Below you will find the most important traffic rules and helpful details for car and motorbike drivers on South Tyrol’s roads
From November 23, 2021, the new road traffic regulations are in force in Italy: In addition to new rules, more penalties are introduced and existing penalties are increased.
- Exceeding the speed limit:
If the speed limit is exceeded by more than 10 kmph, a fine of several 100 euros has to be paid. If the speed limit is exceeded by more than 40 kmph, the driving licence is also withdrawn for months.
- Dipped headlights:
You must use dipped headlights during the day while travelling on motorways and major roads outside cities.
- Brennero Motorway (A22):
On the Brennero Motorway between Bolzano Sud and Brennero the maximum speed is limited to 110 kmph - and not to 130 kmph as usual on Italian motorways.
- Warning vest and triangle:
Since 2004, warning vests are obligatory - you must carry it always with you in the car to have the possibility to show it or to use it in emergency cases. A warning triangle and a first aid kit are obligatory as well - a fire extinguisher, however, is recommended but not obligatory.
- Blood-alcohol limit:
The maximum blood alcohol limit is at 0.5 ‰. Also drunken pedestrians can be stopped and fined by the police.
- Child seats:
The compulsory alarm for child seats in Italy came into force in 2019: Parents of children up to 4 years must equip the child seat with an alarm system to prevent infants from being left in the car. This obligation applies to vehicles registered in Italy. Non-compliance is punishable by fines of up to 323 euros, and a deduction of 5 driving licence points or a temporary withdrawal of the driving licence for up to 2 months (in case of a new offence within two years).
- Winter equipment obligation:
The obligation is valid from November 15 to April 15. During this period cars must only be driven if equipped with winter tyres (or all-season tyres M+S). Snow chains are necessary in case the road is continuously or almost continuously covered with snow or ice.
- E-cars:
Since 2021, electric cars have only been allowed to park at charging stations as long as they are charging.
- E-scooters:
The maximum speed for e-scooters is 20 kmph and 6 kmph in pedestrian zones. On pavements, riding and parking of e-scooters is prohibited.
- Wildlife accident:
Since 2019, a wildlife accident must also be reported to the responsible authorities (e.g. Forestry Station Renon, phone: +39 0471 356229, Silandro, phone: +39 0473 736130, or Brunico, phone: +39 0474 582230) if the wild animal was only hit in order to be able to initiate a control search. Previously, this was only the case if the animal died in the accident.
- Mobile phone and co:
Mobile phones are prohibited at the wheel, but also all other mobile devices such as tablets or laptops. This applies not only to the drive itself, but also, for example, at a red light.
- Further prohibitions:
Fines are imposed, for example, for disregarding the obligation to wear a seat belt, unauthorised parking in a disabled parking space (the fines have been doubled in 2021), failure to purchase a toll ticket or failing to stop for pedestrians at a zebra crossing.
- Drugs:
Smoking cannabis is punished with the withdrawal of the driving licence or other valid papers. A complaint will be lodged.
More useful information:
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Official ban on smoking:
An official ban on smoking in all enclosed public places has come into force in Italy in 2005. Fines may amount up to 2,000 euros. Few bars are not subject to the ban but are required to have designated smoking areas, which must be sealed off from the rest of the premises and fulfil strict criteria. -
Fake products:
Buying fake brand products is punished with heavy fines.
