The road system in Italy is one of the most advanced in the world, and traffic laws are strictly enforced by the police and through many 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.
 

◾ Driving in Cities:

In most of the historical areas in the centers of large cities (Florence for example) entry is prohibited for vehicles that do not belong to local residents, and entry to these areas with the rented car will result in fines. Look out for the Zona a Traffico Limitato sign indicating this.

If you find yourself in such an area, you were probably 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.

It’s important to know: GPS navigation and applications such as Waze do not always warn of entering ZTL zones.
 

◾ Road tolls in Italy

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. There are toll roads where payment is made depending on the size of the vehicle once or several times along the way. The toll is also collected in some tunnels (for example: the Mont Blanc tunnel). 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/
 

◾ Seatbelts

Wearing seat belts is mandatory in the front and back.
 

◾ Car lights

Those are mandatory when driving intercity, driving in tunnels and in severe weather conditions (when vision is poor).
 

◾ Exiting to neighboring countries

when renting a car in Italy 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.

Also, 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.
 

An important update for drivers regarding race tracks

Pay attention - it is absolutely forbidden to enter with the rented vehicle on tracks such as the Autodromo Di Perguza track or similar. The rented vehicle is not insured on these routes and those who violate this prohibition are exposed to significant fines.
 

◾ Returning a car in Venice

Please note that returning it at the Venice station in the city involves a special parking fee which is not included in the rental price. This cost is paid to the vehicle supplier upon collection.

Driving in Italy during winter

Planning to travel to Italy 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 1.11 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 rental companies offer a ski roof for rent to connect to the rental car. The ski roof can't 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 the canopy cannot be attached to all vehicle groups.
 

◾ Driving a diesel/electric vehicle during winter time

Please note, that in very low temperatures, diesel fuel may freeze, so it's important to prepare accordingly when you are in driving in especially cold conditions. It is recommended to park the vehicle in a covered parking lot and purchase anti-freeze liquid to prevent the freezing of the fuel. Also note that electric cars are also affected by the cold, and it is possible to experience a drop of up to 30% in the range of use of the battery.

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 Italy with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Italy, 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 Italy

Turin

Turin used to be the capital of Italy, and a very significant cultural and economic center.
It is located in the northwestern part of Italy, on the banks of the Po River, the longest river in Italy.
Today it is the capital of the Piedmont region surrounded by the Alps. Car rental in Turin will allow you to enjoy the charm of the city itself, its museums and piazzas, closely observing the thriving industry - since Turin is the city of origin and production of the "Fiat" car - and also explore the entire Piedmont region, with its green or snowy hills, depending on the time of year.
 

Cagliari

The capital of Sardinia and its economic and cultural center. It is a port city where, among other things, you can get across to the north coast of Africa. Cagliari is a very unique city compared to the familiar Italian landscape, many even describe the feeling upon entering the city as such that they seem to have left Italy for a moment, which increases curiosity and the desire to visit it, even for a day, if you have arrived in Sardinia.
Cagliari overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and is saturated with history and archaeological sites, if you want to spend the day in its many museums without missing the beach - renting a car in Cagliari will allow you to experience the beauty of the city and its cultural wealth without having to choose between the two.
 

Palermo

Palermo is the capital of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, located at the foot of the boot. Its rich history goes back to at least 8000 BC, and countless regimes that ruled it, from the Romans, through the Germans to the Christian rule, left their cultural mark on it.
Car rental in Palermo will enable you to experience the city and also go out into the nearby nature, with the recommended destination being Mount Pellegrino, which from which you can overlook the magical view of the Mediterranean Sea, and if you are particularly adventurous, also a strenuous and beautiful walk along the route.
 

Amalfi road

If you are interested in an unforgettable trip, and you are in southern Italy, don't let yourself miss the trip on the S163 road - the Amalfi road. This is one of the most beautiful roads in Europe and some would say in the whole world. The road stretches along the coastline between the cities of Sorrento and Amalfi.
The length of the road is about 50 kilometers, but it is recommended to devote several days and stop in the beautiful cities and villages along it.
The road passes between azure beaches and huge cliffs, lemon groves, and of course beautiful buildings decorated with uniqueness and culture. Beyond each round you will discover an even more spectacular and stunning view.

Italy with children

Of course, the country with its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and cuisine that delights the heart, offers a multitude of options for children, and in any region you choose to travel, you can create a fascinating family trip. Here are a few top recommendations:
 

Garda Lake 

Garda Lake in northern Italy offers the largest amusement park in Italy and one of the largest in Europe - Gardaland. With numerous amusement facilities for all ages and a feeling of visiting a world of fairy tales, all family members will be happy to come here.
In addition, you can also enjoy the beaches by the lake, boating on the lake itself, hiking in the mountains or visiting the picturesque villages around it.
 

The Dolomites 

In the Dolomites mountain range, which belongs to the Alps, families will be able to find a variety of adventures and attractions in nature, landscapes, hiking trails and other Italian culture. Many of the residents in this area speak German, and the culture does bear similar characteristics to Germany and Austria.
The hiking trails are relatively accessible and can be hiked even if you are not an expert in mountain climbing, as they are relatively flat compared to other trails in the Alps, and therefore can also be suitable for children.

Shopping in Italy

Italy, the origin country of many fashion designers, offers a relatively wide range shopping possibilities, with an emphasis on boutique shopping and super brands. Throughout Italian cities there are several streets that are a center of attraction for shopping enthusiasts from all over the world.
 

Rome - Via Del Corso

Via del Corso in Rome is a street that, in a mythological way, has been used as the city's shopping street since the second century AD. It has historic buildings, restaurants and a mix of local boutiques and well-known international brands. It is considered one of the best shopping streets in all of Italy for souvenirs, fashion and even groceries.
 

Milan - Via Monte Napoleone

Milan is known as the fashion capital of Italy. On this street you can find the best fashion boutiques alongside extremely high-quality shoe manufacturers. While exploring this street you can also visit the famous Gucci, Prada and Dolce Gabbana stores.
 

Venice - Mercerie

The city of Venice is also not only famous for its historical sites or gondola rides, but also for its shopping options. The city offers many streets and boulevards where you can find everything you want, with Mercari Street being the most famous, and known for its jewellery stores.