Italy
Driving Abroad
Last verified August 15, 2026
Written for U.S. passport holders
License Requirements
- Official U.S. Embassy guidance recommends getting an International Driving Permit before you leave the U.S. if you plan to drive in Italy as a tourist.
- Italian law technically allows a non-EU/EEA license accompanied by an official Italian translation as an alternative to an IDP, but in practice the IDP is the simpler, standardized option most travelers use.
- The IDP has to be obtained in the U.S., through AAA or AATA; it can't be issued to you once you're in Italy.
Enforcement
- If you're stopped without an IDP (or the required translation), reported fines range from €80 to €317.
- Driving without the proper documentation can also affect whether your car insurance actually covers you in an incident.
Road Basics for Americans
- Like the U.S., Italy drives on the right side of the road, so the basic flow of traffic will feel familiar.
- Speed limits and distances are posted in kilometers (km/h), not miles. A 100 km/h limit is about 62 mph; a 50 km/h limit, common in towns, is about 31 mph.
The Gotcha
Italy is one of those 'technically optional, practically not' situations: the law allows a certified Italian translation of your license as an alternative to an IDP, but getting a certified translation is more hassle than just getting the IDP from AAA before your trip, and the fine range for showing up without either (€80–€317) is real enough that it's not worth testing.
Sources
This page was drafted from the primary sources below. Rules change, so check the linked page directly before relying on any of this.
- Transportation and Driving in Italy (U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy)