Italian Autostrade are different enough from UK motorways, but (from my distant memory) even more quirky compared to US highways. Here are some key differences that spring to mind.
Space. Lanes can be narrower, and have little or no ‘hard shoulder’ or safety lane. On and Off ramps can be very narrow and ver short! Be prepared to have to ‘negotiate’ your way onto the main carriageway or even stop and wait for a space if it’s busy. Most Italian drivers are very adaptable and will accommodate you. A motorcycle can be very advantageous here!
Space! Personal space is always notably closer inside the Italian culture, people stand closer together, nowhere is this more alarming than the autostrada where some drivers will snuggle up right behind you! And some of those will happily try to intimidate you out of their way. It is the single most annoying and dangerous thing I see on Italian roads (which I generally enjoy driving/riding on).
Speed variation – keep an eye out for speed limit changes (and speed cameras), while the usual limit is 130kmh (80mph), it can drop to 110 (68) or 90 (56) quickly. Not all the speed limit signs are for you though, there may be a sign under a limit sign to show 7.5 Tonne vehicles, or coaches / caravans or whatever. Keep a close eye.
Tolls. So large areas of the autostrada network have tolls. Some are a simple pay to use a single stretch but most you will pick up a ticket as you get on the autostrada (or as you start the toll section) and then give your ticket in to the machine as you exit and pay the required amount. Here are some key points to keep in mind!
As you approach the toll booths pay attention to whether individual lanes are open or closed (red light over the lane). Pay attention to which lanes are TELEPASS, this is written on a big yellow sign and will often have yellow lane markings. Telepass allows drivers to pass without stopping.
As you pull up to the toll station before the barrier up take the ticket from the machine. I always have a pocket set aside for toll tickets and the means of payment (I always use a card, change is such a fiddle and just adds to the motorcycling hassle of gloves/pockets etc). If there is no ticket, push the huge red button, normally it will then produce a ticket (your bike just didn’t trigger the sensor).
Once you have the ticket the barrier lifts and off you go once you have safely stowed the ticket. Remember which lane was Telepass! Because as you pull out of the toll station to re-merge with the traffic, that lane will be (to use a phrase of my Dad’s) going like the clappers!
When you leave the toll section you’ll approach another toll booth. You need to take not of whether they are open/closed, which are Telepass only and what the payment methods are, some take cards only, some cash only and others will take either. Pick the right lane!
At the machine, insert your ticket, it will read off the amount you pay. Some have contactless payment (which may or may not work for non-Italian cards) or just put your card in the slot, payment will be taken and eject your card for you, barriers open and away you go (again, don’t get mown down by Telepass users!).
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