Yes, crosswalks exist in Italy. In cities, especially, you can find those iconic zebra stripes painted on the pavement. As you step off the curb, you should, in theory, expect cars to yield. That’s what the law says, anyway. Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, and that should settle that.
But the practical reality is different: Drivers in Italy have a reputation for blowing through intersections, whether there are people waiting to cross or not. This isn’t necessarily done out of resentment or hostility; it’s just a cultural habit, which pretty much all residents have come to expect. As the couple behind website Italian on Tour put it in a 2023 blog post: “Italian drivers do not expect pedestrians to jump out in front of them. Cars have the right of way over pedestrians.” (Emphasis ours.)
In short: If you want to cross the street in Italy, it’s vitally important you look both ways and wait for a clear opening in traffic. In many other European countries, it’s normal courtesy for drivers to spot someone on the corner, stop the car, and allow that person to cross. Not so in Italy, even in small towns and on country roads. In general, assume cars take priority over people. If you’re already halfway across, drivers will of course yield to you, but you should make sure you’re visible and try to make eye-contact with the driver. You could easily add this to a list of travel hacks when visiting Italy.
All roads lead to Rome?
