What do you need to take with you?

Checklist

When driving in Italy, you must carry the following with you:

• Your passport
• Insurance documents
• V5C certificate for proof of ownership
• Full, valid driving licence

If you’re taking your own car, here are a few other things you shouldn’t forget:

Reflective jacket - Giacca riflettente

If you become immobilised on a carriageway in Italy and exit the vehicle at night, or when visibility is poor, you’ll need to slip on a reflective jacket or waistcoat by law. Of course, it should also help to keep you safe, so be sure to carry one with you.

Warning triangle - Triangolo di emergenza

All four-wheeled vehicles are required to carry a warning triangle. Use this in the event you break down and need to alert oncoming traffic of the hazard ahead.

Headlamp beam converter kit - Kit di conversione fascio fari

Using headlamps when driving on the opposite side of the road will cause dazzle to oncoming drivers, and if you do, your insurance policy may be invalidated, making these a must. You can easily fit them yourself, or, if you’re unsure, speak to a garage for help.

A GB sticker – Sticker GB

If you don’t have a GB Euro number plate you’ll need to put a GB sticker on your car.

Global Health Insurance Card - Carta globale di assicurazione malattia

It’s advisable to carry an GHIC in Italy as this will give you access to discounted (or occasionally free) state-provided healthcare. Don’t view it as an alternative to travel insurance, but do take it with you.

Sat Nav

Your sat nav might prove particularly useful in Italy, especially if you’re planning to drive in more rural parts of the country where signposts are known to be few and far between. Here are a few things to remember:

• You might think your sat nav is set up to cover Italy, but are you sure? Take a look at your manual or speak to your manufacturer to check and potentially avoid disappointment when you arrive.
• In Italy (and indeed most European countries), radar speed detection equipment is illegal. However, built-in databases of known fixed cameras are acceptable.

Insurance from Swinton and Safeguard

• Car Hire Excess Insurance - Protect your finances from costly excess charges on insurance for rental cars
• Car Insurance - A flexible range of policies for a wide range of cars and drivers
• Breakdown Cover - Flexible cover to help get you back on the road
• Touring Caravan Insurance - European cover included as standard
• Motorhome Insurance - European cover included as standard

Driving abroad

Be sure to check out our other driving abroad guides:

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