Well after being blasted over at Fodor's for daring to state that an IDL is required for driving in Italy, I did a bit of research and found the following:

From the State Police Site Polizia dello Stato
From their FAQ:
Sono un cittadino statunitense. Per condurre un'auto in Italia posso utilizzare la patente dello Stato di New York, USA, o e' d'obbligo la patente internazionale?
Risposta E' necessario disporre della patente internazionale o, in alternativa, della patente americana accompagnata da una traduzione ufficiale in lingua italiana. Poiché le stesse disposizioni valgono anche per gli altri Paesi dell'Unione Europea, pare opportuno suggerire di chiedere il rilascio della patente internazionale con la quale è possibile condurre veicoli anche nel resto dell'Europa ed evitare di avere al seguito la traduzione della patente americana nelle diverse lingue europee.

From the FAQ:
I am an American citizen. To drive an auto in Italy, may I use my NY State license or do I need an International License?
It is necessary to have an international license or your American state license accompanied by an official translation in Italian. Because this same rule is valid for the entire EU, we suggest applying for an international license so that you can drive throughout Europe and avoid having to carry multiple translations of your American license.

From the ACI site (department of motor vehicles in Italy):

I conducenti con patente o permesso internazionale rilasciati da uno Stato estero non appartenente alla CE possono guidare in Italia veicoli per i quali è valida la loro patente (o il permesso) purché non siano residenti in Italia da oltre un anno. Se la patente, o il permesso, non sono conformi a modelli stabiliti in convenzioni internazionali cui abbia aderito anche l'Italia, devono essere accompagnati da una traduzione ufficiale in lingua italiana o da documento equivalente.
Drivers with licenses or international permits from a foreign state not of the EU may drive a vehicle for as long as their home license is valid as long as they have not been residents of Italy for more than a year. If the license or permit does not conform to the international conventions as does Italy, you must have an official translation into Italian or an equivalent document (IDP)

Cristina
A San Franciscan in Siena
Read my report on the Palio di Siena

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

Thanks for the research, Cristina.

And here's a cyber kiss and a band-aid.

Amy in MA
Amy's House Exchange

Christina, I appreciate your time and effort as well. I
think that guide book authors are a bit to blame for this
confusion because even though most recommend the IDP, sometimes they imply that it is not mandatory. For example,
I will quote the online version of Frommer's in this regard:
"Technically, you need this permit, your actual driver's
license, and an Italian translation of the latter (also
available from AAA and CAA) to drive in Italy, though in
practice the license itself often suffices. (Take all three
along to be safe.)" So you see the confusion here, especially if the traveler consults only one source, doesn't
have to show an IDP to rent a car and is never stopped in Italy for a license check or driving infraction.

I was on Fodor's yesterday doing research for my upcoming trip and I thought it was a hoot when you posted you hoped
everyone without an IDP ended up in an Italian jail (I am
paraphrasing).

Howard on the AOL boards frequently posts the actual Italian law - and encounters similar reactions. People do not want to believe this.

I have my driver's license and my IDL packed and we are ready to go!

Pauline from Slow Travelers

It seems a little ridiculous doesn't it? Hundreds if not thousands of dollars for airfaire alone, housing, food, etc. and travelers balk at spending $10.00 for an IDL. Fortunately we have never been stopped, but we always get the licenses "just in case."

SO glad to see correct information here! Not necessarily the same situation on the AOL Italy Boards on this topic!

SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor
sally@century-tvl.com
www.sallywatkins.com
My business depends on referrals - please tell someone today!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sally Watkins, CTC:
Not necessarily the same situation on the AOL Italy Boards on this topic!
/QUOTE]

Can you believe it started again?

We should try to get Howard to start visiting SlowTrav. He would feel right at home. And be SO grateful to be preaching to the choir --- FINALLY!

Deborah Horn
-----------------------------------
Marketing Solutions for Health Care

So what board is this wonderful man on? I have AOL for a little while and I figure I might as well check out as much as I can while I can.

Cristina
A San Franciscan in Siena
Read my report on the Palio di Siena

Christine, Howard posts on all 4 of the Italy travel boards under the name Italtrav. He doesn't post very frequently, but when he does it is always very accurate and authoritative information. I can't remember that he ever starts threads, and he usually only responds to threads about restaurants, hotels, and driving routes.
On AOL boards we have people who post all manner of advice and opinion that isn't necessarily accurate. IDPs seem to be a favorite for misinformation. And it appears to be one of Howard's hot buttons.
Not long ago, Pauline and I were talking about how we wished Howard would find his way to SlowTrav Talk. He would be a great contributor and I'm betting he would really enjoy the folks in this group.

Deborah Horn
-----------------------------------
Marketing Solutions for Health Care