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. Note that snow chains are not required if the car is equipped with winter tires.

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

The Colosseum
It is impossible to visit Rome and not stop to enjoy the Colosseum. This huge and impressive building is one of the most important and well-known symbols in the entire world.
In the past, games, gladiatorial contests and many entertainment shows were held there, which were frequented by the Roman emperors.
Despite the long line, it's worth entering and seeing the building from the inside as well, in order to truly appreciate the size and magnitude of the historic celebration site.

Ostia Antica
The archaeological site of Ancient Ostia is less than an hour's drive from the center of Rome. The site presents the ancient port of Rome which has been amazingly preserved. Among the more interesting things you can see there is a bath complex from the second century AD with a breathtaking floor mosaic, an amphitheater and even the remains of an ancient café.
Of course, next to the remains of the café there is also a more modern restaurant that sells real and fresh food.

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Another archaeological site in the Rome area that you don't want to miss is Pompeii. In 79 AD, the Vesuvius volcano erupted and destroyed an entire city.
Today when you visit the remains of the city of Pompeii it seems as if time stood still. The work of exposing the city and removing the lava stone layers took hundreds of years and today you can see the shops, temples, stadiums and squares almost in their entirety. In addition, you can visit Mount Vesuvius, and look at the Caldara of the mountain, which is still active today (without fear of a spontaneous eruption, of course).

Rome with children

The city, full of history and impressive buildings, can be a wonderful place for children, who will feel like they are in a fairy tale or a fantasy story. Alongside this there is food that children love and lots of gelato (ice cream). Rome is a destination for an unforgettable and experiential family trip.

Villa Borghese
The best place in the city for children to play and run around is this park, a spacious area located in front of Piazza del Popolo. The park is full of activities and entertainment: bicycles for rent, canoeing, playgrounds, a museum and even a zoo and a miniature train. It is a perfect place for family fun for a few hours or even a whole day, when the weather is nice.

Ostia Lido, the seaside of Rome
If you missed spending time laying on your back, the Ostia Lido is a pleasant beach where you can spend a relaxing family day by the water. There are also many restaurants and cafes. Ostia itself is considered a suburb of the city of Rome and is actually adjacent to the city. From anywhere in Rome it is easy to get to Ostia beach by rental car.

Rainbow MagicLand
The largest amusement park in Rome, including 38 facilities and attractions. In the park there is a large section dedicated to the experience of knights, who fight each other in game tournaments.
There are also classic amusement facilities such as roller coasters, water facilities, a planetarium and magical and interactive displays.

Shopping in Rome

Via Del Corso Street
The shopping street located in the heart of Rome is one of the most prestigious spots in the entire city. The street connects Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia, and offers a dazzling variety of shops to suit all tastes and budgets. From well-known brands such as H&M, Gap, Benneton and, of course, Zara, to luxury brands such as Dolce Gabbana and Prada.

Castel Romano Outlet
Interested in returning home with Italian designer items without breaking the bank? This is the best place to do it. The complex offers a variety of designer stores, including Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Moschino, Valentino and more, at incredible discounts of up to 70%, all year round. Keep in mind, that these are still designer items, so the prices are not particularly cheap, but if you feel like a designer treat, you've come to the right place. The outlet is outside the city, about 20 minutes by car from Rome.