ExpresswayItaly
Traffic rules
Italy
1. Expressway
An expressway is a road intended to carry through traffic efficiently, usually at higher speeds than ordinary roads. Expressways often have limited access, multiple lanes, separated carriageways or grade-separated junctions, but their design and legal status vary between countries.
An expressway is not always a motorway. It may have intersections, traffic lights or direct access, and the permitted road users, speed limits and special rules depend on local signs and regulations.
How do people refer to an expressway in Italy?
The relevant official category is strada extraurbana principale, a main road outside built-up areas. It is separate from a motorway, although many of the same access and safety rules apply.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 2, 117, 141–143, 175–176
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 142
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 175
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 176
Start of an expressway.
English • Traffic sign II.314 • Road reserved for motor vehicles. Marks the beginning of a road other than a motorway reserved for motor vehicles, on which the same traffic rules as on motorways apply.
Italiano • Figura II.314 • Strada riservata ai veicoli a motore. Indica l’inizio di una strada diversa dall’autostrada riservata ai veicoli a motore, nella quale si osservano le stesse norme che regolano la circolazione sulle autostrade.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Normattiva.it • D.P.R. 495/1992 • testo vigente • art. 135, comma 9
🔗 Gazzettaufficiale.it • Gazzetta Ufficiale • Figura II.314 • pagina 314
SVG source: F l a n k e r • Public domain • Original revision 2023-06-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.
End of the expressway.
English • Traffic sign II.315 • End of road reserved for motor vehicles. Marks the end of the reserved road.
Italiano • Figura II.315 • Fine strada riservata ai veicoli a motore. Indica la fine della strada riservata ai veicoli a motore.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Normattiva.it • D.P.R. 495/1992 • testo vigente • art. 135, comma 9
🔗 Gazzettaufficiale.it • Gazzetta Ufficiale • Figura II.315 • pagina 314
SVG source: F l a n k e r • Public domain • Original revision 2023-06-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.
What speed limit applies to cars on an expressway in Italy?
The normal car maximum on a main extra-urban road is 110 km/h, reduced to 90 km/h during precipitation. During the first three years with a category B licence, the maximum is 90 km/h. Follow lower posted limits.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 2, 117, 141–143, 175–176
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 142
Who may use an expressway in Italy?
Ordinary pedestrian and bicycle traffic is excluded, along with several slow or unsuitable vehicle categories. Pedestrians may use service and rest areas, and may walk along an emergency lane only to reach a help point. Motorcycles and other motor vehicles must meet the applicable vehicle and rider admission conditions.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 2, 117, 141–143, 175–176
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 142
What should I do if I miss an expressway exit in Italy?
Continue to the next exit and choose a safe onward route. Do not reverse, make a U-turn or cross the central reservation to reach a missed exit.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 2, 117, 141–143, 175–176
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 142
