What are the rules for renting a car in Italy?
I am traveling to Italy next month and part of my trip is to Florence. I would like to rent a car for the day to see the countryside in Tuscany. Some sites I've read say I have to have an international driver's license while others say I do not. I checked and it appears I can easily rent a car from Avis in Florence but I do not see any guidance as to driver's license requirements. Obviously, I am a licensed driver in the US. Can someone tell me what the requirements are based on experience or refer me to a reliable source for this information?
Best Answer
Whatever the requirement is from the car rental, you are required getting an international driver's license in any case by Italian law, unless you have a EU driver's license. The international driver's license is simply an official translation of your driver's license into many languages, which costs 15 USD and should take one day if you go to get one in person instead of trying to get one by mail.
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Quick Answer about "What are the rules for renting a car in Italy?"
- You must be at least 18.
- You must not exceed the maximum age outlined by the rental company (commonly 70-75 years)
- Most drivers under 25 will be charged an additional rental fee.
- All drivers must present a driving license and an international driver's permit.
- Insurance is essential.
What documents do you need to hire a car in Italy?
Documents Needed For Renting a Car and Driving Legally in Italy- Driver's license from your home country. ...
- International Driving Permit if you are not a resident of the European Union. ...
- International ID (passport)
- Credit Card (unless you have made arrangements with the car rental company to NOT use a credit card)
What license do you need to rent a car in Italy?
If you're visiting as a tourist, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver's license. If you're living here in Italy, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver's license, but only if you're not a resident or have been a resident for less than one year.Can I rent a car in Italy without an international drivers license?
An IDL (International Driver's License) is legally mandatory if you plan on driving a rental car during your visit to Italy. Travelers should take heed to this rule, as you will be fined if you get pulled over and do not have one!Is it possible to rent a car in Italy?
In order to rent a car in Italy, you must be at least 21 years old. There are certain rental companies that allow drivers as young as 18 to rent a car in Italy as long as they have held their license for at least one year. Any driver under the age of 25 should expect to pay a young driver's surcharge.Driving in Italy. Thinking of renting a car? 12 tips!
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Answer 2
An IDL is required, which you can obtain from AAA.
http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
The rental agency usually does not request it. However, if you are pulled over, you will be ticketed and in some areas will be "required" to pay it immediately.
As for driving in Florence, I would not recommend it. The public transportation is excellent. Florence, just like most towns in Tuscany and throughout Italy, has restricted driving zones. Some zones require permits and others do not allow any cars. Several of those areas are monitored via cameras. You will get a ticket sent to the rental agency which will then forward it to you. They can range anywhere from $50 to $500 to more!
My first few trips I rented a car, but now I just rely on public transport. Or I will hire a driver to tour smaller towns.
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