Tips for drivers & more

Useful information for your holidays in South Tyrol

1. Traffic travels on the right and the center lane of a three lane road is for passing. In towns and built up areas priority is given to traffic joining from the right, unless otherwise stated. Street parking is confined to the right side of the street.

2. Since 2004 it has become obligatory to carry at least one reflective safety jacket in your car, and wear it when standing with, inspecting or repairing your vehicle.

3. You must use dipped headlights during the day while travelling on motorways and major roads outside cities.

4. Watch out: On the Brenner Highway the speed limit is set at 110 km/h; instead of the usual 130 km/h on the other Italian highways!

5. Always give way to pedestrians crossing the crossways. Heavy fines may be asked.

6. There are also strict rules on drink driving – even a drunken pedestrian may be stopped by the police and asked to pay a fine.

7. Seatbelts are mandatory and children under 12 must wear an age-appropriate restraint.

More useful information:

1. An official ban on smoking in all enclosed public places has come into force in Italy on July 1, 2005. Fines may amount up to € 2,000. Few bars are not subject to the ban but are required to have designated smoking areas, which must be sealed off from the rest of the premises and fulfill strict criteria.

2. Bying faked brand products is punished with heavy fines.

3. Smoking cannabis is punished with the withdrawal of the driving licence or other valid papers; a charge is pressed.

4. The legal age for drinking alcohol is 16.