Introduction Having a car in Rome can be great fun, or a huge liability.
At first glance, Roman driving resembles the chariot race in Ben Hur, until you realise that it's like a high-speed conversation, with its own language of glances, light flashing and ostentatious acceleration, all carried out with panache. If you do use a car in the city, some tips to be borne in mind are listed below. Short-term visitors should have no trouble driving with their home licences, although if they are written in different scripts or less common languages an international licence can be useful. EU citizens are obliged to take out an Italian driving license after being resident for one year. In spite of the common practise among Italians, you are required by law to wear a seat belt at all times, and to carry a warning triangle in your car.