One curious thing I see in Italy all time is a driver straddling two lanes. I never know their intentions.

@lorenzopezzali3222 4 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventuremeans they’re on their phone, not paying attention!

@OurBigItalianAdventure 4 күн бұрын

@lorenzopezzali3222 I’m sure you’re right. Or they think you’re supposed to center that lane line under your car. 😉

@alessandroalessandro4656 15 күн бұрын

Bravi e perfetti come sempre del resto

@OurBigItalianAdventure 15 күн бұрын

Grazie mille!

@65alef 14 күн бұрын

Noi italiani cerchiamo di fare attenzione non solo per la sicurezza di se e degli altri perché su questo purtroppo la tendenza è di pensare egoisticamente solo al proprio tornaconto , ma l'attenzione è rivolta soprattutto al fatto che da noi i costi delle Assicurazioni (RCA si chiama) sono molto alti e se facciamo un incidente e la colpa è propria non solo dobbiamo riparare a proprie spese il proprio mezzo ( e i costi di riparazione sono anch'essi altissimi ) o comprare una nuova auto ma negli anni successivi il costo dell'assicurazione auto aumenterà a causa degli incidenti con colpa . Ma anche quando si ha ragione i tempi e le modalità per essere risarciti e poter riparare il proprio mezzo sono lunghi e con molte grane legali. Inoltre da noi vengono tolti punti dalla patente in caso di numerose infrazioni al codice della strada e c'è il rischio di vedersi tolta la patente di guida. E poi le contravvenzioni sono costose. Insomma...al 95% gli italiani cercano di evitare incidenti e multe essenzialmente per motivi economici e non morali ( personalmente per me questo ultimo aspetto è molto importante )

@OurBigItalianAdventure 14 күн бұрын

Ci sono molte ragioni per procedere con cura! La situazione è simile in America, ma il livello dei costi è un po più basso. Grazie.

@gusman9129 11 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure In Italia l'assicurazione dei costi cambia da provincia a provincia, esempio: l'assicurazione a Firenze costa 500€, Siena invece la paghi 250€ Pisa invece 700€ e così via. In più, ti può aumentare senza preavviso, perché gli piace a loro così 😂

@OurBigItalianAdventure 11 күн бұрын

@gusman9129. È la stessa cosa qui. L’assicurazione è molto meno costosa in, per esempio Nevada, lo stato più vuoto di persone, che in New York.

@franktaylor7978 12 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 12 күн бұрын

Thanks- good advice about paying the toll online instead of the fine!

@santopino756 14 күн бұрын

Tolerance is 5 % on speed limit. Autostrada has the "tutor" system. You can go through at 140km/h no problem. They measure your average speed between two checkpoints.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 14 күн бұрын

That's helpful- thank you!

@fpaolo63 14 күн бұрын

.... But pay attention If it is raining the speed limit is 110 and tutor system is automatically set for lower speed limit

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

@fpaulo63. Excellent point.

@ririr2 5 күн бұрын

if you're on foreign plates, you can speed no problem - the fines are only for locals.

@lorenzopezzali3222 4 күн бұрын

@@ririr2not anymore, you’ll get all the fines in the mail. It was like that 20 years ago.

@rocketdreamer Күн бұрын

Bravi🎉

@OurBigItalianAdventure Күн бұрын

Grazie!

@albertocarsenzuola3848 21 сағат бұрын

So nice video thanks, as Italian living in Milan a big city I do agree with all your statements but mates have you ever drove a car in Las Vegas??? Believe me worse experience ever had, Palermo is nothing compared to 😂 Hugs

@OurBigItalianAdventure 19 сағат бұрын

Thanks! Agree. Las Vegas is a mess.

@ilgiallo0 19 сағат бұрын

The drivers teachers teach you how to drive but the first thing they say is to watch what others do , the guy that should give you passage could be distracted in that moment , you need to drive like watching the street from the top . Here is true even that buying a car is not cheap like in America , a car here is 20k new and 8k used ( the cheap ones) the basic worker take 1450€ per month .

@OurBigItalianAdventure 19 сағат бұрын

Excellent points. Like “watching from atop.”

@pittino70 4 күн бұрын

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.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 4 күн бұрын

Grazie! Si, sono d’accordo. In America, senza poche eccezioni, questo tipo di strada è gratuita.

@user-bq3mu5id3d 14 күн бұрын

music is a bit too loud in the mix, and i wouldn't record with those mics in a car again cos the voice kinda booms

@OurBigItalianAdventure 14 күн бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll look more at the mix.

@ORMA1 9 күн бұрын

in Italy we sometimes raise our voices, but we don't need to carry weapons either on board or at home

@OurBigItalianAdventure 8 күн бұрын

@ORMA1 Yes. It’s a much better system. Too many guns, everywhere.

@sasuke65743 7 күн бұрын

More precisely, it's a tolerance of 5 km/h over the limit. If you hit 135, they will register 130 etc.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Excellent. It’s always good to have a little extra.

@danieledaccardi3648 7 күн бұрын

These are the same conclusion I got to driving in the US, where to observance of rules is just apparent, in reality.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

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.

@maraichux 3 күн бұрын

This kind lady understood perfectly how italians drives: we are PREDICTIVE because we know that there are other italians on the street. Jokes aside, I love to drive, but also HATE to drive, because you need to take your attention span up to eleven, so a long trip is a big nono to me.

@stevenotch7324 3 күн бұрын

Just a correction: those blue and orange boots shown in the video are not working all the time. There’s a fair bit of legends surrounding them: some say that there needs to be a officer on site to fisically put the speed camera inside the boot for them to work, other say that this is true only for the blue ones, other thinks they work all the time. Personally i’ve never receveid a ticket from one of them but i guess it can depend from province to province. I’ve yet to find one that works on the south side of turin province. What your really have to look out for are those poles with cameras on top marked with the police sign. Those works 100% of the time and they will fuck you up

@OurBigItalianAdventure 3 күн бұрын

Thanks for that tip...we have gotten tickets from Autovelox so we are never sure if they are working or fake...is there a way to know for sure?

@stevenotch7324 2 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure unfortunately for tourist there isn’t really, because when you drive past them for the first time its always best to drive the limit. But especially with the blue ones its really easy to see if they’re empty just by looking at them the first time you pass them. Looking up online tells me that the orange ones always need a patrol car next to them for them to work and that the blue ones always works, but i know for a fact that for the blue ones this isn’t true so i wouldn’t trust this information either.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 2 күн бұрын

Thanks. I hate to have to use the experimental method to find out which work. 🤔

@stevenotch7324 2 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure this whole conversation must’ve triggered adhd me so i did some further reading. Apparently a good percentage of them aren’t even designed to hold a speed camera inside and are 100% fake. The remaining ones only works when there’s a patrol unit. So yeah, if you see a orange or blue boot you can be 99% sure that they are not working unless you see a police car parked near them. This information is HUGE even for me that i’m italian, and i believe that most italians don’t know the general rule as well. I also found this video with a literal policeman explaining it (the translated sub seem to be working fairly well) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h7-bqbhjrNrUcnU.html

@OurBigItalianAdventure 2 күн бұрын

Great video. Thanks.

@maurobernasconi932 9 күн бұрын

Nicely explication how is to drive im my country. All true. Enjoy our lovely land.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 8 күн бұрын

Thanks! We always have a great time.

@maurobernasconi932 8 күн бұрын

@@OurBigItalianAdventure ♥️

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Grazie.

@sirmioneb9947 2 күн бұрын

Your video is quite spot-on. I just have a comment concerning speed cameras. All the roadside speedtraps you have shown are fake - just empty boxes. It is quite popular fitting those fake speed trap boxes to intimidate drivers into slowing down. Currently most speed traps on country or secondary roads are of the overhead type - either single-point speed meters, or average speed systems (on short distances anyway). In some specific areas police-controlled movable speedtraps are still in use (i.e. on the "SS1 Aurelia" between Livorno and Rome or in very limited cases on motorways). As for motorway speedtraps, the "Tutor" average speed measuring system is quite common, but mostly non functioning due to a intellectual-property claim by the inventors of the system. In recent times the only functioning average system "Tutor" I'm aware of is in the Napoli area. As a general rule, anyway, just do what the locals do. Most speed limits on Italian roads make no sense and are mandated either out of "liability shield" or as a mean of extracting some cash out of unsuspecting drivers. If you see most cars slowing down, just do the same. This only applies to Italian roads. In other countries such as Germany, France or Austria, speed limits are really set at a serious dangerous speed threshold. What impresses me the most is the speed limit on country road in France. In many areas the speed limit is 90km/h on secondary roads, with garden gates, children and animals just a couple meters off the curbside!!!

@OurBigItalianAdventure Күн бұрын

Do as the locals do is good advice. Thanks.

@enricobertoletti179 10 күн бұрын

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!

@TheWolfalpino 10 күн бұрын

Well, yes, Milan drivers are like that, and cities tend to do that effect to people

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Thank you- yes the Brits do drive politely! But where's the challenge in that? Haha

@yuzzo92 7 күн бұрын

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

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Davvero!

@amardizz821 14 күн бұрын

right on man !

@RealNotallGaming 11 күн бұрын

Roundabout rules: - when you enter you signal left - you signal even for change line in roundabout - when you exit you signal right - you cant cut the inline and go outline then exit asap, you need to change lines with calm, giving way to those are already in outline - you must give way to left when you arrive at roundabout, the opposite to normal roads Enjoy italy ❤😊

@OurBigItalianAdventure 11 күн бұрын

@RealNotaliGaming. Good summary.

@SuperTommox 3 күн бұрын

As an italian i always thought that driving in the US is harder. I've seen 6 lanes roads, 16yo driving around, road rage and so on 😂

@OurBigItalianAdventure 3 күн бұрын

It is different for sure!

@StefanoLBP 8 күн бұрын

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

@OurBigItalianAdventure 7 күн бұрын

Interesting. That would be my mistake.

@denisgsv 13 күн бұрын

Found funny how you emphasize how one should stop at pedestrian crossings , isn't that normal to stop when someone needs to cross ?

@grbadalamenti 13 күн бұрын

Italians don't stop unless you place one foot forward on the strip. I usually also raise my hand ( this gets their attention) and look at the driver to see if he pays attention to the road or is distracted by phone or other stuff in the car and will notice me too late to stop safely.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

You’re certainly right that one should stop. But just in case, we wanted to be sure.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

Good suggestions. I step in and am careful. Compliance with the rule to stop is higher in Italy than in the US, so we thought it helpful to remind people.

@barbarazancocchia207 9 күн бұрын

in Rome they act surprised when I stop at pedestrian crossings and, sometimes, they don't dare to cross (in case I change my mind while they're crossing?). Yet this does not keep them from crossing, without even looking, in places where they shouldn't be.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 6 күн бұрын

Yes.

@zoran1844 13 күн бұрын

The speed traps you did show in the video are fake. Are there to skow dow the driver to check if is true or fake. And to slow down tourists. Nice video. Is nice to watch a video about our daily life here in italy...and how you perceive it :)

@giorgiodifrancesco4590 13 күн бұрын

Unfortunately, they are not always fake and you never know when they are fake. Let's say it's like Russian roulette.

@grbadalamenti 13 күн бұрын

Better follow the speed limit than assume they are fake. Yes, the orange ones are fake, the blue ones are to be used by the local police to place the speed measuring equipment.

@giorgiodifrancesco4590 13 күн бұрын

@@grbadalamenti Not always the orange ones are fake. There are periods during the year that they could be real.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

We have heard that some are fake, some real. I like to err on the side of caution. I did get a ticket for going 118 in the 110 zone in the SS 1.

@OurBigItalianAdventure 13 күн бұрын

@zoran1884. We like it. Different in many ways from the US, but we enjoy the changes. E l’opportunità di parlare in italiano con nostri vicini nelle Marche.