Italy Driving Guide for Americans (2026): What to Know Before You Drive

1. Quick Answer: Can Americans drive in Italy with just a U.S. License?

• No, Americans cannot drive in Italy with only a U.S. license. Italy requires all U.S. license holders to carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official sworn translation of their U.S. license. If your license was issued in a country other than the United States, check out this blog about who is eligible to get an IDP.

• Requirements:

  • Must be 18+

  • Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license

  • Must carry IDP while driving

Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses must obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer. PriorityIDP obtains legitimate IDPs on behalf of its customers from AAA and express ships them internationally. This is the fastest, most reliable way to receive an IDP if you are unable to visit a AAA branch yourself.

2. How to legally drive in Italy as a foreigner

Is an IDP required to drive in Italy if I have a U.S. license?

• Yes, Italian law requires that U.S. license holders must carry either a valid International Driving Permit or an official sworn translation of their license to drive in Italy. Drivers who have been residents of Italy for more than one year must obtain an Italian license. See the U.S. Embassy in Italy website for more information.

• These rules are based on two legal texts:

  • 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic: This is the international treaty that created IDPs and continues to govern them. The U.S. and Italy are both signatories to this treaty and will recognize 1949-format IDPs. 

  • Italian national law: Article 135 of the Italian Highway Code (Codice della Strada) lists out licensing requirements for driving in Italy. Here are the two most relevant sections for U.S. license holders (translated from Italian):

    • Section 1: “[Foreign license holders] may drive vehicles within the national territory—specifically those vehicles for which the license they hold authorizes them to drive—provided that they have not been resident in Italy for more than one year and that, together with said license, they possess an International Driving Permit or an official translation into Italian of the aforementioned license. Both the driving license and the International Driving Permit must be currently valid.”

    • Section 8: “[Foreign license holders] who operate a vehicle within the national territory without an International Driving Permit or the official translation … shall be subject to an administrative pecuniary penalty consisting of a payment of a sum ranging from 400 to 1,600 euros.”

Who checks the IDP and what happens if I don’t have one?

Italy is one of the strictest countries in Europe when it comes to requiring International Driving Permits. Here are the policies of the three groups who will check for an IDP:

• Police

  • Driving without a valid IDP is a violation of Italian national law.

  • Drivers caught driving without an IDP will be subject to a fine of €400–1,600. Drivers who are caught multiple times may face additional fines or other legal consequences.

• Rental car agency

  • European rental car companies (e.g., Europcar, Sixt) often turn U.S. license holders away at the rental desk if they don’t have a valid International Driving Permit. Fake IDPs are generally rejected as well (see our blog post about how to spot IDP scams).

  • American rental car companies (e.g., Hertz, Avis) tend to be more relaxed about checking for IDPs at the rental desk, though their rental agreements will have language requiring drivers to be properly licensed—which includes having a valid IDP.

• Insurer

  • If you paid for a collision damage waiver (CDW) through your rental car company, the contract likely has language requiring that you be properly licensed to drive in Italy. If they can show that you aren’t, they may claim breach of contract and refuse to cover any of the damage.

  • If you paid for a travel insurance policy or have rental car insurance through your credit card, they may also refuse to reimburse your claim if you get into an accident and can’t prove that you were properly licensed.

How to get an IDP (U.S. license holders)

Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses must obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer. PriorityIDP obtains legitimate IDPs on behalf of its customers from AAA and express ships them internationally. This is the fastest, most reliable way to receive an IDP while abroad.

3. Renting a Car in Italy (What to Expect)

Requirements

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

• Valid International Driving Permit with proper markings for the vehicle type you wish to rent

• Credit card for deposit

• Minimum age of 21 in most places – see our blog about the minimum age required to rent and drive a car / motorcycle

How does insurance work when renting a car in Italy?

Check out our blog on this topic.

What other fees should I look out for while renting a car / driving in Italy?

Check out our blog on this topic.

4. Italy-Specific Driving Rules You Must Know

Quick tips

• Driving side: Italy drives on the right side of the road (same as the U.S.). Be cautious at intersections and roundabouts if you're coming from left-hand traffic countries.

• Road signs: Road signs are typically posted only in Italian. Make sure to review what different traffic symbols mean and also have a translation app handy.

• Speed limits: Italy has the most speed cameras (“autovelox”) of any country in Europe. If you are renting a car, your ticket will be sent to your rental company who will bill you automatically, often adding an additional administrative fee.

• Headlights: Sidelights and low beams are required at all times outside of built-up areas. They are also required at night, in tunnels, and in poor visibility (e.g., rain, fog, etc). Motorcyclists must keep their sidelights and dipped beams on at all times.

• Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers.

• Car seats: Children under 1.50 meters (4’11”) must be seated in car seats. Some rental car companies may have them on hand, but we suggest requesting ahead of time.

• Phone usage: Handheld phone usage while driving is strictly prohibited.

• Alcohol limit: Approximately 0.05% BAC, which is significantly lower than the U.S. legal limit. 1-2 drinks can put many people over the limit. For drivers under 21, the limit is zero. Your best bet is to not drive if you plan on drinking at all.

• Right-of-way: 

  • Left turns (across oncoming traffic) must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning left.

  • If not explicitly marked by a sign, traffic coming from the left has priority.

  • Must yield to pedestrians and cyclists in or waiting at crossings.

• Right turn on red: Not allowed unless there is a sign or green light granting permission.

• Required equipment (generally provided by rental company): Warning triangle and reflective vest for use in case of a breakdown. Helmets are required for motorcyclists.

• Tolls: Most Italian motorways are toll roads, generally marked with green signs. Drivers take a ticket when entering the toll road, then pay with cash or card when exiting the toll road. Electronic toll payment (“Telepass”) is also available in some places. Inquire with your rental company to see if it’s available for your rental car. 

• ZTL (restricted traffic zone): Many city centers only allow traffic at certain times of day and traffic is monitored by automated license plate readers. See our blog on this topic for more details.

• Parking: Parking spaces are painted with different colors to indicate if they are paid (blue lines), free (white lines), or reserved (yellow lines).

What to do if you get pulled over

Check out our blog on this topic.

What to do if you get into an accident

The emergency number in Italy is 112.

Check out our blog for more information on this subject.

5. How to get an IDP quickly

Need an IDP? We can ship as quickly as next-day for domestic orders and 2 days for most major cities abroad. We can help figure out where to ship your IDP if you’re already abroad. Don’t panic! We’re here to help.