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      11-02-2005, 09:12 PM   #1
lxapilot118
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Driving in Italy...Help!!!

Can someone please tell me if you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Italy? I leave for my ED in 3 days and don't have one...I'm scheduled to drop-off in Rome. I was told by BMW-ED that I didn't...now I'm seeing stuff on websites that I do. What's the story!?!
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      11-02-2005, 09:15 PM   #2
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i thought that ED would supply you with any necessary permits, license, insurance...if you needed them im sure you would have known by now...
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      11-02-2005, 09:32 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lxapilot118
Can someone please tell me if you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Italy? I leave for my ED in 3 days and don't have one...I'm scheduled to drop-off in Rome. I was told by BMW-ED that I didn't...now I'm seeing stuff on websites that I do. What's the story!?!
If BMW-ED says you are fine, then there shouldn't be any problems.
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      11-02-2005, 09:47 PM   #4
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I've driven there several times. If you get pulled over, just show them whatever license you have plus your passport and it should suffice. Traffic on the Autostrada is much greater than you might expect.
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      11-02-2005, 10:11 PM   #5
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It's always better to have one because it's a translation. However if you don't have one and don't have time to get one then don't fret about it.

You can get them at any AAA Office, but not sure if they can do a rush order though.
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      11-02-2005, 10:20 PM   #6
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I understand that Italy is not the esiest place to drive in. Anyway, enjoy your ED of your e90.
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      11-03-2005, 12:01 AM   #7
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It's all the EU, so you don't have to worry about anything. Just be prepared for a lot of tolls :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
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      11-03-2005, 02:00 AM   #8
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I lot of people just use their local state driver's license if asked for it by the police. The funny thing is that they take the license, no questions asked - hence why quite a bit of ED'ers wonder if getting an international drivers license was just a squandering of money.
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      11-03-2005, 02:53 AM   #9
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Squawks right, your valid national driver's license is good for a couple of months. If you hate being checked by the police here you can take the road thru the Swiss and French Alps ... but seriously I did like the ride thru the Chamonix tunnel going to Genova then to Roma. They have very good highway system (lots of tunnels and winding roads to test your new car). Unfortunately, lots of toll in the French and Italian highways. Congrats and drive safely
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      11-03-2005, 03:52 AM   #10
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Technically the Italian police can get you if you don’t have a translated version of your license (International Drivers License), regardless of EU membership or not. Although I have never heard of a situation where this was enforced, I assume it’s ultimately up to the police officer or official that you are evolved with. I’m an American living in Germany and I’ve taken many trips to Italy, I wouldn’t really worry about it……unless you are giving the police a hard time or he/she really wants to get you I doubt they would enforce it. But if you have time and resources to obtain the international license it wouldn’t hurt.
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      11-03-2005, 06:22 AM   #11
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Just returned from ED last month. The sales advisor in Munich said International Driver's License was not necessary EXCEPT for Italy. You can pick one up at AAA (took only 10 minutes in Boston).
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      11-03-2005, 06:37 AM   #12
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Italy is unique, in that there are no traffic laws, merely traffic suggestions.

Being a dumb tourist will get you through most any problem.
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      11-03-2005, 07:56 AM   #13
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I've rented cars in Italy without an International License...I think that it's redundant. Italians love Americans anyway, learn a bit of the language and you'll be fine.

I never saw cops on my route from Rome to Tuscany and I was driving my Alfa at 110 most of the trip.

My advice? Drive like you're playing a constant game of chicken. The boldest is the winner in Italy, whether it's squeezing into a lane in downtown Rome or passing in the left lane (which reminds me, when you go out to pass, leave your turn signal on throughout the duration of the pass...it is a courtesy to the drivers behind you and italian tradition.)

Have fun...I can't wait to go back!
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      11-03-2005, 08:08 AM   #14
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You should be fine with your license. I have never had an issue when I was stopped there.
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      11-03-2005, 08:20 AM   #15
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Just ask Bellas! She ought to know

wikipedia.org/roma/bella/traffic/driverslicence/howtostayalive

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      11-03-2005, 09:16 AM   #16
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Driving in Italy - keep right, don't stop, you'll be fine!
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      11-03-2005, 09:16 AM   #17
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I didn't get an international license when I drove in Italy but then I rented the car.

what you do need to know about Italy is that it is all-out war on the roads. people *do not* stop at stop signs or red lights. some barely slow down. so keep your eyes *and ears* open. Italians drive with their horns -- if they think you're in the way, they'll sit on the horn to make you move rather than swerve.

Driving in Rome is a nightmare -- street names change for no apparent reason, so maps are useless. Traffic circles are everywhere and the locals speed right thu on two wheels, so if you're trying to read the street signs while you're driving, be prepared to curse a lot. And of course, Vespas always have the right of way.

The autostrade is fun to drive on -- but be careful if you stop for a pannini -- they sell wine by the glass right there at the rest stops and the Italians drink it with their lunch before they get back in their Fiats and floor it.

In sum: the autostrade is a great place to stretch out your new car but don't drive in Rome.

And if you're looking for a fun route, go down the Amalfi coast (Salerno, Sorrento, Positano). One of those classic curvy cliff-side roads that are fun to drive, but not so much for any passengers.
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      11-03-2005, 09:18 AM   #18
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      11-03-2005, 09:38 AM   #19
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I was in Italy about a year ago and was advised to get an international driver's permit prior to the trip. My wife and I rented a car in Milan and drove to Switzerland. At the rental office in Milan they asked to see the permit, but we were never stopped to check after that.

Better be safe than sorry - imagine you're involved in an accident or something (heaven forbid), it could get messy with the cops. As mentioned earlier, it doesn't cost much and takes less than 10 min. at your nearest AA office.

We ended up on some quiet and deserted backroad which took us over the Alps. We saw some of the most extraordinary sights imaginable - a truly unforgettable experience!
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      11-03-2005, 09:45 AM   #20
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$20 and 15 min at your local AAA. Better safe than sorry.
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      11-03-2005, 11:10 AM   #21
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When I went on a trip to america - I was told by the rental agency when hiring a car - I was told by the guy that I didn't need the international permit -but I would rather have had it then to have been denied a car because of not having a cheap licence.
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      11-04-2005, 03:22 AM   #22
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Thanks all...I ended up just getting the permit. I didn't think I had time since I had a day and a half before leaving, but after driving an hour to the nearest AAA, they did it on the spot for $25+tax.
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