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Driving in Belgium vs Italy: Key Differences Uncovered

When navigating the roads of Belgium and Italy, drivers encounter notable distinctions in regulations and practices that can impact safety and compliance. From speed limits and lane markings to alcohol enforcement and emergency contacts, understanding these variations is crucial for a secure driving experience abroad. Stay informed to ensure a smooth journey in both countries.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
belgium:
Not commonly used; white lines are prevalent.
italy:
Not commonly used; occasionally as edge line.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
belgium:
Not commonly used; white lines are prevalent.
italy:
Not used for lane separation; may indicate temporary diversions.
Overtaking: On Right
belgium:
Generally not allowed except in traffic queues or on multi-lane roads.
italy:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
belgium:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis; specific hours may apply.
italy:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
belgium:
30-50 km/h
italy:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
belgium:
70-90 km/h
italy:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
belgium:
70-90 km/h
italy:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
belgium:
60-90 km/h
italy:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
belgium:
120 km/h
italy:
130 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
belgium:
120 km/h
italy:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
belgium:
90 km/h
italy:
80 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
belgium:
No; fines are mailed to the driver
italy:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
belgium:
Yes; indicates impending green light
italy:
Used; prepare to go when green appears
Traffic Signs: Language
belgium:
Dutch, French, German; symbols are standard
italy:
Italian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
belgium:
Triangle-shaped with a red border and white or yellow background
italy:
Triangle-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
belgium:
Not allowed unless specific signage permits
italy:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
belgium:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
italy:
Varies by locality; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
belgium:
Accepted; national driving license sufficient
italy:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
belgium:
International Driving Permit recommended
italy:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
belgium:
Yes; proof must be shown during police checks
italy:
Mandatory for vehicles over four years old
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
belgium:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
italy:
Displayed on license plate

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
belgium:
0.02%
italy:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
belgium:
0.00%; zero tolerance
italy:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
belgium:
Common; conducted by police
italy:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
belgium:
Varies by severity of offense
italy:
Substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
belgium:
101
italy:
113 (State Police)
Contact: Roadside Assistance
belgium:
Check with your insurance provider or Europe Assistance
italy:
116 (ACI)

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
belgium:
Varies; fines increase with speed, and can include license suspension
italy:
Varies; significant fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
belgium:
Fine of around 50 EUR
italy:
Varies; fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
belgium:
Fine of around 100 EUR, increased for repeat offenses
italy:
Fines apply, strict enforcement
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
belgium:
Fines; points on license possible
italy:
Fines apply, may include points on license
Payment: On The Spot
belgium:
No; fines usually mailed to the driver
italy:
Possible, especially for foreign drivers
Payment: Deadline
belgium:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
italy:
Varies; typically a set period to pay, often 60 days