Practical guide for a road trip in a van from Como
Italy offers picturesque roads and well-defined regulations for campervans, particularly from the Como region bordering the lake of the same name. Discover essential driving rules, authorized parking areas, and practical tips for a worry-free trip.
Driving and road regulations
In Italy, speed limits vary according to the weight of your campervan. For vehicles under 3.5 tons, adhere to 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on main roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Campervans over 3.5 tons must reduce their speed to 80 km/h outside urban areas and 100 km/h on highways. From Como, heading towards the Alps or south, you will take national roads where dipped headlights are mandatory during the day outside urban areas. Note that almost all Italian highways are toll roads: prepare an international credit card or cash.
Before leaving Como, equip your campervan with a yellow vest, a warning triangle, a first aid kit, and a spare tire. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Special attention: avoid ZTL areas (Zonas Traffico Limitato) marked by red signs, especially in the historic centers of Como and surrounding towns. These zones restrict access to residents and public transport, with fines exceeding 100 euros per infraction.
Parking and camping
Wild camping is prohibited in all Italian regions, including around Lake Como. However, parking in a campervan is tolerated under certain conditions: your vehicle must rest solely on its wheels, not discharge wastewater (except for engine water), and not exceed its own footprint. You can park in normal spots along roads and even near highways with permission. From Como, prefer parking outside the city center to avoid restricted traffic areas.
To camp legally, you must not open any part of the vehicle: no horizontally opening windows, no steps, awnings, tables, or chairs. This distinction is crucial in Italy. Also, respect minimum distances: stay more than 1 kilometer from an urban area, more than 50 meters from national roads, more than 100 meters from historical or artistic monuments (many around Como), and more than 150 meters from drinking water catchment areas.
Local tips and safety
The Como region has specific characteristics to be aware of. In winter, from October 15 to April 15, you must have chains or snow tires on board if heading towards the mountainous areas of the Lombard Alps. Some Italian cities have environmental zones requiring an "eco-pass": check before entering major urban areas. The legal blood alcohol limit is below 0.5 g/l, the same as in France.
Always drive on the right and yield to the right. In roundabouts, priority goes to the vehicle already in the circle. Overtaking is done on the left, allowing a long distance before merging, especially in front of trucks. From Como, if you explore the Amalfi coast or other coastal regions, some low-emission roads may prohibit access without prior temporary authorization. Finally, a rear sign with red and white diagonals is mandatory if your campervan exceeds standard dimensions.