What are the speed limits, where do they apply and what are the exceptional cases where the maximum speed is imposed on vehicles or in case of bad weather
The speed limits in Italy as in the rest of Europe, are determined according to various factors: mainly the shape of the road and what type of road (urban, suburban, highway, non-urban road that enters the city center, etc.). The purpose of speed limits is to ensure road traffic safety for all users. However, over the years it has also indirectly become a tool for municipalities to deal with fines and speed cameras. There are many cases where speed limits can be reduced by the authorities which manage communication, according to the instructions of the Ministry of Infrastructure (for example, road work, sudden instability that does not allow for quick recovery, etc.). We will see in the following paragraphs what the general speed limits are in cases in which they are expected exceptions.
Updated January 4, 2024: More useful and up-to-date content for readers
SPEED LIMITS ON ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
The speed limits are governed by Article 142 of the Road Traffic Act, which sets the maximum speed to which you can drive a motor vehicle based on the road. The limit indicated by special vertical markings is often considered a recommendation for driving at this speed, but this doesn’t seem right. In general driving conditions (without the restrictions we will discuss in the following paragraphs), the maximum speed that must not be exceeded is:
- 130 km/h on the highway;
- 110 km/h on main non-urban roads;
- 90 km/h on secondary non-urban roads and local non-urban;
- 50 km/h in residential areas (70 km/h where permitted or 30 km/h in areas with schools). The same limit applies even when snow chains are on;
Of course without prejudice to any other requirements and limits set by the vertical marks. Remember that the assembly spare wheel includes a speed limit of 80 km/hour reported on the same round.
SPEED LIMITS IN RAIN, FOG OR NEW LICENSORS
Concerning speed limits in general, there are also various limitations to be reckoned with, e.g in case of rain, fog, or if the driver is new:
- THE speed limit in the rain goes down to 110 km/h on the highway and 90 km/h on extra-urban roads;
- In case of dense fog when the visibility is lower than 100 m, a limit may be imposed on the road section at 50 km/h with a traffic sign;
- The speed limit for new drivers (regardless of rain) is 100 km/h on the highway and 90 km/h on the main roads outside the city. The limit applies for the following 3 years after obtaining a driving license.
SPEED LIMIT BASED ON VEHICLE CATEGORY
In addition to the characteristics of the road, there are also considerations of speed limits by vehicle category. The general speed limit on the road on which the vehicle is authorized to drive does not count in the following cases:
- Mopeds and vehicles of equivalent category, 45 km/h;
- Motor vehicles or motor vehicles used for transportation of dangerous goods when driving with a load 50 km/h outside built-up areas – 30 km/h in built-up areas;
- Agricultural machinery and operating machines, 40 km/h with tires – 15 km/h in all other cases;
- Difficult ATVs, 80 km/h outside built-up areas;
- Trains consisting of vehicles and trailers 70 km/h outside residential areas – 80 km/h on motorways.