Driving in Rome: everything you need to know

Driving in Rome: everything you need to know

The “Eternal City” is a wonderful place that everyone should visit. At least once in a lifetime. Rome contains both ancient and modern history. Everywhere you go, you will find magnificent works and museums where you can admire so much beauty. And while you find yourself walking along the main streets try to look around, you will be amazed. There are many and different ways to visit Rome. Taking long walks is the best way but not the only one. There are a lot of buses that run at different times, even during the night. The means are many but if you don’t want to wait for the bus then rent a car. And if you have one, follow this guide that will help you not to get lost and to avoid a lot of fines!

A bit of history

Appia Antica by Dolcevia – Pixabay

Many scholars trace the invention of roads back to the Romans, some to the Etruscans. Despite this, the Roman roads were created to connect the capital of the empire with the important provinces. The roads were used for the economic growth of the empire and to help the military. For the Romans, an efficient road network was therefore important. Today we can still admire their roads and walk some sections that are still practicable and in excellent condition. If you want to take a walk in the past and immerse yourself in history then the Via Appia Antica is for you.

Driving in Rome

Rome by Andrea Albanese – Pixabay

Driving in Rome can be a real adventure to try. There are some unwritten rules for being a real Roman driver. Let’s see some of them together:

Even if the rules of the road are different, in Rome those who arrive first at the intersection have the right of way. For most Romans, it is like this but be careful, breaking the rules will cost you a lot especially if there are carabinieri and police nearby. You must be awake and quick otherwise you risk a collision, or you won’t stop in time if there is a pedestrian. As for the traffic lights, on the other hand, some brake when it is green and some start with red. So be very careful!

Unfortunately, in Rome, there is the rule of the “overbearing traffic light”. Some drivers do not respect the stop lines and stop at pedestrian crossings, creating problems for pedestrians. But don’t behave like them and respect the rules of the road especially if you are a tourist!

The Roman drivers are very fiery, they get angry and fight as soon as they can. Any wrong movement, unsuccessful arrow or stolen parking space can become an easy way to argue. So be careful and avoid arguments of any kind, especially with the Romans!

Parking in Rome

Rome by Kookay – Pixabay

As for parking, you should know that the blue lines indicate a paid parking with tariff. If the stripes are white then the parking is free. Parking in the center can be very difficult, especially if you are a beginner with Roman roads. If you need a place to park then at Villa Borghese you will find a convenient covered parking. From the garage you will have access along the road known as Via Veneto which will take you directly to the center of the city. Or near the Metro Spagna. Alternatively, you will find a covered parking at San Pietro. Parking spaces marked with blue stripes can be paid for with the parking meters that you will find everywhere on each street. I recommend that you put the ticket on the dashboard inside the car on display. Otherwise you risk receiving a fine.

The restricted traffic areas

Parking by Franck Barske – Pixabay

Rome is full of restricted traffic areas or areas that require special access at certain times of the day. The accesses can be applied during the day and at night, so I advise you to inform yourself about the route to take before leaving! The entrances to the zones are under video surveillance and you will find a display showing “door active” or “door not active”.

The GRA

Arch of Constatine by Julius_Silver – Pixabay 

The Grande Raccordo Anulare is indicated by the acronym A90 and is a modern highway of about 70 km. The Gra is an external ring road that connects the many peripheral areas of Rome. Up to 180,000 vehicles circulate on this road every day.

On the road

Rome by KittyVanRooij216

You should know that roadside checks take place every day and all days of the year. On the whole stretch of the highway, from north to south, there are many tutors. Tutors are a control system that determines the speed between two points. The system reads the number of plates from the moment you cross the first and indicates the average speed. But in addition to the tutor, there are also radar controls. The radar is always positioned along the road and by law must always be reported. Sometimes the radars are placed in places that are not visible to motorists who in this way cannot slow down.

Italian rules of the road

The Italian rules of the road are many and all different. In general, you should know that there is a maximum speed of 130 km / h on the motorway and 90 km / h outside the city. If not specified then the maximum speed is 50 km / h for the city. If you have a foreign car with you then in case of a fine you must pay it immediately. Otherwise, the vehicle may be seized until the fine is paid.

Withdrawal of the license

Depending on the violation, the police can immediately withdraw the license and for tourists, the license is sent back to the country of origin. If, on the other hand, you have recently obtained an Italian driving license, you should know that there are points. Points can be removed based on the violation. The license can be withdrawn if you exceed the maximum speed limit of more than 40 km / h, drive after drinking alcohol and using drugs. But especially if you are using your mobile phone while driving. Without forgetting the failure to help in the event of a road accident.