Alternate License Plate System on the SS163 Amalfitana ZTL Zones in Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Scooter Rental on the Amalfi Coast Can I drive from Sorrento to Positano in one day? Do I need full insurance to rent a car for the Amalfi Coast? Is a scooter better than a car on the Amalfi Coast? Which car is best for the Amalfi Coast road? Can I visit Capri, Ischia, or Procida without driving the car? SS163 Amalfitana hairpins, license-plate restrictions, ZTL zones, fuel stops, and Vesuvius-to-Positano route planning for confident driving in Campania. Sorrento car-rental context: a compact car from Europcar Sorrento, Hertz Sorrento, Avis Sorrento, Budget, Sixt, National, Sorrento Car Rent, So...Rent!, noleggiare.it, Auto Europe, or DiscoverCars can work well for confident drivers who want flexibility. Driving a car makes sense if the traveler wants to visit viewpoints, restaurants, and side roads such as Via Nastro Azzurro, Via dei Lattari, SS145 Sorrentina, and the A3 autostrada connection toward Naples. Parking in commonly costs about €5-€10 per hour, and busy summer traffic can reduce average speeds to well below normal highway driving. For detailed parking advice, see our Sorrento parking and ZTL guide If the traveler wants a lower-stress trip, ferry routes from Sorrento to Capri, Ischia, Procida, or the Caremar ferry network can replace some road segments, especially when the coastal plate rules are active. Use the car for inland viewpoints and the ferry for island day trips, because are often easier to enjoy without a car. Vehicle-choice guidance: the best Amalfi Coast rentals are usually the smallest practical cars, because the roads reward maneuverability more than engine power. Choose a compact model. Fiat Panda, Fiat 500, Renault Clio, or Peugeot 208 is easier to place in narrow bays than a larger sedan or SUV. Prefer automatic transmission if possible. The hills above Amalfi, Ravello, and Praiano create frequent stop-start traffic, and automatics reduce fatigue. Pick up in a major hub. Sorrento station, central Via Correale, and Naples Capodichino (NAP) usually offer more choices than tiny coastal offices. Check fuel and charging options in advance. Petrol stations such as Agip/Eni, Q8, and Esso are useful on the mainland, while EV drivers should verify Enel X Way charging access before leaving Sorrento. Plan toll and ferry payments. can simplify motorway use on the A3 autostrada, while ferry tickets to should be reserved separately. Ask the supplier whether the booking uses CDW, SCDW, or FDW, because the real cost depends on the and the rental company’s A “cheap” rate can still require a large on the credit card, and some bookings only become truly low-risk when they include zero excess full coverage Local-rule summary: drivers must separate road access rules from town-center restrictions, because the SS163 Amalfitana and the historic centers of Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento are regulated differently. Alternate License Plate System on the SS163 Amalfitana The alternating plate system applies during selected high-traffic periods on the coastal road between Vietri sul Mare. In practice, this means a rental car with an odd or even final plate digit may be blocked depending on the day, and the rule can also apply around Easter and peak summer weekends. Because the plate number is only visible after pickup, travelers should not build a one-day-only route around the main coastal road. The safest workaround is to use the “off” day for Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento station, or the Circumvesuviana corridor and then return to the coast later. ZTL Zones in Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi ZTL rules protect old town centers from through traffic, and cameras enforce them automatically. A red-circle sign usually marks a ZTL entry. Parking should be in a designated lot outside the center. Walking in from the edge of town is usually safer than guessing where cameras are located. Entering a ZTL in Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello can trigger a fine even if the driver only passed through briefly. Road-safety context: the Amalfi Coast rewards calm, predictable driving more than speed, and local bus traffic often takes priority on narrow sections. Use the horn lightly before blind bends, because oncoming traffic may not see the car until the last second.