When in Italy with a car hired from Canada, then one must have a rough idea on the Italian road regulations in order to spend some nice time on the Italian roads. Italy is among the most popular global tourism destinations where anyone including Canadians who visit this country hires cars to explore the stunning views. Here is what you have to know if you are driving with a Canadian license in Italy.
Driving with a Canadian License in Italy
Yes, you can legally drive in Italy with a Canadian driver’s license for up to one year, but that is not the whole story. However, you have to be in possession of an International Driving Permit (IDP) apart from your Canadian license. The IDP is a document that interprets your Canadian license in several global languages in case you are detained in any foreign country.
If you wish to live in Italy for more than one year, then the driver’s license can be exchanged for an Italian driving license or else one can attempt the Italian driving tests; which entail written and practical tests. The exchange process is only possible in case that there is an exchange contract between Italy and the province of Canada where you live that determines the recognition of driver’s license.
How to Get an International Driving Permit
But you have to get your IDP in Canada because it cannot be issued or renewed if you are in another country including Italy. These permits can be issued only by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). The process is straightforward: A client has to complete an application form, submit two passport-sized photos, and pay a small fee. The IDP is issued for one year starting from the date of its issue and must always be produced together with the Canadian driver’s license.
Can You Drive Without an IDP?
Technically, no. According to the regulation of the Italian government, those who wants to drive a car in Italy especially those belonging to the non-EU countries I (I deductible) including Canada, must obtain the International Driving Permit. Some travelers have come out to say that they have driven without being asked to present their IDP, but it is not safe to do so. If you are caught by Italian police without proper papers, they can fine you and your car will be seized.
Sometimes, an official sworn translation of your Canadian license is enough in lieu of the IDP. This is known as a traduzione giurata and this doesn’t have to be done by a professional translator in Italy but it has to be done by an accredited translator in Italy. This may be an option if you failed to obtain an IDP prior to your trip but in most cases it is more cumbersome and tiresome than just to get an IDP before leaving Canada.
Renting a Car in Italy
In most cases when renting a car in Italy, having an IDP in addition to your Canadian license is required. Many rental companies will request it at the time of pickup and it is advisable to do a check with the exact rental company. Also, check whether you are allowed to rent a car and whether your license has been active for at least one year because these are the most frequently stated prerequisites in Italy.
There are main types of insurance that are provided in Italy, and it is advisable to read more about it: most car rentals have a basic insurance included or for extra charge. It is also possible to add some extra insurance for more reassurance.
This is a guide to the Italian driving laws that any driver should be aware of.
If you are going to drive your own car in Italy then I would like to tell you that it is utterly dissimilar to the roads available in Canada. Here are a few essential rules and tips to keep in mind:
- Traffic Signs: They may differ from the Canadian ones as well. For example, hybrid cars display the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) signs to restrict access to many city centers. Failure to adhere to these restrictions will attract steep penalties.
- Roundabouts: Roundabouts are known in Italy as rotaries and cars within the rotaries have the right of way.
- Speed Limits: There are speed limits and they are policed by cameras. They differ according to the type of road; the speed limits are 50 km/h in the urban areas, 90 km/h in the secondary roads and 130 km/h in highways.
- Toll Roads: A large number of highways in Italy are the one that require paying for the services given while using it. It is important to note that you have to pay with cash or credit card whenever you enter or exit these roads.
What Happens After One Year?
If your stay in Italy exceeds twelve months, you will be required to exchange your Canadian license for an Italian license where Italy has an exchange agreement with the province in Canada. If there is no such treaty, you will have to take the Italian driving tests so as to be issued an Italian license. The tests are normally administered in Italian, therefore, a fluency in the language will be required.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Driving in Italy?
Self-driving in Italy could be an amazing chance to sightseeing in the country, especially countryside or districts which cannot be explored by bus or rail. However, create major difficulties the roads, parking and traffic especially in large cities like Rome and Florence. If you are going to drive a car, it is high time to study the local legislation and get your IDP.
If your trip spans over a day or two or if you are planning to tour several metropolitan cities, it advisable to use other means of transport such as Italy’s trains and busses though hiring a car is slightly cheaper compared to the above means of transport.
One can drive with a Canadian license in Italy for a maximum of 365 days while using an IDP. Subsequently you may require transposition of your license or sit Italian driving tests to be able to drive legally. Safe travels!