Which sign identifies a main extra-urban road?

A main extra-urban road has its own start and end signs, distinct from motorway signs. Read these signs and any supplementary panels to understand when Article 175 access rules apply.

Recognise the specific start and end signs

The Italian Highway Code gives main extra-urban roads their own category and signs. They are not motorways, even though both are high-capacity roads with controlled access. Direction signs or their colours alone do not identify the category: look for the dedicated signs marking the beginning and end of the main extra-urban road and follow any supplementary instructions.

Signs are important because a route may pass from one class to another. A junction, connector or ring road can include consecutive sections with different rules. Watch where the category begins and ends, and check the signs at entry ramps. If the sign is missing, obscured or appears inconsistent with the map, avoid guessing; consult the road operator or owner for the official classification.

The sign also affects access rules

Article 175 lists vehicles excluded from motorways and main extra-urban roads. Since 14 December 2024, the law has allowed adult riders on motorcycles of at least 120 cc, or electric motorcycles of at least 6 kW, subject to the other requirements. A suitable licence and absence of a specific restriction are still necessary.

A licence alone is not enough if a vehicle is excluded, and meeting a motorcycle threshold is not enough if the rider is under 18. Quiz Patente Ufficiale provides exam quizzes and review of mistakes on signs and traffic rules. Practise distinguishing the main extra-urban road sign from the motorway sign and the end-of-road sign, then rely on the signs on your route.

With Quiz Patente Ufficiale you can review road signs and rules through exam quizzes and corrections of mistakes.