Driving in Tuscany – Is It a Good Idea?

Driving in Tuscany can be a fantastic way to explore the beautiful countryside, charming hilltop towns, and breathtaking landscapes, but it comes with its own set of challenges and considerations.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about driving in Tuscany, from speed limits to parking tips, fuel stations, and even how the locals drive. I’ll also touch on whether public transportation might be a better choice depending on your travel style.

I love to keep things quick and direct, so I have summarized all on a easy-to-read few points. I also made a video that can be quite handy too.

Can You Use Your License in Tuscany?

• EU Residents and UK: No worries! If you have a valid EU driver’s license, you’re good to go.
• Non-EU Residents: You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). For example, I used my Australian license, applied online, and received my IDP within a few days for around $20. It’s a small investment for peace of mind, as most rental companies and insurance providers will require it.

Why You Need an IDP: Not only is it legally required for non-EU drivers, but it can also prevent potential issues with insurance claims in case of an accident. Some agencies might refuse to rent you a car without one, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Watch out Non-EU/UK Residents: Some providers may rent the car even without an IDP, however you may be fined if the police stops you you. Moreover, in case of accident or car damage, the insurance may not pay because you are legally required to have an IDP.

Renting a Car in Tuscany

It’s generally cheaper and more convenient to book through a rental aggregator, which lets you compare prices and add full insurance coverage directly on their site. This can save you from costly surprises if your car picks up a few scratches.

• Best Car Types for Tuscany: For those looking to explore the countryside, a compact SUV or small crossover is ideal. It provides enough clearance for the occasional dirt road but remains agile for narrow village streets. If you plan to stick to cities, a small hatchback is a better choice for tight parking spots.
• Avoiding Hidden Costs: Make sure to check for hidden charges like one-way fees, additional driver costs, and road tax. Some rental companies also charge a premium for automatic cars, which might be worth it if you’re not confident driving a manual on winding Tuscan roads. I will talk more later about the level of insurance

Insurance Levels for Rental Cars

These are the typical insurance levels existing in Italy

• Basic Insurance: Usually included, covers third-party liability (TPL) but leaves you exposed to significant costs for vehicle damage or theft.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your liability but often comes with a high excess. It’s usually included by most rentals but it’s not mandatory like the TPL, so double check in the rental conditions.
• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW): Lowers your excess to near zero and covers most damage, including scratches. This is typically offered at the counter by the rentals. It can be quite expensive.
• Full Coverage: Includes CDW, SCDW, theft protection, and usually covers roadside assistance, windshield, tire, and undercarriage damage. Highly recommended for peace of mind, especially if you plan to drive on dirt roads or in busy cities.

The website I previously suggested, DiscoverCars, offers Full Coverage for just €8-10/day which is a great bargain in my opinion considering the peace of mind that it gives.

Driving on the Right Side

Like most of Europe (except the UK), Tuscany follows right-side driving. If you’re from a left-side driving country like me in Australia, it might take a day or two to adjust. Consider renting an automatic car if you want to reduce the stress of adapting to unfamiliar driving conditions.

• Practical Tips for Switching Sides: Use your right hand for the gear shift if driving a manual, stay alert at roundabouts, and always remember to look left first when entering intersections. It might feel strange at first, but most drivers adjust quickly.

Speed Limits in Tuscany

• Urban Areas: Usually 50 km/h (but often reduced to 30 km/h in small towns)
• Country Roads: 70-90 km/h
• Highways: 110-130 km/h, depending on the road size and conditions

Be careful – speed cameras are common, and fines can be hefty. In Italy, fines can be issued up to a year after the violation, so drive carefully.

• Speed Camera Warnings: Many GPS systems and navigation apps warn you about upcoming speed cameras. Make sure your app is updated before you hit the road.
• Tutor system: This is a system that calculates the average speed in the Italian highways based on when you enter and exit the Autostrada. It does not detect the speed peaks however it may detected an over the limit average speed.

Off-Road Adventures

Tuscany is known for its scenic dirt roads, but check with your rental company if they allow it. Even a small scratch can cost you hundreds without proper insurance. Always choose full coverage if you plan to explore these picturesque backroads.

• Best Off-Road Drives: Some of the most scenic drives include the Crete Senesi and the roads around Val d’Orcia. Just make sure to keep an eye out for sudden dips and loose gravel.

Local Driving Style

Tuscan drivers are typically relaxed and respectful, especially in rural areas. However, city driving, particularly in Florence, can be more intense, with narrow lanes and aggressive traffic. Be prepared for sudden stops and tight maneuvers.

• Driving in Florence and Siena: The historic center is a maze of one-way streets, and many areas are ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), meaning you’ll get fined if you enter without permission. Stick to the outskirts if possible.

Traveling with Kids

Italian law requires appropriate child seats based on age and height. Consider buying a cheap booster seat if you’re staying for an extended period, as rental costs can add up quickly.

• Tips for Family Trips: Plan for frequent stops, keep snacks handy, and download offline maps in case you lose signal in the countryside. Tuscany has plenty of family-friendly attractions, like the medieval towers of San Gimignano and the leaning tower of Pisa.

Fueling Up

Italian fuel stations usually offer self-service (fai da te) or full service (servito). Expect to pay around 10-15% more for full service. Some stations also close during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

The cost of petrol is similar to most Western European countries which means 1.5 times the cost in the USA or Australia.

• Saving on Fuel: Use apps like Waze or Google Maps to find cheaper fuel stations nearby. Also, keep in mind that diesel is often cheaper than petrol in Italy.
• Google Maps: Look for “Petro Stations” in the area where you are ready to fill in your tank. The map will highlight not only the location but also the cost at that station.

Parking in Tuscany

Parking is generally easy in smaller towns, but in popular destinations like Florence or Siena, it’s best to park outside the historic centers. Watch for ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones, which are restricted to local traffic and heavily fined if entered without permission. White lines indicate free parking, blue means paid, and yellow is reserved for special permits.

• Understanding ZTL Zones: These zones are strictly enforced, and fines can be steep. If your hotel is within a ZTL, make sure they register your car with local authorities to avoid penalties.
• Don’t park on orange delimited areas: these are areas for loading/unloading or for special needs cars. The local police will issue a hefty fine and possibly they will tow away the car.

Safety Tips

• Never leave valuables in your car, even if they’re hidden. Break-ins can happen, and the cost of repairing a damaged car door or window can easily surpass the value of the stolen items.
• Car Security Essentials: Always lock your doors, close windows, and avoid leaving bags or electronics in plain sight.