Driving in Vatican

In Vatican City, as an independent state, there are specific rules of the road. In this article, we will discuss the main rules and provide advice for those planning to visit this country.

Key Road Rules in Vatican City:

Right-Hand Traffic: In Vatican City, drivers travel on the right side of the road, similar to most European countries.

Speed Limits: Speed is usually limited to 30 km/h (18.6 mph), but it's essential to pay attention to road signs as they may indicate special speed restrictions.

Seat Belts: Seat belts must be used by both the driver and all passengers in the car.

Communication Devices: When making phone calls, you must use a hands-free device or loudspeaker; using a mobile phone without one is strictly prohibited.

It's important to note that there are no toll roads inside or outside Vatican City.

Is an International Driving Permit Required in Vatican City?

Yes, if you do not possess a driver's license from a European Union country, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Vatican City. An IDP complements your national driver's license and serves as a translation into various languages. It's important to keep in mind that with an IDP, you can drive in Italy for only six months, after which you will need Italian driver's licenses.

Can the IDP be used as a standalone document?

No, International Driving Permits are supplementary documents to your national driver's license. Therefore, you must present both documents. Failure to provide at least one of them may result in fines by the police.

Car Rental in Vatican City:

The minimum age for car rental is 21 years, but some companies may require a minimum age of 25 or older.

The cost of renting a car in Vatican City depends on the type of car, the season, the rental period, and insurance coverage. Additionally, insurance is required when driving in Vatican City.

Rental companies typically require a national driver's license, an International Driving Permit, a passport, and a credit card for car rental.

Below are some of the most common and affordable car rental options in Vatican City:

Fiat 500 or similar mini - from $70 to $140 per day

Fiat Panda or similar economy - from $80 to $190 per day

Opel Crossland or similar standard - from $100 to $210 per day

Tesla Model 3 or similar luxury - from $300 to $430 per day

This information will be useful for travelers planning to rent a car and explore Vatican City.