Summer time – Vacation time. Here are some essential points to consider when traveling by car to Italy or Croatia.
Italy and Croatia are again the top destinations for Austrians’ summer vacations in 2022. With most travel restrictions and measures lifted for this summer, ÖAMTC reminds people just before the start of the holidays what to look out for to ensure a safe and comfortable vacation to these countries. “You should still pack the FFP2 mask in your hand luggage. Because locally, the mask obligation can still apply in isolated cases”, advises tourism expert Florian Rußmann. The ÖAMTC vacation service offers detailed information and a map of Europe for an overview of which Covid measures still apply: www.oeamtc.at/urlaubsservice.
Italy: Observe online registration for toll routes
Pedemontana Lombarda” toll road: If you are going on vacation in Italy by car, pay attention to the toll collection in the north of Milan on the A36, A59, and A60 that the toll must be paid within 15 days. “Toll collection is done electronically in the so-called ‘free flow system.’ This means that when passing through, the vehicle with the license plate is registered, and the amount owed is calculated. If you do not pay within the 15 days, a reminder and collection procedure can be initiated,” explains Russmann. The various payment options can be found in the ÖAMTC country info in Italy at www.oeamtc.at/laenderinfo.
Caution with Zona Traffico Limitato
Zona Traffico Limitato: If you want to visit one of the historic city centers in Italy, you should know about the “ZTL,” the “Zona traffico limitato.” “You need a permit to enter these traffic-calmed zones – otherwise, you’ll face a fine of at least 100 euros,” the mobility club expert knows. “If the booked hotel is located within a ZTL, it’s best to ask the staff there in good time to apply for a temporary access permit.” The ÖAMTC route planner also displays the ZTLs – making it easier to plan the trip: https://www.oeamtc.at/routenplaner/.
Traffic rules Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast: Throughout August and on all weekends (Saturday and Sunday) between June 15 and September 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., only cars with even or odd numbers on the license plate – the last digit is decisive – are allowed to drive on the SS163 between Meta di Sorrento and Vietri Sul Mare, alternately. With a last even number on the license plate, one is allowed to drive on the famous coastal road on even days with a last odd number on odd days. This rule applies to passenger cars with foreign license plates, rental cars, tourist buses, and travelers who have booked accommodation along the Amalfitana. For motorhomes and caravans, there is still a year-round ban on driving daily from 06:30 to 24:00.
Croatia: Information about the situation at the borders
Transit Slovenia: As of this year, the Slovenian freeway vignette is only in digital form but is still available at all ÖAMTC bases. This is linked to the license plate and no longer to the vehicle. Necessary: Be sure to take the receipt or invoice for the toll sticker with you, as this will be used to verify the validity and proper purchase of the toll sticker.
Toll stations with congestion and waiting times
Toll booths: On the return trip, there are often traffic jams and waiting times at toll stations. “This is due on the one hand to the high volume of traffic, and on the other hand to the many travelers who want to get rid of remaining kuna coins – this year it is particularly tempting, as the euro will be introduced in 2023,” explains the expert. To avoid delaying the payment process, Russmann recommends paying by ATM or credit card instead.
On validity period of the “Pickerls” is to be paid attention to
The validity period of the “Pickerls”: The §57a-assessment sticker has expired but is still within the Austrian tolerance period (one month before to four months after the due date)? In Croatia, as well as in some other countries, this can lead to problems. While no penalty should be imposed or disadvantage incurred in the event of a claim, club members repeatedly report that they have been penalized nonetheless. “To avoid problems, it should be ensured before departure that the return journey is also made with a valid sticker right up to the end,” advises Rußmann.
The entire ÖAMTC travel service can be found at www.oeamtc.at/reise.
- source: vienna.at/picture: pixabay.com
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