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TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
General Information
Italy has an excellent network of roads and highways that is one of the most extensive in Europe, comprising nearly 4000mi/6400km of express highways and 180,000mi/288,000km of secondary roads. The country''s famous super highways run the length and breadth of the peninsula. These toll roads are supported by an excellent network of secondary roads, classified into different categories as follows:

• Autostrada (Superhighway)

•  Strada Statale (State Road)-

• Strada Provinciale (Provincial Road)

•  Strada Comunale (Local Road)
  
  On superhighways (autostrade) no U-turns are permitted, and stopping is permitted only in emergency parking areas or parking lanes.
  The Italian highway code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs. Driving is on the right; passing on the left.

An American drivers licence is recognized in Italy and you must be 25 years old to be able to rent a car. Traffic rules are the same as in the USA, distances are indicated in kilometers (1km = 0.621 miles). Seat belts in the front and rear seats are obligatory, children up to 5 years of age should be seated in a car seat. Cellular phones can be used while driving if operated with head set. The wearing of a helmet is obligatory on two wheeled vehicles. Headlights must be kept on in areas outside of residential areas.



Ferries connect Italy with Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, Malta, Albania, Egypt and Spain. Ferries service Sicily from Naples, while Sardinia is reached from Genoa, Livorno and Naples.