Road safety and vehicle rules in South Tyrol

In the New Highway Code of 2024-2025 the fines were increased, so prevention is key. This article provides you with all the useful information you need for your holiday in Italy.

Speed limits

• on major city streets and ring roads (strade urbane): 50 km/h
• on urban highways (strade statali): 90 km/h
• on secondary urban roads (strade extraurbane principali): 110 km/h
• on motorways: 130 km/h (except for the Brennero motorway)
• in the section Brennero - Bolzano Sud the speed limit is 110 km/h.

BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) limits

• 0.5 ‰ standard
• 0.0 ‰ for commercial, professional and novice drivers (less than three years of driving licence)

Legal consequences for drink-drivers

• between 0.5 ‰ and 0.8 ‰: fine between € 573 and € 2,170 + suspension of your driving licence for 3-6 months
• between 0.8 ‰ and 1.5 ‰: fine ranging from € 800 to € 3,200 + arrest for up to 6 months and suspension of your driving licence for 6 - 12 months.
• 1.5 ‰ and more: fine from € 1,500 to € 6,000, arrest for 6 to 12 months, suspension of your driving licence for 1-2 years, confiscation of your vehicle.

Parking spaces

• white: free parking (with parkmeter) except for the city of Bolzano
• blue: parking subject to a fee
• yellow: Parking only for authorized persons (e.g. disabled persons, taxi and bus drivers, loading zones etc.)

Mobile phones and other mobile devices

The use of any kind of mobile devices is strictly forbidden while driving and severely punished with fines.

E-scooters

• all drivers must wear a helmet, regardless of their age
• the highest allowed speed limit is 20 km/h
• e-scooters can circulate only on roads with a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h or lower
• parking on footpaths is strictly forbidden
• driving on cycle paths, footpaths, in tunnels, on urban highways and motorways is prohibited
• e-scooters must be be insured and equipped with a number plate

Reflective vest

Since 2004 it is mandatory to always bring a reflective vest which needs to be shown in case of controls and worn in case of accidents.

Low beam headlights

Low beam headlights are mandatory for car and motorcycle drivers by day and at night when driving outside the villages.

High beams

High beams can be used only at night and outside urban areas. They must be turned off when other vehicles are approaching. Inappropriate use is punished.

Winter equipment

From November to April all vehicles circulating in Trentino Alto Adige and in other Italian regions must be equipped with winter tyres or have snow chains on board.

Wildlife accident

Every wildlife accident, regardless of the animal's health conditions, must be reported to the emergency number 112. The operator will promptly inform the competent forestry and wildlife authorities. Never touch an injured or killed animal!
Phone number of the forestry station of Brunico: + 39 0474 582230.

Pedestrians

• Pedestrians are allowed to cross a road only on pedestrian crossings.
• Vehicle drivers must give priority to pedestrians crossing the road on pedestrian crossings. Any violation is severely punished.
• Drunk pedestrians can be stopped and punished by the police.

Useful information

• Since 1 July 2005 smoking in public buildings and rooms is probihited. Every violation is punished with a fine.

• People who buy counterfeit goods are subject to fines.

• Driving under the influence of drugs (including cannabis) is strictly forbidden and punished with a fine as well as the suspension of the driving licence.

Click on this link to check the current traffic situation.