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Driving in Italy vs. New Zealand: Key Safety Differences

When driving abroad, understanding the nuances can enhance safety and comfort. In this comparison between Italy and New Zealand, we delve into key distinctions such as lane regulations, speed limits, and traffic signal practices. Discover how these variations can impact your journey, ensuring a secure and enjoyable driving experience in both regions.

Lanes

Driving Side
italy:
Right
new zealand:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
italy:
Not commonly used; occasionally as edge line.
new zealand:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
italy:
Not used for lane separation; may indicate temporary diversions.
new zealand:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
italy:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
new zealand:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
italy:
Use rightmost lane.
new zealand:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
italy:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
new zealand:
Reserved for buses during certain hours.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
italy:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
new zealand:
Bicycle symbols and green pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
italy:
N/A
new zealand:
Not applicable

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
italy:
30 km/h
new zealand:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
italy:
90 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
italy:
80 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
italy:
70 km/h
new zealand:
90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
italy:
130 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
italy:
80 km/h
new zealand:
90 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
italy:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation
new zealand:
No; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
italy:
Used; prepare to go when green appears
new zealand:
Not used in New Zealand
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
italy:
Signal when exiting
new zealand:
Signal when entering and exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
italy:
Italian; symbols are standard
new zealand:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
italy:
Triangle-shaped with a red border
new zealand:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
italy:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign
new zealand:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
italy:
Varies by locality; check for signs
new zealand:
Permitted unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
italy:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
new zealand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
italy:
Mandatory for vehicles over four years old
new zealand:
Regular inspection required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
italy:
Displayed on license plate
new zealand:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
italy:
Mandatory
new zealand:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
italy:
Mandatory
new zealand:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Pedestrians Priority
italy:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
new zealand:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
italy:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
new zealand:
Move to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Enforcement: Random Checks
italy:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
new zealand:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
Enforcement: Fines
italy:
Substantial
new zealand:
Substantial fines, can vary widely
Test Refusal
italy:
Can result in license suspension
new zealand:
Can result in license suspension and other penalties

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
italy:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
new zealand:
Signal left if making an immediate left turn upon entry

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
italy:
112
new zealand:
111
Contact: Traffic Police
italy:
113 (State Police)
new zealand:
111
Contact: Roadside Assistance
italy:
116 (ACI)
new zealand:
0800 500 222 for AA (Automobile Association)
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
italy:
Mandatory
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
italy:
Mandatory
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
italy:
Varies; significant fines, possible license suspension
new zealand:
Varies; $30 to $630, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
italy:
Varies; fines apply
new zealand:
$150, points may also apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
italy:
Fines apply, strict enforcement
new zealand:
$80 to $150, points in some circumstances
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
italy:
Fines apply, may include points on license
new zealand:
$150, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
italy:
Possible, especially for foreign drivers
new zealand:
No; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
italy:
Varies; typically a set period to pay, often 60 days
new zealand:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay