Freeways, or autostrade, are the fastest way to travel between two cities. Autostrade are toll roads; you will pay to use them. Signs indicating direction to the Autostrada vary: "Autostrada", "A", or an "A" followed by the road number (A1, A11, etc.). These signs are green while other road signs are blue or white.
Entering an autostrada can be a little hair-raising; entrance lanes are narrow and short, traffic is fast-moving. Follow the "Entrata" (enter) sign to the entrance lane, carefully join freeway traffic and speed up quickly. Once on the freeway, it is important to observe the "rules" of the road:
- Drive in the right lane, using the left lane for passing only.
- Use your blinker to indicate a lane change.
- Turn your headlights on.
- Follow the speed limits (even if Italian drivers don't). In more recent years, speed limits are being enforced through radar and cameras. The maximum speed limit on the autostrada is 130 kilometers (about 78 mph).
At some point on the autostrada, you will come to a toll plaza with several drive-in gate options. Avoid those labeled "Telepass"--these are for drivers with passes. Drive toward those labeled "Biglietto" (ticket) or any unmarked gate. Take a card from the automated machine and pass through the gate.
When you exit the autostrada, you have two options: pay with cash (exact change may be necessary if the booth is unmanned), or pay using a credit card. For an automated cash transaction, put your ticket in the slot, wait for the amount to be displayed, then put in your cash. For an automated credit card transaction, enter the gate marked "Carte;" enter your ticket, wait for the amount to be displayed, then enter your credit 
card. Press the "Ricevuta" for a receipt.
If for some reason your credit card was rejected, don't panic. You will be allowed to pass through the gate and the charge will be passed along to your rental car company. You will receive notice of the extra charges via mail.
