The Autostrada is the main highway system in Italy and is similar to the Interstate highway system in the US. The Autostrada is the fastest way to get around Italy. We use it whenever it is practical. The winding and slow country roads will drive you crazy eventually, especially if you really need to get somewhere quickly. The Autostrada are toll highways; you pay to use them.

Entering and Exiting

The exit and entrance ramps for the Autostrada frequently have very tight curves, so drive carefully. When you are getting on the Autostrada, you may find that the entrance lane is short and you are merging with fast-moving traffic. Make sure there is room to enter the highway before you merge from the entry lane and once on the road, speed up quickly. Wait in the entry lane until you see enough space in the traffic to safely join the highway.

When you pass an entrance along the Autostrada, be mindful of people entering on the right and be prepared to give way.

Passing Lane

Most Autostrade are two lanes in each direction with dividers down the middle. The left lane, the passing lane, is only for passing and is to be approached cautiously. We call this the "Mercedes lane", because it is used by expensive cars who drive very, very fast. Before you pull out to pass, be sure you have lots of room. That Mercedes in the far distance will be coming up behind you in seconds. Once you have passed, immediately pull back into the slow lane. If you are driving in the left lane, people coming up from behind will flash their lights at you to tell you to move back to the slower right lane.

But, don't be afraid of the passing lane. You will need to use it to get by slower cars. Just use it cautiously.

Note:  Italy now enforces the Autostrada speed limits. For example on the highway to Pisa from Florence, there are speed cameras set up about every 10 km. you will see a sign advising that one is coming up...you have about 1km to slow down..then you're on camera...expect a ticket in the mail if you are over

 

Be aware of traffic cameras in the Chianti and Florence (Firenze)!

Driving in the Chianti can be fun and easy. Narrow two lane roads wind through vineyards, forest areas, stretches of patchwork fields and charming towns. It is easy to be lulled by all of this and forget that there are traffic and speed laws to be followed. Thankfully, authorities have made it fairly easy to avoid tickets and to be good citizens and visitors, but it is important to know the signs and the laws.

Traffic Cameras on the Roads

In much of Tuscany and increasingly in more areas of Italy, it is common to have roadside cameras that clock your speed and license number. If you are exceeding the limit, you will be ticketed. A ticket will be sent to the address of the person to whom the car is registered. If you are driving a rental car, the ticket is sent to the rental agency that then bills the charge to your credit card. Usually this will not show on your credit card statement for several weeks.

see what the NY Times writes about the Italian Highways