Modern Vespa

I had to get to the bottom of how things work in Italy and the following are my conclusions to date. I approached this from the perspective of an American or Canadian. Members of the E.U. may be in a different position on some issues. Corrections or other observations appreciated.

As a general comment, Italy's rules are complicated and in some respects appear to be out of step with the rest of the E.U.

The holder of an American or Canadian license to drive a car can operate a motorbike on public roads in Italy that is registered for on-road use, that is not more than 125cc and that does not put out more than 11kW of power.

Based on what I've read on sites in Italian, my sense is that this means that one can operate a bike that meets these criteria regardless of whether it is a motorcycle or scooter. There are also some potential nuances that I don't fully understand. For example, it may be possible for someone with an ordinary driver's license to operate a bike of greater power if it has a sidecar.

It seems that an American or Canadian with a motorcycle license can operate any motorcycle or scooter regardless of power despite the fact that Europe, including Italy, seems to have gone to a graduated system.

Some Italian motorbike rental operations seem to be willing to rent, to ordinary driver's license holders, 150cc scooters. It isn't obvious to me that this is legal. In any event, in eastern Sicily, where I am, there are very few rental operations and the rental rates that I've seen are not very attractive, at least this time of year, compared to motorcar rental rates.

It is pointless for a non-resident to purchase a motorcycle or scooter for on-road use because only a resident of Italy can get it registered. If one has a friend who is a resident, note that it is not unheard of for residents to register and insure a motorcycle or scooter for which there is a non-resident second driver.

I have not explored entering into a short or longer term rental agreement with a dealer, as distinct from a rental agency, and I don't know how difficult it would be to arrange for insurance in this situation.

Italy formally requires one to have an International Driver's Permit but I have a number of friends who have rented cars in Italy without one. The rental agencies don't seem to care. However, I have one; if I get stopped by an Italian traffic officer, I'd just as soon be able to present it. The I.D.P. is basically a translation of one's driver's license into several languages and is available in the U.S. and Canada from the A.A.A. and C.A.A. respectively. It is good for one year.

I was not aware of the 125CC limit, but I can say that I was able to rent a 150cc Piaggio in Sorrento with an American DL no questions asked. They just put a $1000 hold on my credit card. I believe they even offered up to 250cc.

There is an unspoken requirement, too.

If you're talking about doing Italy by Vespa, on MV, you must take pictures.

When things get sorted out in a couple of weeks, some photos might be forthcoming

To elaborate a bit on my original post, I think that foreigners (at least non-Europeans) with a standard driver's license are treated as if they have the current version of what the Italians call a category B license (patente B). An Italian holder of this license has the right to drive both cars and motorbikes within the limits described in my original post, the latter only in Italy (not elsewhere, including the rest of the E.U.).

I dont think you will find it very complicated in reality when you are there.

Roll up to a scooter rental place...give them money..ride away.

In my experience they just jot a few details from your passport and imprint your credit card. Done it on 2 trips...latest was a year ago.

Scooters arent a big deal in Italy...treated as part of normal day to day way of life

Enjoy riding there..ride like an Italian...its great fun..

I guess you haven't spent a lot of time in southeastern Sicily.

There aren't any "scooter rental places" to "roll up to".

The nearest scooter rental place is in Syracuse, and, having looked at the two scooters they have to rent, I wouldn't rent a baby stroller from them. After that, it's Catania, where there's supposed to be a satellite office of a rental agency even further north, except that neither is even responding to emails.

P.S. I love New Zealand.

P.P.S. Expecting to find a scooter rental place in southeastern Sicily is kind of like expecting to find one on the west coast of the South Island

What did you find out about insurance?

This could change, but the likelihood is that a friend who is a resident is going to buy a bike and that I will be an insured second driver.

My friend holds an ordinary Canadian driver's license which is why I needed to figure out the Italian rules and why I am focusing on 125cc bikes.

She is very keen on the idea of a Vespa. I'm kind of gagging at the premium they command, but hey

That should work out then. Good luck.

I rented S125 in Rome. US license and a credit card were enough. 125 is more than enough for roman traffic where you need decent acceleration and maneuverability, max speed is not important. Check Bici&Baci website and you'll get pricing situation. In Rome a scooter is definitely the most efficient and fast mode of transportation but it is the most expensive for a tourist. Using a taxi daily would cost you less than renting a scooter. However: be in Italy and not trying Vespa.....You would regret it until you visit Italy again and finally do it. A little premium is way worth it. It is vacation. In Rome do what Romans do

In Sicily you dont rent a scooter!.

You steal it .


Its true...
A colleague of mine ..who is Sicilian...has told me many stories about when they were kids...they would just take any scoot ..ride and race it to death...and leave it where it lay as a steaming heap on the road.

While the operating, owning and renting laws in Italy are pretty straight forward, explaining them isn't a one paragraph task. The first difficulty is due to American misconceptions about the "EU" as well as motor vehicle law in the US, which is the equivalent of 50 different countries bound by the equivalent of a treaty.

The are no "EU laws" pertaining to owning and operating a motor vehicle nor "EU licenses" as such. There are national laws of the member states, and there are reciprocity provisions under the treaty that is the EU. Thus the distinction between "EU" member state issued licenses non-EU member state issued licenses, which is similar to situation in the US, where there is no "US driver license", but rather licenses issued by the various states in the US.

Operating a motor vehicle: Pretty much throughout the world, operating a motor vehicle is a privilege. The national (state in the US) laws normally pertain to operating a motor vehicle, without regard to who owns the vehicle. These laws are supplemented by international treaties.

As in the US, one must be a bona fide resident of the issuing jurisdiction to be issued a driver license. That "residency" is based upon the issuing jurisdiction's laws. Most US states are fairly diligent about requiring proof of residency, as is Italy. And, most states share driver license data to prevent someone from holding licenses in more than one state at the same time. Obviously, it is harder to gin up proof of legal residency in a country where you are not a citizen, as home ownership or a rental address is not residency. We are US citizens who are legal residents, by resident permit, of Greece. Our resident permit (in our passports) was required to register our motor vehicles and obtain Greek driver licenses. The permits were issued well after we owned a home, and home ownership was not sufficient to declare legal residency.

Non-EU driver license holders from a nation that is a signatory to the Vienna Convention of 1968 (the treaty creating the International Driving Permit) may drive in Italy as provided by that treaty and Italian law, in which case an International Driving Permit is "required" in Italy. Non-EU license holders from non-IDP treaty states are dealt with on a case by case basis.

Yes, a simple driver license is sufficient for a non-resident to operate up to 125cc motorcycle in Italy. Has nothing to do with citizenship, but the nation issuing the driver license.

Yes, an unlimited US motorcycle endorsement (however it was issued) is recognized in Italy. If your issuing state clearly places a 125cc limit on your motorcycle endorsement, than the Italian 125cc limit would apply. I don't think any US state has such a scheme. Your US issued IDP specifically would state your motorcycle endorsement is either A1 (125cc/11 kw max) or B1 (unrestricted). Those are the only two categories recognized under the IDP treaty.

The Vienna Convention of 1968 is a treaty. Under that treaty, the signatories agree to certain provisions. Italy reserves the right, by that treaty, to require certain proof that your driver license is valid. For a license issued in a non-EU state that is a signatory to the Convention, the IDP is that proof. For an EU nation issued license, the treaty provisions of the EU prevail.

The IDP serves as a standardized translation and depiction of what you are licensed to operate. And, by that same international treaty, the authorities must accept your home license AND the IDP as sufficient and immediate proof of your license status and endorsements.

Under the treaty, the police, rental agents and insurance companies have the right to ask for an IDP. Lacking an IDP, if there is any issue concerning your home driver license, the police and/or liability insurance issuer can hassle you pending verification from your consulate that your license is OK - as in confiscate and hold your passport. If you run over the mayor's chicken in a small village, your IDP is your proof positive, in the local language, that you are properly licensed to operate the vehicle, and thus the rental agency's third party insurance is valid. If you don't have an IDP, the rental agency couldn't care less, as until you prove your license is valid, you, and not the agency's insurance, is liable of the damages you inflict to the third party, and without your passport, you ain't going anywhere. Thus, just because someone rents a vehicle without having to present an IDP, that does not in any way validate the notion that an IDP is not required. Drive without an IDP at your own peril, as the only one taking the risk is YOU!

I say "can" hassle you, as Italy does subscribe to the Treaty provisions of waiver of requiring an IDP for "short-term" driving, but the waiver is at the discretion of the local police and not absolute. Operating a motor vehicle is, again, a privilege, and subject to restrictions.

Owning a motor vehicle: As in most countries, "ownership" of a motor vehicle means nothing unless it is titled and registered, and simple physical "ownership" does not convey the right to title and register a motor vehicle. Italy, as in most US states and other countries, will not title or register a motor vehicle to a non-resident. (Temporary plates for the purpose of driving to another jurisdiction is a whole separate ball of wax) However, the EU treaty grants EU citizens (and in certain cases legal residents) a bit more latitude in this definition of "residency" arena than non-EU citizens (legal residents). Keep in mind that "residency" is more complicated across national borders than across state lines in the US. Thus, while anyone can "buy" a motor vehicle in Italy, that purchase has no legal standing for title and registration unless you are a legal resident. A dealer would be reluctant to "sell" you a vehicle simply because he cannot relinquish title to you, and thus retains owner liability for the vehicle - AND knows it. A private party may be willing to assume such risk, or simply take it unknowingly. No different in the US, where private parties have "sold" vehicles and failed to register the transfer of title with the state and later find they are liable for some hair brained stunt by the purchaser.

Scooter rental in Italy - People read about all the folks who have rented scooters in Italy or see pictures of rental Vespas all lined up in a row, and come to the conclusion that there is a rental shop on every corner. After all, Italy is the Land of Vespa and Vespa Holidays.

As soon as you get away from Rome, rental shops become fewer, farther between and much smaller in inventory. Additionally, under Italian law, you cannot get "comprehensive/collision" insurance for a motor vehicle that doesn't involve a healthy deductible. For two wheel vehicles, be prepared to pay a minimum of the first 1,000 Euro in damages to the scooter. Holding the person renting 100% liable for fire and/or theft loss is not uncommon. Thus, the 1,000 Euro or higher "hold" on your credit card. We have searched the world high and low, with professional assistance, for supplemental insurance for the Bella Italia Rallies, and believe me, it is not available. The CDW Waiver protection from your US "Diamond Encrusted Platinum Credit Card" has small print that specifically excludes PTWs and mini vans. Further, it is reimbursable coverage under a non-Italian contract, so if you use it for car damages, you will still have to pay for the damages up front and wait for reimbursement. Car rental services (firms that act as third party booking agents) that advertise "full coverage" are the same, the contract is outside Italy, and you still pay up front and wait to get your money back. Italian law precludes assignment of benefits by foreign insurers to an Italian vehicle owner.

The good news in insurance is that vehicle owners (rental agency and private) are required to have pretty robust "Third Party Insurance", which means that if you crash into a parked Lamborghini, you should have most of the damage you cause paid by the insurer.

Sorry to be so long winded, but I figured it's worth the detail if you are really interested in operating, renting or attempting to buy a scooter in Italy. It's really simple, and all you have to remember is:

1. Have an IDP or EU member state driver license and conform to the endorsements on it, and you can legally drive any properly registered vehicle identified by the IDP/license, be it a rental or a private party's (with permission, or course).

2. Do not expect to be able, in your name, to purchase, and put on the road, any motor vehicle, unless you are a legal resident of Italy.

All of the long winded crap above just explains "why".

Lastly, I am not a lawyer, and the above is not legal advice, but simply the experience of a layman.

I've been in southeastern Sicily for three week now, originally based in Syracuse/Ortigia and now in the country a few kilometers outside Ispica.

While I think that the country roads here are ideally suited to motorbikes, and the weather has been great, I have in fact seen very few outside the towns. In reality, it seems that the vast majority of people in rural Sicily (at least in the southeast) get around by car.

We noticed the same thing when there. When you consider the distances involved, however, it makes sense. A PTW is not your basic rural transport vehicle, and most Italians ride scooters as basic transport, not for road touring. Pretty much the same in rural areas all over the island.