Motorway Driving
On the motorways you should try and keep to the right-hand lane. Many Sicilians drive
exceedingly fast in the left lane. Stick to the right and you should find driving to be relatively easy. If you happen to find yourself in the fast lane, be prepared for some flashing of lights by impatient drivers!
The speed limit on the motorway is 130 km/h but pay attention to the speed limit signs as they change depending on where you are.
Whilst on the motorway you must always have your headlights on.
City Driving
The best advice for city driving is to stay alert. Watch out for scooters, bikes and people walking across the roads. It is easy to get the hang of city driving if you just pay attention. By the end of your stay you will be driving like a local!
NB. Watch out at the roundabouts: give way signs are often ignored and most drivers believe they have right of way. Again, pay attention and don’t panic!
Parking your Car
If you want to park on a public street, pay attention to the parking signs. These show the type of parking available in the given zone, including the cost, the maximum parking time and the hours during which payment must be made. Coloured parking bays indicate different types of parking.
Parking spaces that are marked with blue stripes indicate paid parking. There are sometimes parking meters, but usually you will need to purchase a parking ticket at a nearby bar/café or Tabacchi (which is usually indicated by a big T sign).
Parking spaces that are marked with yellow stripes indicate reserved parking (i.e. for disabled people or official office employees), so you cannot park in these areas.
White stripes or no stripes generally indicate free parking, but make sure there are no specific hours or other special conditions by reading the parking sign.
Petrol Stations
In Sicily some petrol stations are self service (fai da te) and some are assisted (servito). Some stations give you both options although the latter can be slightly more expensive. Sometimes one of the petrol station’s employees will come to assist you even though you have chosen the self-service pump. In this case you will still be charged the lower “self-service” rate, but the worker will expect a small tip for his assistance.