How do you use the Italian motorway?
au-tos-TRA-da — stress on third syllable. i-ta-LIA-na — stress on third syllable.
For first-time drivers on Italian motorways.
Italian autostrade (motorways) are toll roads (strade a pedaggio). You take a ticket at the entrance and pay at the exit based on distance travelled. Some sections have automatic barriers. Most autostrade are 2-3 lanes in each direction. The left lane is strictly for overtaking — Italian driving etiquette is generally faster-paced than northern Europe.
Come si prende il biglietto all'ingresso dell'autostrada?
How do you take the ticket at the motorway entrance?
Take a ticket from the booth or barrier when you enter
Dove si paga il pedaggio?
Where do you pay the toll?
At the exit (casello) — cash or Telepass
La corsia di sorpasso è solo per sorpassare?
Is the overtaking lane only for overtaking?
Yes — staying in the left lane is illegal and dangerous in Italy
Italian motorway driving can seem intimidating initially — speeds are high and lane discipline is strict. Italians flash their lights (abbaglianti) to signal they want to overtake — move to the right immediately. Emergency phones (SOS) are placed every 2km. In case of breakdown, activate hazard lights, place the warning triangle 100m behind the car, and wear the high-visibility vest (gilet catarifrangente).