To Italy by car
What are the requirements and rules?
Basic rental requirements
- Minimum age — 21 years old (some companies require 23–25 years old).
- Driving experience — 1 year or more.
- International driver's license (IDP) recommended. Ukrainian licenses are accepted, but some companies may require an IDP.
- Credit card required — for deposit.
Documents required
- Passport.
- Driver's license (Ukrainian or international).
- Credit card in the driver's name.
- Medical insurance (not always required for rental, but highly recommended for travel safety).
Approximate prices:
- Economy class: from €25–40/day.
- Mid-range: €50–80/day.
- SUV or minivan: from €90–150/day.
Prices depend on the season, location, driver's age, and services included.
Insurance
The rental price usually includes:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — basic insurance in case of an accident.
- TP (Theft Protection) — protection against car theft.
You can additionally purchase full coverage without a deductible (Full Coverage) to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Traffic rules in Italy
Mandatory in the car
- First aid kit, emergency stop sign, reflective vests.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Children under 150 cm must be in a child seat.
Speed limits
- In cities — up to 50 km/h.
- On suburban roads — up to 90 km/h.
- On motorways (Autostrade) — up to 130 km/h (or 110 in bad weather).
Prohibited
- Using a phone while driving without a hands-free device.
- Parking in areas with yellow or blue markings without permission or payment.
- Crossing double solid lines.
Fines
- Speeding: from €40 to €500+.
- Parking in a prohibited place: €25–100.
- Driving while intoxicated: €500–2000 and more + license suspension.
Parking
- Blue markings — paid parking.
- White — free.
- Yellow — for services/residents only.
Pay via parking meters or mobile apps (EasyPark, MyCicero, etc.).
If you are involved in an accident in Italy
In the event of a traffic accident in Italy, there are clear rules to follow:
1. Stop the car and turn on your hazard lights. Get out of the car wearing a reflective vest (mandatory) and place an emergency stop sign at a safe distance.
2. Check if anyone is injured. If someone is injured, call an ambulance (118) and the police (112) immediately.
3. Exchange information with other participants in the accident:
- First and last names and contact information;
- Driver's license numbers;
- Insurance policy details;
- Vehicle registration numbers.
4. Take photos of the accident scene, document the damage, the position of the vehicles, and road signs.
5. Fill out a European accident statement (CAI — Constatazione Amichevole di Incidente) if there are no serious injuries or damage. This will speed up the compensation process.
6. Notify your insurance company (or the company where you rented the car) no later than 3 days after the accident.
7. If you rented a car, call the company's support service — they will provide instructions and, if necessary, arrange for a tow truck or replacement car.