Driving in, around and through Italy is fun.  It’s also an experience!  If you’re visiting anyplace other than a large city, you’ll find that driving through the villages, hill towns and countryside will bring you closer to the “real” Italy than any other means of transportation.  Don’t be nervous – just get into the “slow” lane, be sure you have a navigator to read the road and directional signs, and take your time.  The Italian drivers will surely let you know when you’re driving too slowly! 

One of the most terrifying aspects of driving in any foreign country, especially for natives of North America, is the two-lane road.  In actuality, it is barely two lanes, and navigating “passing” is truly a white knuckle rite of passage.  Just don’t get nervous when an Italian crawls up to your back bumper and toots his horn.  Let him pass.  Or pull closer to the right side of the road and give him a little extra room to pass you.  The quicker he gets on his way, the saner you will be at the end of your journey.

Daytime driving is suggested.  Nighttime driving isn’t recommended.  Not at first.  Those two lane roads are not well lit, if at all, and the darkness that surrounds you is deep and intense.  Stick to daylight until you get used to your surroundings.

Like most European countries, Italy has its share of “round-abouts”, which are really quite sensible.  The right of way is always given to the car already in the round-about. When you find an opening, enter quickly, and move to an inside lane, until you see your exit, then zoom into the right lane, and quickly move out of the round-about.  You may find yourself going round and round a few times until you can gauge and prepare for your exit, but think of it as a learning experience! 

Don’t speed.  Cameras are now set up in many areas and while you may not know it immediately, a ticket just may arrive several months after you’ve departed.  If you’re in a rental car, the rental company will charge your credit card for the cost of the ticket.

Be sure you have an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S. and driving in Italy.  AAA can help you with this. You CAN drive on a U.S. license if you have an Italian translation issued by the Italian Automobile Club in Italy (ACI -- there's a "translate" button at the top, right). 

If you are moving to Italy and are registered as a “Resident” with the local Vital Records Bureau (Anagrafe), you are required to apply for an Italian driver’s license within one year of your registration date.  You will have to take a driving test, a written test (in Italian), undergo a medical examination and submit certain documents.  

And finally, SEAT BELTS ON. CELL PHONES OFF.  These are the laws.  You cannot use a handheld cell (mobile) phone while driving.  Using an earpiece is okay, just not a phone you have to hold and speak into while driving.

Importing a Car into Italy from North America:
You may bring a non-Italian-registered car into Italy for six (6) months.  In rare instances, authorities will extend the permit for another six month period. At the end of this term, the car must be taken out of the country or registered, complete with Italian license plates, paying of customs duties and VAT tax. The car will also have to undergo a physical inspection.

A Certificate of Origin (Certificato di Origine) is required for vehicles from the United States that are new, and have never been registered in the United States.

The following documents are required for vehicles that were previously registered:
• original and photocopy of registration card
• original and photocopy of Certificate of Title
• technical specifications form
• customs form and certificate (bolletta e certificati doganali)

There are companies that will organize the shipping of your car and all the paperwork for you.  Just know that the car must be owned “free and clear” with no liens, no leases, not be company owned.  You must have clear title to the vehicle. 

Residents of Italy may import a motor vehicle duty-free if it has been owned for at least a year. To import a vehicle owned for less than a year, customs duty must be paid (11 percent of the vehicle value), as well as VAT (IVA), which is currently 20 percent of the vehicle's value.
• For more detailed information, contact the vehicle registration office, Pubblico Registro Automobilistico (PRA):

https://online.aci.it/
fornituradatiweb/index.asp

This is in Italian and there is a translation
button to click on.

Don’t expect to stuff the car with household goods while it is being shipped.  You can place some automobile accessories and maintenance items in it, but for the most part, it should be empty.  If your car is Japanese or American, parts will not be easy to find while in Italy. 

Importing a car from an EU country:
If you are bringing your car in from an EU country, you must first cancel the car’s registration in your home country.  Ask your registration office to give you a “cancellation certificate” and a “technical specifications form” to take with you to Italy.  A provisional license plate will be issued so that you can drive your car to Italy.

There are many papers to be filed when registering a foreign car in Italy, and the best help will come from the ACI (Automobile Club of Italy).  They manage the Public Motoring Register, where you must first register your car in order to proceed. 

One of the forms you’ll be requested to file is the “technical specifications form”.  Most automobiles have the details in the owner’s manual, but to be sure, check with your car’s manufacturer prior to leaving for Italy.

If you are driving a used vehicle into Italy, it probably will not have to undergo a road worthiness test, if you submit an inspection document from your home country. 

New cars coming into Italy from EU countries will be taxed (VAT) at 20%.  A new car is defined as one that has less than 6,000 Km on the odometer or was purchased within six months of its registration. All other cars are considered used and will not have to pay VAT.

The bottom line on importing an automobile to Italy:  you may be better off purchasing a used car in Italy, especially if you are planning to live there full time.