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Definitions of Road and Carriageway

A road is the area designated for the movement of pedestrians, vehicles and animals. Roads are classified as:

• Motorways (Autostrade): dual-carriageway roads with limited access, no level junctions. Maximum speed 130 km/h.
• Primary extra-urban roads: dual-carriageway with controlled access. Speed limit 110 km/h.
• Secondary extra-urban roads: single carriageway. Speed limit 90 km/h.
• Urban expressways: dual-carriageway within urban areas. Speed limit 70 km/h.
• Urban district roads: single carriageway. Speed limit 50 km/h.
• Local roads: urban and extra-urban. Speed limit 50 km/h in towns.

The carriageway is the portion of the road intended for vehicle flow. A road may have multiple carriageways separated by a central reservation.

A lane is the portion of the carriageway intended for a single line of vehicles.

Vehicle Definitions

The Highway Code classifies vehicles into specific categories:

• Mopeds (Ciclomotori): 2- or 3-wheeled vehicles with engine ≤ 50 cc and max speed 45 km/h.
• Motorcycles (Motoveicoli): motor vehicles with 2, 3 or 4 wheels with engine > 50 cc or max speed > 45 km/h.
• Motor cars (Autoveicoli): motor vehicles with at least 4 wheels (excluding motorcycles).
• Lorries (Autocarri): vehicles for carrying goods with a mass > 3.5 t.
• Buses (Autobus): vehicles for carrying persons with more than 8 seats.
• Trolleybuses (Filoveicoli): electrically powered vehicles drawing current from overhead lines.
• Trailers (Rimorchi): unpowered vehicles towed by other vehicles.
• Agricultural machinery: vehicles for agricultural use.

Driver Duties

Every driver has specific duties enshrined in the Highway Code:

• Vehicle control: keep both hands on the wheel at all times, maintain correct posture and full control of the vehicle.
• Obey signage: comply with road signs, traffic lights and instructions from traffic officers.
• Compulsory documents: driving licence, vehicle registration certificate and insurance certificate must always be available.
• Physical/mental fitness: it is forbidden to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Safety devices: mandatory use of seatbelts and helmets for motorcyclists.
• Mobile phones: it is forbidden to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Key Definitions from the Code

• Intersection: a road node where two or more roads meet or cross.
• Pedestrian area: a zone closed to vehicle traffic except where specified.
• Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL): an area where access is limited to certain categories of vehicle.
• Built-up area: a set of buildings with roads, squares or other public spaces, marked by beginning and end signs.
• Pavement (Marciapiede): the part of the road separated from the carriageway, reserved for pedestrians.
• Verge (Banchina): the part of the road between the edge of the carriageway and the nearest obstacle.
• Central reservation (Spartitraffico): a stripe or raised element dividing carriageways or lanes in opposite directions.

General Characteristics

• Shape: circular
• Background: white
• Border: red
• Symbol: black or coloured in the centre

They are placed on the right side of the road, before the point where the prohibition begins. Their validity may be limited in time by supplementary panels.

No through traffic

No vehicle may pass

No entry

Entry forbidden

No overtaking

No overtaking motor vehicles

Speed limit 50

Max 50 km/h

No parking

No parking allowed

No stopping or parking

Neither stopping nor parking

Main Prohibition Signs

• ⛔
  No through traffic — Prohibits the movement of all vehicles in both directions. Placed at both ends of the road.
• 🚫
  No entry (wrong way) — Prohibits entry in the direction indicated. Placed at the start of a one-way road for drivers travelling the wrong way.
• 🔴
  No overtaking — Prohibits overtaking any motor vehicle except solo motorcycles.
• 🔴
  Speed limit — Indicates the maximum speed allowed on that stretch. Remains valid until the end-of-prohibition sign or a new sign.

Other important prohibition signs include:

• No access: prohibits entry to any vehicle (solid red circle)
• No parking: prohibits parking (even brief)
• No stopping or parking: prohibits even a temporary stop
• No overtaking for lorries: specific prohibition for heavy vehicles
• No U-turn: prohibits turning around
• Weight limit: prohibits vehicles above a certain weight
• Height limit: prohibits vehicles above a certain height
• Width limit: prohibits vehicles above a certain width

End of Prohibitions

End-of-prohibition signs have specific characteristics:

• Circular with a white background and grey diagonal bars
• The end of all prohibitions sign cancels all previous restrictions
• The end of speed limit sign indicates the restoration of the general limit
• Prohibitions end automatically on leaving the built-up area

General Characteristics

• Shape: circular
• Background: blue
• Symbol: white

They indicate that drivers must necessarily follow the direction or adopt the behaviour shown. Failure to comply constitutes a violation of the Highway Code.

Go straight

Straight ahead only

Turn right

Right only

Turn left

Left only

Roundabout

Anti-clockwise circulation

Cycle lane

Reserved for bicycles

Pedestrian route

Reserved for pedestrians

Main Mandatory Signs

• Ahead: compulsory straight ahead
• Compulsory direction right / left: obligation to turn in the direction indicated
• Compulsory direction ahead or right / left: choice between two directions
• Roundabout: obligation to circulate anti-clockwise in the junction
• Cycle lane: lane reserved for bicycles (compulsory for cyclists)
• Pedestrian route: area reserved for pedestrians
• Minimum speed: obligation to maintain at least the indicated speed
• Snow chains compulsory: obligation to fit chains or winter tyres
• Compulsory passage (right or left of an obstacle): indicates which side to pass

General Characteristics

• Shape: triangular with apex upward
• Background: white (or yellow in special cases)
• Border: red
• Symbol: black in the centre

They are placed 150 metres before the hazard in extra-urban areas and 50 metres in urban areas. They may be accompanied by supplementary panels indicating the distance to the hazard.

Bend right

Slow down

Bend left

Slow down

Steep descent

Use engine braking

Level crossing

With barriers

Children

School zone

Slippery road

Skid risk

Hump

Road surface irregularity

Ped. crossing

Pedestrians possible

Correct Behaviour at Warning Signs

1. Reduce speed gradually
2. Increase the safe following distance from the vehicle ahead
3. Pay greater attention to the road situation
4. Do not overtake in sections signalled as dangerous
5. Be prepared to stop if necessary

Main Priority Signs

STOP

Mandatory full stop

Give Way

Yield without stopping

Right of Way

You have priority

End of Priority

Priority ends here

Difference between STOP and Give Way

Priority Road Sign

The priority sign (yellow diamond) has special characteristics:

• Placed on a road that has priority over those joining it
• Repeated every 150 metres in built-up areas and every 300 metres outside
• May be paired with a panel showing the junction layout
• The "end of priority" sign indicates where the road loses its right of way

Longitudinal Lines

Longitudinal lines run parallel to the road axis:

Transverse Lines and Areas

• Stop line (continuous transverse line): the point beyond which one must not advance at a STOP sign or red light.
• Give-way line (broken transverse line): the limit for the "give way" obligation.
• Pedestrian crossing (zebra stripes): passages reserved for pedestrians who always have priority.
• Cycle crossings: routes reserved for bicycles.
• Advanced stop area: space reserved for cyclists at traffic lights.
• Motorcycle box: space at traffic lights reserved for motorcycles.

Arrows and Symbols

• Directional arrows: indicate compulsory or permitted directions in a lane.
• Pre-selection arrows: announce the obligation to follow a particular direction (first arrows before the junction).
• STOP symbol: reinforces the vertical STOP sign.
• Give-way symbol: triangle painted on the road surface.
• Speed number: speed limit repeated on the carriageway.

Traffic Signals for Vehicles

Special Traffic Lights

• Flashing red: compulsory stop, then proceed with caution (like a STOP sign)
• Flashing amber: proceed with care (warning signal)
• Lights off: treat as a junction with the right-of-way rule
• Pedestrian light: walking figure green = cross; red = wait
• Reversible lane light: green arrow pointing down = lane open; red X = lane closed
• Level crossing light: flashing red = train approaching, do not cross

Traffic Officer Signals

Signals from traffic officers (Police, Carabinieri, Traffic Wardens) take absolute precedence over any road sign, including traffic lights.

• Arm raised: all vehicles must stop (even with green)
• Arm stretched out in front: those facing must stop; those at the sides may pass
• Arms stretched laterally: those at the sides must stop; those coming from the front/rear may pass
• Circular arm movement: indicates to speed up or proceed
• Flashing baton: halt, stop

Characteristics and Types

Information signs vary in shape and colour according to road category:

Motorway

Green sign

End of motorway

Motorway exit

Service area

Fuel available

Hospital

Medical facility

Types of Supplementary Panels

• Distance panels: indicate the distance in metres or km from the hazard or location (e.g. "200 m")
• Extent panels: indicate the length of the stretch where the sign applies (e.g. "for 500 m")
• Time panels: limit the sign's validity to certain hours or days (e.g. "8:00–20:00", "Mon–Fri")
• Category panels: specify the vehicles to which the sign applies (e.g. "Lorries", "Motorcycles")
• Junction diagram: diagram showing the junction layout and who has priority
• Directional arrow: indicates the direction to which the sign refers (e.g. "↑", "→")

Panels with Specific Information

• "Start" (Inizio): indicates the beginning of the zone subject to the sign
• "End" (Fine): indicates the end of the zone subject to the sign
• "Except…" (Tranne): excludes certain vehicles or situations from the sign (e.g. "Except residents")
• Number of lanes: indicates how many lanes the prohibition/obligation applies to
• Mass or dimensions: specify the weight or size limits to which the rule applies

Complementary Signs

• Bend delineators: yellow arrows on a black background signalling dangerous bends
• Obstacle delineators: white and red inclined stripes on carriageway obstacles
• Buffers: reflective elements on crash barriers and in tunnels
• Reflectors (cat's eyes): indicate carriageway edges at night
• Kilometre markers: indicate the progressive kilometre number on national roads

Temporary and Roadworks Signs

Temporary signs are recognisable because:

Road works

Active road works

Diversion

Alternative route

Road narrows

Reduced carriageway

Speed bumps

Artificial humps

• They have a yellow background instead of white (for hazard and prohibition signs)
• They are mounted on mobile supports (trestles, New Jersey barriers)
• They may be combined with temporary traffic lights

General Speed Limits

Reduced Limits for Special Categories

• New drivers (first 3 years): max 100 km/h on extra-urban, 110 km/h on motorways
• Vehicles with trailer: generally reduced by 10–20 km/h
• Public transport: category-specific limits
• In snow or ice: max 50 km/h on all roads
• In dense fog: adapt speed to visibility (prudence principle)

Level Crossing Behaviour

• Stop if barriers are lowered or descending
• Stop if audible or visual signals are active
• Do not overtake other vehicles near a level crossing
• Never cross a level crossing with a train in sight

Calculating Safe Following Distance

• Speed: doubling speed quadruples braking distance
• Road surface conditions: on wet road, double the distance at minimum
• Brake efficiency: worn brakes increase the required stopping distance
• Reaction time: approximately 1 second before braking begins
• Vehicle weight: heavy vehicles require greater braking distances

Factors Affecting Braking

Carriageway Position

• General rule: keep to the right, as close as possible to the right edge
• On 3-lane roads: the centre lane is reserved for overtaking; right lanes for normal circulation
• On multi-lane roads (same direction): obligation to use the right lane; move left only to overtake
• Queuing: do not weave between lanes

Changing Direction and Lane

• Signalling obligation: activate indicators with sufficient advance notice
• Left turn: move to the leftmost lane before the junction
• Right turn: move to the rightmost lane
• Lane change: check mirrors and blind spots before moving
• Reversing: permitted only for short distances and with maximum care

Behaviour Towards Emergency Vehicles

When emergency vehicles with active sirens and flashing lights are present (ambulances, fire engines, police, etc.):

• Give way by moving to the right
• Do not follow them to take advantage of the cleared traffic
• Do not cross a junction they are about to enter
• On motorways, form the "emergency corridor" between the first and second lane

Priority Rule Hierarchy

1. Traffic officers: their signals override everything
2. Traffic lights: priority based on the light showing
3. Road signs: STOP, Give Way, Priority road sign
4. Right-of-way rule: in the absence of signs, give way to vehicles from the right

The Right-Hand Rule

Roundabouts

Conditions for Permitted Overtaking

Overtaking is only permitted when:

• The road ahead is clear for a sufficient distance
• There is no no-overtaking sign
• There is no continuous centre line on your side
• You are not on a hump, bend, near a junction, level crossing or tunnel
• The vehicle ahead has not itself started an overtaking manoeuvre

How to Overtake

1. Check visibility and clear road
2. Confirm no prohibitions
3. Signal with the left indicator
4. Move towards the centre of the road
5. Accelerate decisively to minimise exposure time
6. Return right without cutting in front of the overtaken vehicle
7. Signal with the right indicator before returning to lane

Where Overtaking is Forbidden

• On bends (even if the road seems clear)
• On humps and near the crest of a hill
• At junctions and grade crossings
• At level crossings
• On pedestrian crossings and in tunnels (unless a separate lane exists)
• Where there is a continuous line on your side
• Where specifically prohibited by a sign

Definitions

Stopping and Parking Prohibitions

It is forbidden to stop or park:

• On lanes reserved for public transport
• On cycle lanes and in pedestrian areas
• On pedestrian crossings and within 5 metres before them
• Near and at junctions
• On bends and near the crest of humps
• In tunnels, under bridges and in underpasses
• In front of emergency exits
• In spaces reserved for disabled people (if not authorised)
• In front of dropped kerbs and private accesses
• In motorway lay-bys (except in emergencies)

Departing Safely

1. Ensure the road is clear ahead and behind
2. Check that no vehicles or pedestrians are approaching
3. Signal your intention with the indicator
4. Give way to moving traffic
5. Move off without sudden manoeuvres

Load Rules

• The load must not protrude laterally beyond the prescribed limits
• It may protrude rearward by no more than 3/10 of the vehicle's length
• If it protrudes more than 1 metre, it must be marked with a yellow-black plate
• At night or in poor visibility, red rear lights must be added
• The load must be secured to prevent it falling or shifting
• The maximum laden mass and payload of the vehicle must not be exceeded

Motorway Circulation

• U-turns are forbidden
• Reversing is forbidden
• The hard shoulder must not be used except in emergencies
• Side lights and dipped headlights must always be on
• In case of breakdown, signal with the warning triangle at 100 m and wear a high-visibility jacket

Towing Vehicles and Trailers

• The towed vehicle must have working brakes if its weight requires it
• Maximum speed with a trailer is reduced compared to the solo vehicle
• Carrying persons in a trailer is forbidden except where the regulations allow
• Towing a broken-down vehicle must be done with the warning triangle displayed
• Caravans and motorhomes are trailers and require their own number plate

Types of Light and When to Use Them

Acoustic Devices

• Horn: use only to signal imminent danger
• In built-up areas: horn use forbidden except in imminent danger
• Outside built-up areas: recommended before blind bends
• At night: replace acoustic signal with headlight flashing

Dashboard Warning Lights and Symbols

• 🔴 Red warning light: immediate danger, stop as soon as possible
• 🟡 Amber/orange warning light: alert, check the system as soon as possible
• 🟢 Green indicator: system active (lights, indicators, etc.)
• 🔵 Blue indicator: full beam on
• ⚠️ Engine: engine fault, go to a workshop
• 🛢️ Oil: low oil pressure, stop immediately
• 🌡️ Temperature: engine overheating, stop
• ⛽ Fuel: tank nearly empty
• 🔋 Battery: charging system problem
• ABS: anti-lock braking system active or faulty

Seatbelts

• Seatbelts are compulsory for all vehicle occupants
• The driver is responsible for ensuring minors are buckled up
• They must be worn correctly: the lap belt over the pelvis, not the abdomen; the diagonal belt over the shoulder, not the neck
• They are only effective if worn correctly: never tuck the belt under the arm
• With an airbag, maintain the correct position: do not lean towards the steering wheel
• During pregnancy, continue wearing them according to medical guidance

Child Restraint Systems

Up to 150 cm in height (approximately 12 years old), a suitable restraint system is compulsory.

Helmet and Protective Clothing

• Approved helmet: compulsory for drivers and passengers of mopeds and motorcycles
• Must be correctly fastened
• Must be replaced after any impact, even if not visibly damaged
• High-visibility clothing: compulsory for motorcyclists in emergencies or breakdowns on motorways
• Reflective jacket: compulsory for anyone leaving their vehicle on a motorway or primary extra-urban road

Licence Categories

Points-Based Licence

• Starting score: 20 points
• New drivers: 10 points for the first 3 years
• Points are deducted for infringements (1 to 10 points per offence)
• Points are recovered through safe driving courses or with 2 years without infringements (+2 points/year)

🟢 Active points   🟡 Caution zone (≤10 points)   🔴 Risk zone (≤5 points)

At 0 points: licence revoked; re-examination required.

Circulation Documents

• Vehicle registration certificate: identifies the vehicle, includes technical data and registered keeper
• Ownership certificate: certifies vehicle ownership (now included in the registration certificate)
• RCA insurance: compulsory for all motor vehicles
• Periodic roadworthiness test (MOT): compulsory every 2 years for cars

Preventive Behaviour

• Do not use a hand-held phone while driving
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs: maximum blood alcohol level 0.5 g/l (0 g/l for new drivers and professional drivers)
• Do not drive when sleepy: take regular breaks every 2 hours on long journeys
• Maintain safe following distances
• Do not overestimate your abilities
• Adapt speed to weather and road conditions
• Check the vehicle before any significant journey

Behaviour in the Event of an Accident

In the event of a road accident, the driver must:

1. Stop immediately (failure to do so constitutes a criminal offence)
2. Make the scene safe: switch on hazard lights, put on high-visibility jacket, position warning triangle
3. Call the emergency services: 118 for medical emergencies, 113 Police, 115 Fire Brigade, 112 Carabinieri
4. Render assistance to casualties within your means, without moving victims unless there is imminent danger
5. Notify authorities if there are casualties or damage to third parties
6. Exchange details with the other party (personal details, insurance company)
7. Complete the European Accident Report (CID) if possible

Special Characteristics of Motorcycle Riding

• Motorcycles provide the rider with a different field of vision
• They are less visible to other drivers, especially in blind spots
• Pay special attention to instability on slippery surfaces
• Risk of high-side in case of excessive rear-brake-only braking
• Always wear protective equipment: helmet, gloves, jacket, trousers, boots

Alcohol and Driving

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 g/l of blood.

Effects of alcohol on driving:

• Reduces reflexes and slows reaction times
• Reduces risk perception
• Impairs peripheral vision and distance judgement
• Causes overestimation of one's own abilities
• Increases aggression and risk-taking behaviour

Drugs, Medications and Fatigue

• Drugs: any narcotic substance impairs driving. Zero tolerance. Criminal penalties even for small quantities.
• Medications: many drugs (antihistamines, anxiolytics, sedatives) affect driving. Always read the package leaflet.
• Fatigue: the first 2 hours of lost sleep reduce attention as much as 0.5 g/l of alcohol. Mandatory breaks every 2 hours.
• Drowsiness at the wheel: opening the window or pulling over do not solve the problem. The only remedy is sleep.

Road First Aid

In the event of an accident with casualties:

1. Assess the scene: make it safe before approaching
2. Call 118 immediately
3. Do not move victims unless there is a life-threatening danger (fire, drowning)
4. Recovery position: for unconscious persons who are breathing
5. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): if the person is not breathing and has no pulse
6. Helmet: do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless there is an airway obstruction or CPR is needed
7. Bleeding: press on the wound with a clean cloth

Civil Liability

The driver of a vehicle is civilly liable for damage caused to third parties (people and property).

RCA insurance (Compulsory Third-Party Motor Insurance) covers damage caused to third parties.

• Compulsory for all motor vehicles
• Covers physical and material damage caused to third parties
• Does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle (for this you need fully comprehensive / "kasko" insurance)
• Does NOT cover damage to the responsible driver
• The indemnity limit is the maximum sum the insurer will pay

Criminal Liability

• Vehicular manslaughter: 2 to 7 years' imprisonment (aggravated with alcohol/drugs: up to 18 years)
• Grievous bodily harm: imprisonment and licence suspension
• Failure to render assistance: serious criminal offence, custodial sentence
• Hit and run: aggravating factor for all penalties

The European Accident Report (CID) and Claims Procedure

The CID (Constatazione Amichevole di Incidente — Agreed Statement of Facts) is the European accident report form:

• Completed jointly with the other party; does not imply admission of liability
• Speeds up the claims procedure
• Signed by both parties (one copy each)
• Must be sent to your own insurance company within 3 days

In case of disagreement about the dynamics of the accident, contact the police.

Eco-Driving and Efficient Driving Techniques

• Change gear correctly: move up to a higher gear early (at approximately 2,000–2,500 rpm in diesel engines, 2,500–3,000 in petrol engines)
• Anticipate braking: release the accelerator before slowing down, using engine braking
• Maintain constant speed: avoid sudden acceleration and braking
• Correct tyre pressure: under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by up to 3%
• Do not carry unnecessary weight: every extra 100 kg increases consumption by 5%
• Switch off the engine during stops of more than 1 minute (not in unsafe conditions)
• Air conditioning: increases consumption; use it moderately

Pollution and Environmental Rules

• Low Emission Zones (LEZ/ZTL): prohibit the most polluting vehicles from entering
• Traffic restrictions: in case of smog, municipalities may limit circulation by category (Euro 0, 1, 2, 3…)
• Euro emissions standards: vehicles are classified from Euro 0 to Euro 6d based on emissions. The higher the number, the less polluting.
• Noise pollution: forbidden to use the horn unnecessarily, have noisy exhaust systems or exceed established noise limits

Waste and Environmental Respect

• It is forbidden to throw waste out of the window
• Correctly dispose of waste oils, filters and used tyres (collection centres)
• Vehicle maintenance reduces emissions and increases safety
• Hybrid and electric vehicles receive tax concessions and access to ZTL zones

Engine and Transmission

• Engine: converts fuel energy into mechanical energy. Requires engine oil, coolant and filters in good condition.
• Gearbox: transmits the engine's power to the wheels through different gear ratios.
• Clutch: connects/disconnects the engine from the transmission for gear changes.
• Differential: allows wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds (on bends).

Brakes and Steering

• Disc brakes: more efficient, less prone to "fade" from overheating.
• Drum brakes: common on rear wheels of some cars.
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): prevents wheel lock during emergency braking, maintaining manoeuvrability.
• ESP (Electronic Stability Programme): corrects trajectories in the event of oversteer or understeer.
• Handbrake (parking brake): locks the rear wheels for parking.
• Steering: transmits steering wheel movements to the wheels; power steering reduces physical effort.

Tyres and Active/Passive Safety

• Tyres: tread depth must be a minimum of 1.6 mm; below this they are illegal and dangerous.
• Inflation pressure: check when cold according to the vehicle handbook.
• Winter tyres/snow chains: compulsory or recommended on mountain roads in winter.
• Seatbelts and airbags: passive safety; belts must always be fastened to ensure the airbag deploys correctly.
• Warning triangle and reflective jacket: compulsory on board; use them in the event of a breakdown or accident.