The road system in Rome and Italy as a whole is one of the most advanced in the world and the traffic laws are strictly enforced by the police and through many speed cameras. The speed limits vary according to the types of roads (highways, two-lane roads, interstate roads, urban areas, built-up areas, etc.).
Also, new drivers (with less than 3 years of experience) may be subject to even more severe restrictions and it is recommended to be updated in advance.
Wearing seat belts is mandatory in the front and back.
◾ Driving in the city
As in most large cities in Italy, even in the center of Rome, entry is prohibited for vehicles that do not belong to local residents and for this they receive fines. Look out for the Zona a Traffico Limitato sign indicating this.
If you find yourself in such an area, you will probably be photographed by the police and a report will be sent to your home after receiving your details from the rental company. For transferring the report to your name, the rental company will charge a handling fee.
Important to know: GPS navigation and applications such as Waze do not always warn of entering ZTL zones
◾ Road tolls
A toll is charged on most highways throughout the country. When you arrive at the payment station, enter the lane marked with the Biglietto (ticket) sign or an unmarked lane. The cost of the toll is usually derived from the distance traveled on the road and is determined by means of a card that the driver receives at the entrance to the road and which he is required to return at the exit.
Recently an app where you can pay the tolls directly was launched, you can read more details here-
https://www.asfinag.at/en/toll/vignette/digital-vignette/
◾ Passage to neighboring countries
when renting a car in Rome you can also travel with the rented car to Switzerland, Austria, France, Slovenia and more – please make sure to mark the countries you plan to visit if you book via our website or mention it to our representative if booking via our call center, as in some cases (depending on the country or car group) a written confirmation from the car rental company is required.
Please note that some of these countries require a special sticker for driving on highways which can be purchased at the kiosks at the border crossings. Be sure to find out about the need for a sticker every time you leave one country and enter another.
Renting a car in Italy also allows you to travel with the rented car by ferry to Sardinia or Sicily, but you must make sure that the ticket you purchased for the ferry also includes special insurance for the rented car, since the rental companies do not insure the car while it is on the ferry.
◾ Car lights
Lighting car lights is mandatory when driving intercity, driving in tunnels and in severe weather conditions (when vision is poor).
An important update for drivers regarding race tracks -
For your attention - it is absolutely forbidden to enter tracks such as Autodromo Di Perguza or similar tracks with the rented vehicle. The rented vehicle is not insured on these routes and those who violate this prohibition are exposed to significant fines.
Driving in Rome during winter
Planning to travel to Rome during winter and ski season? We have collected a few important tips for you:
◾ Snow chains
The law in Italy states that between the dates 15.11 each year and 15.4 the following year, the obligation to have snow chains in the car applies in certain areas of Italy (mainly in the northern districts). Their use is subject to signage and road conditions and requires driving at low speed. Please note: the snow chains must be ordered in advance.
For your convenience, we have prepared a map where the areas where it is mandatory to have snow chains are marked Click here
◾ Winter tires
Some of the car rental companies in Italy offer specific vehicle groups equipped with winter tires, or those that can be equipped with winter tires, and these are available at selected stations only.
Returning at a different station from the pick-up station may be limited or involve an additional fee.
It is your responsibility to make sure that you have the necessary equipment for the conditions of the road you plan to travel, especially uphill to mountainous/snowy areas.
◾ Ski rack
Some of the rental companies offer a ski roof for rent to connect to the rental car. The ski roof must be ordered in advance. The canopy is suitable for two pairs of skis only and is an additional cost to the rental company to be paid when picking up the car.
Please note that it is not possible to attach the canopy to all vehicle groups. It is recommended to find out in advance that it is indeed possible to add him to the invited category.
Anti-freeze additive
At very low temperatures the fuel in the tank may freeze. Therefore, we recommend parking the vehicle in a covered parking lot and/or adding antifreeze liquid to the fuel tank when refueling (a special substance that prevents freezing), which can be purchased, if necessary, at gas stations.
For more tips regarding renting a car during wintertime click here
and for important tips regarding renting a car abroad click here
Booking a car in Rome with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Rome, exploring all the sites and attractions that interest you and the freedom to do so according to your schedule.
Also, you'll be able to choose from a wide range of car groups the most suitable car for your vacation in an easy and comfortable process and with great prices.
Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in Rome