Everyday motoring
How to check whether your car insurance is active
Check your third-party motor insurance cover using the official Portale dell’Automobilista service. If the result does not match your policy, confirm it with your insurer.
All guides
Renewals, documents and everyday questions: practical answers for drivers in Italy.
Breakdowns and unexpected events
Jump-starting a car with jump leads: when is it safe?
Use jump leads only if the handbook and both vehicles allow it, and follow the specified sequence. Call for assistance if the battery is damaged.
Documents
Digital driving licence on your phone: where it is valid and how to show it
The digital driving licence in Documenti on IO can be used during in-person checks in Italy. Activate it in the app and make sure the document is up to date.
Breakdowns and unexpected events
Breakdown: how to tell whether you should call for recovery
If the car loses power, reports a fault or is unsafe to drive, stop in a protected place and call roadside assistance.
Restricted traffic zones and city driving
Diesel cars and environmental ZTLs: how to check restrictions
To find out whether a diesel car may enter, check its Euro emissions class in the vehicle documents and the city’s current orders.
Renewing your licence
Renewing a driving licence through the Local Medical Commission: what to bring
The Local Medical Commission may require different documents depending on why you are being assessed. Follow your appointment notice and ask for the latest list in advance.
Everyday motoring
Expired roadworthiness test: what to do before using your car
If your periodic roadworthiness test has expired, do not use the car for ordinary journeys. Book a test and drive to the centre only where permitted.
Refuelling
How to refuel a car with methane
Use the correct connection and follow the station’s instructions when refuelling a methane-powered car. Ask for help if anything does not work.
Parking
How to use a disabled parking space correctly
Use a reserved bay with a valid permit only when the vehicle is serving its holder, and follow the signs and stated limits.
Restricted traffic zones and city driving
How to apply for temporary permission to enter a ZTL
Temporary ZTL permits and eligible categories depend on the local council: contact the relevant office and wait for confirmation before entering.
Renewing your licence
Expired driving licence: can you drive to your renewal appointment?
Booking a renewal appointment does not allow you to drive with an expired licence. There is a specific documented exception for Local Medical Commission cases.
Restricted traffic zones and city driving
Can taxis and chauffeur-driven hire cars enter every ZTL?
Taxis and chauffeur-driven hire cars (NCC) do not have the same access rights in every ZTL: check the licence, registration and local rules for that zone.
Foreign driving licences
Foreign driving licence and a new address in Italy: what to do
EU and non-EU licences follow different rules. Check validity, residence and exchange agreements before driving.
Tyres
What does it mean to check tyres when cold?
“Cold” means measuring before riding heats the tyres: heat can make the pressure reading higher.
Tyres
How to fit snow chains and where to practise
Check compatibility and the driven axle in your handbook, practise fitting them before winter, and only stop somewhere safe.
Everyday motoring
How to check a vehicle’s roadworthiness test online
You can check roadworthiness tests recorded since 1 June 2018 on the Portale dell’Automobilista website by entering the vehicle type and registration number.
Breakdowns and unexpected events
Car will not start in cold weather: safe checks to make
If your car will not start in cold weather, follow the handbook and limit your attempts; call for assistance if the problem persists.
Tyres
If you replace two tyres, which axle should they go on?
The correct axle depends on the vehicle, tyres and technical guidance. Ask a tyre specialist and the manufacturer rather than applying a blind rule.
Everyday motoring
AdBlue and diesel: where to top up and what not to mix up
AdBlue and diesel have separate systems and filler necks. Check the handbook before topping up, and never pour the fluid into the wrong tank.
Tyres
Tyres worn on one side: what could it mean?
Wear along one edge may be caused by tyre pressure, wheel alignment or components. Have the car checked before the damage worsens.