Driving in Italy with AN UK Driving Licence?

Question

I am in Italy on holiday and I went a bit over the speed limit (6 am not a soul in sight). To make this short, they are saying my UK driving licence isn't valid in italy and want to impound my car, even some big shot at the padova police station is saying so. Makes me feel like I am in some backward spot in vietnam not in Europe. Where can I find someone that make these people reason?? I KNOW that EU licences are valid within the EU for a whole year.

Answer 1

shouldn't it be A UK Driving license, and secondly, tell those stupid mother f*ckers to go f*ck themselves. They're just jealous of your britishness . . .  On the other hand you can visit the embassy like that other guy said. xD

Answer 2

A UK photocard licence with it's counterpart is valid anywhere in the EU, The previous paper licences are not unless they are accompanied by an international driving permit or in the case of Italy a translation into Italian that has been notarised as being a true translation.

Answer 3

Licence is fine but if you have only passed your test very recently you will have to abide by there laws in relation to being a new driver. Did you have both parts of the licence. Did you have you insurance certificate with you and translation that it is a insurance note. Did you have your full log book with you. Where you carrying high viz jacket and bulbs and warning triangle. GB stickers and beam converters. All of these thing can end up having your car impounded.

If all of that is all right then go to embassy.

rich

Answer 4

go to the english embassy and see if you can reason but it should be valid

Answer 5

I find it hard to believe that the Italians have such high driving standards.

Answer 6

You are not telling us what type of UK license you hold.  Only the new EU card together with it's paper counter part are valid in the EC.

If you were driving on a provisional license or only had an old red license book, they are not recognised in the EU.

Answer 7

It so IS valid!!!  An EU licence is valid all over Europe. Tell them they can't do it and go to the British Embassy. Jerks. They are either trying to just be awkward or haven't got a clue what they are doing.