Information on Italy

[DianneT]

This is a new sub forum put on for information for those wishing to visit Italy.

I have visited Italy a few times with the Car and some with Car and Caravan over the last 20 years. It is a lovely friendly country but as late got very expensive. This net year 2016 should be cheaper with the rate of the Euro against the pound.

There are some lovely area's of this Country to explore and we have been right down to the heel on one occasion because I wanted to see the Trulli Houses. It was well worth it though.

From now on I will try and add use tips about the different parts to visit and will put some camp site reviews in the European Review Forum.

Perhaps some of you who have visited Italy can add to the information with your findings.

DianneT

[DaveFL2]

Whereas the likes of France, Germany, Austria etc advise Daytime running lights under normal conditions and switching on Dipped headlights in poor conditions (I have DRL's), Italy is advised by the AA site as follows:

Lights: Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory outside built-up areas and
during snow and rain / poor visibility.

Anyone any experience of Italy? Are DRL's not acceptable, and are the use of Dipped headlights mandatory even in bright conditions.

[DianneT]

Whereas the likes of France, Germany, Austria etc advise Daytime running lights under normal conditions and switching on Dipped headlights in poor conditions (I have DRL's), Italy is advised by the AA site as follows:

Lights: Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory outside built-up areas and
during snow and rain / poor visibility.

Anyone any experience of Italy? Are DRL's not acceptable, and are the use of Dipped headlights mandatory even in bright conditions.

We have always used dipped headlights in Italy and have not had DRL since the old Volvo's who discontinued them a few years back.

I have Googled it to see if they are acceptable in Italy but nothing comes up.

[DianneT]

Just found this website Dave which is interesting re DRL

http://www.raccars.co.uk Funny this is the URL that shows up but when ticked does not come up with the info so google it and this is what comes up for Italy.



   



Dianne

[DaveFL2]

Interesting, thanks for that Dianne

Strange why the AA say dipped lights and the RAC say DRL's or sidelights, confusing so I have EMailed the CC for a decider

Probably come back to confuse me even further.

[DaveFL2]

Reply from the Caravan Club today:

Thank you very much for your recent enquiry.

I am not 100% sure of the correct answer, so I have forwarded on your e-mail to the ACI (Automobile Club Italia), I will contact you again when I hear back from them. (This may take a day or two or a couple of weeks!)

Best regards

Glad I'm not alone in my confusion

[DianneT]

Reply from the Caravan Club today:

Thank you very much for your recent enquiry.

I am not 100% sure of the correct answer, so I have forwarded on your e-mail to the ACI (Automobile Club Italia), I will contact you again when I hear back from them. (This may take a day or two or a couple of weeks!)

Best regards

Glad I'm not alone in my confusion

Dave

I am sending a document to you through email re. lights in Italy from the ACI as above.
Let me know if you get it OK.

Dianne

[DianneT]

Reply from the Caravan Club today:

Thank you very much for your recent enquiry.

I am not 100% sure of the correct answer, so I have forwarded on your e-mail to the ACI (Automobile Club Italia), I will contact you again when I hear back from them. (This may take a day or two or a couple of weeks!)

Best regards

Glad I'm not alone in my confusion

Dave

I am sending a document to you through email re. lights in Italy from the ACI as above.
Let me know if you get it OK. Have managed to attach it now below.

Dianne

   

[DaveFL2]

Thanks for that Dianne, it would seem to be that DRL's are acceptable in bright conditions reading that, but .........

Have just received this from CC regarding their query with the ACI and it differs

As for your request, we inform you that in Italy the additional use of passing lights is compulsory outside built up areas, through tunnels, in case of bad weather (heavy rain, snow, fog etc.) and whenever visibility is poor (article 153 paragraph 1 of the Italian Highway Code).

If you need any more information, please feel free to contact us again.

Best regards,

Caterina

Caterina Marconi
ACI - Foreign Relations Office


That reply was then interpreted by the CC as:

So to clarify:

• In sunny conditions outside of built up areas you must use dipped lights in addition to your DRL’s (dipped lights are the same as passing lights)
• If there is bad visibility inside built up arears you must use your dipped lights in addition to DRL’s
• If you pass through a tunnel you must use your dipped lights in addition to DRL’s

DRL’s are not accepted on their own, they must be accompanied by your dipped lights whenever dipped lights (passing lights) are required.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further assistance.


*** ***
Communications Manager – Travel Services


I think I will look at other cars and err on the side of caution by using Dipped headlights at all times

[DianneT]

Well that's cleared that one up then.