When it comes to driving and parking Italians sure now how to do it.
Pedestrian Crossings:
Just because you are crossing the road at a pedestrian crossings in Rome doesn't mean you have right of way, to cross the road here in Rome i just start walking out and look the driver in the eye to make sure they are going to stop and still the hands get thrown in the air like i am an idiot for crossing the road and interrupting their trip. I always see tourists standing on the side of the road waiting for the cars to stop, which is never going to happen.
Tip One
Never wait at a pedestrian crossing in Rome, just walk out and hope for the best.
Beeping the horn:
Living in the centre of Rome my morning sleep in's are constantly interrupted by Italians holding their hands down on the car horn, not just one car several. Beeping in Italy is not considered rude, the driver who is getting beeped at will always put their hands up to say sorry. I have been in the car with Italian's who are driving on the freeways and get up behind cars who are going too slow, beep and high beam them and the "slow" car driver will always say sorry.
Tip Two:
When driving in Italy do not be afraid to use the car horn.
Parking:
In Rome anywhere your car fits is a park, actually even if your car does not fit and it is inconveniencing others parked, do not worry it is still a park.
Pedestrian crossings, footpaths, the middle of the road or parking behind people who are already parked is totally acceptable in Rome. The italians do not get upset or angry about parks that are blocking them in. An Italian does not drive around blocks several times looking for a park, they will just create one wherever their car will fit. Parking rules and signs are ignored and not important in Rome.
Tip Three:
Do not waste your time driving around looking for a park, do as the Romans do and park anywhere your car will fit.
