Yes, Italy drives on the right side of the road
Italy drives on the right, the same as most of continental Europe, the United States, and the majority of the world. If you're coming from a left-side country like the UK or Australia, this is the opposite of what you're used to, but it matches what you'll find in France, Germany, Spain, and every other country bordering Italy.
The shift from left to right affects more than just which lane you occupy. Your car's steering wheel position, the location of passing lanes, roundabout entry direction, and even pedestrian crossing patterns all flip. For a driver accustomed to the left side, the first few hours in Italy require active attention—your instincts will work against you.
Key Takeaways
- Italy's right-side driving is standard across continental Europe, so the rule applies whether you're in Rome, Milan, or a rural mountain road.
- Rental cars in Italy come with the steering wheel on the left side of the vehicle, which is the opposite of UK or Australian cars.
- Roundabouts in Italy require you to enter from the right and yield to traffic already inside, reversing the logic if you learned on the left side.
- The first 30 minutes to an hour of driving in Italy is the highest-risk period; plan your route to avoid heavy traffic or complex intersections when you first pick up a rental.
- Italian road signs and lane markings follow the same right-side conventions as the rest of Europe, so navigation itself doesn't change between countries.
How roundabouts work when you're used to driving on the left
Roundabouts are where left-side drivers make the most mistakes in Italy. In the UK and Australia, you enter a roundabout from the left, keep the center on your right, and exit to the left. In Italy, you enter from the right, keep the center on your left, and exit to the right. The entire circular motion reverses.
The rule is straightforward: yield to any traffic already inside the roundabout. In Italy, that traffic is coming from your left instead of your right. Many accidents happen in the first few roundabouts because a driver's muscle memory tries to yield to the wrong direction. Slow down before entering, look left instead of right, and treat the first few roundabouts as a learning exercise rather than a time to move quickly.
Steering wheel position and mirror adjustment
When you rent a car in Italy, the steering wheel is on the left side of the vehicle—the driver sits on the left, closer to the center line. This is the opposite of a UK or Australian rental. Your left arm is now the one hanging near the edge of the road, and your right arm is toward the center.
This changes how you judge distance from the road edge and from oncoming traffic. Many left-side drivers unconsciously drift toward the center line in the first hour because they misjudge where the car's edge actually is. Adjust your side mirrors wider than you normally would, and check them frequently. The first time you park, do it slowly and deliberately—don't trust your instincts about how close you are to the curb.
Passing and lane discipline on Italian highways
On Italian autostrade (highways), passing happens on the left, just as it does in left-side countries. The difference is that your steering wheel is on the left side of the car, so you're sitting much closer to oncoming traffic when you pass. This can feel more exposed and requires more confidence in your judgment of closing speed.
Italian drivers pass frequently and at higher speeds than many left-side drivers are accustomed to. Stay in the right lane unless you're actively passing, and don't linger in the left lane. Check your mirrors constantly—Italian traffic moves fast, and a car will close on you quickly if you're slow to move back to the right. The autostrade have clear lane markings and signs, so navigation is straightforward once you adjust to the side of the road.
Pedestrian crossings and street-level navigation
Pedestrians in Italy cross from the left side of the street, which is the opposite of what you're used to if you learned on the left side. When you're stopped at a red light or a pedestrian crossing, look left first—that's where pedestrians will appear. This is another area where muscle memory causes problems; your instinct will be to look right, where pedestrians appeared in your home country.
In city driving, this matters constantly. At every intersection, at every parking lot entrance, and at every narrow street, pedestrians and cyclists approach from the left. Make it a conscious habit to look left before you move forward, especially when turning right at an intersection. Right turns on red are not legal in Italy anyway, so you'll be stopped more often than you might be at home, giving you time to look and think.
The first hour: where most mistakes happen
The highest-risk period for a left-side driver in Italy is the first 30 to 60 minutes after picking up a rental car. Your brain is still running on left-side logic, your body hasn't adjusted to the steering wheel position, and you haven't yet recalibrated your sense of where the car's edges are. Accidents, near-misses, and panicked corrections cluster in this window.
Plan your first drive to avoid heavy traffic, complex intersections, and tight parking. If you're picking up a rental at an airport, drive to your hotel or accommodation on quieter roads, even if it takes longer. Spend the first 20 minutes in a parking lot or quiet street practicing basic maneuvers: parking, turning, and navigating a straightforward roundabout. This costs 20 minutes but prevents the mistakes that cost hours or money later.
Speed limits and traffic enforcement
Italy's speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. On autostrade, the limit is typically 130 km/h (about 81 mph). In towns and cities, limits range from 30 to 50 km/h. Speed cameras are common on highways and in populated areas, and fines are substantial—often 150 euros or more for speeding.
Italian police also enforce seatbelt use, headlight use (headlights must be on during the day on autostrade), and mobile phone use while driving. Rental car companies often add fines to your credit card weeks after you return the car, so assume any traffic violation will reach you. Stick to posted limits, especially in the first few days when you're adjusting to the right side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Italy if I'm from the UK or Australia?
An International Driving Permit is not required by Italian law if your home license is valid and written in English or has an English translation. However, carrying one is recommended because it clarifies your license status if you're stopped. You can obtain one from your home country's driving authority before you travel.
What's the biggest difference between driving on the left and driving on the right?
The biggest practical difference is roundabout entry and the direction you look for oncoming traffic. In Italy, you enter roundabouts from the right and yield to traffic from your left. At intersections and when turning, you look left first instead of right. These reversals cause most mistakes in the first few hours.
Can I rent a car with the steering wheel on the right side in Italy?
No. All rental cars in Italy have the steering wheel on the left side because Italy drives on the right. If you want a right-hand-drive car, you would need to import one from the UK or arrange a specialized rental, which is impractical and not offered by standard rental companies.
Is it safer to take a taxi or use public transit instead of renting a car?
In major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, public transit and taxis are often faster and less stressful than driving. Italian city traffic is heavy, parking is difficult and expensive, and many historic centers restrict vehicle access. Rent a car only if you're traveling to smaller towns or rural areas where public transit doesn't reach.
How long does it take to adjust to driving on the right in Italy?
Most left-side drivers feel comfortable after two to three days of regular driving. The first day is the hardest. By day three, roundabouts and intersections feel more natural, and you stop second-guessing your mirror checks. If you're only in Italy for a few days, consider whether renting a car is worth the stress.