“Do you remember doing any of this?” Kerry Denevan asks her husband, Patrick. They’re in the kitchen at home. Last summer, they visited Italy. The couple rented a car and filmed their jaunts around the country…including driving their rental car past long lines of traffic. “Are we banned from Italy?” she wonders after opening a large batch of ZTL infractions.
The tourists didn’t know about Italian driving restrictions
“The mail lady just dropped off all of these violations, apparently, from Italy…from Patrick driving.” She shows one to the camera. “The driver drove an unauthorized vehicle into a restricted traffic area.”
When driving in Italy, Americans should be aware of ZTLs (Zone a Traffico Limitato), which are restricted traffic zones typically found in historic city centers.
Here’s what you need to know:
What is a ZTL?
ZTLs are restricted areas where vehicle access is limited to authorized vehicles, such as residents, delivery vehicles, taxis, and buses. They’re designed to reduce congestion, pollution, and preserve historic areas.
How to recognize a ZTL
ZTL zones are marked by circular signs with “Zona a Traffico Limitato” written on them.
Signs often include additional information, such as hours of restriction or the type of cars allowed. Many ZTL zones are monitored by cameras, and entering without permission will result in an automatic fine.
Fines for entering
Fines for unauthorized entry can range from €60 to €100 (or more), and you may receive multiple fines if you pass more than one camera. Since the exchange rate is close to equal at the moment, expect these fines to translate into the same amount in U.S. dollars. Rental car companies will pass your information to authorities and may charge an additional fee for processing the ticket.
When can you enter?
Some ZTLs have time-based restrictions, allowing access during certain hours (e.g., early morning or late at night). Check the signage near the ZTL entrance to understand the rules.
How to avoid ZTL issues
Plan your route carefully. Use GPS or apps like Google Maps or Waze that can warn you about ZTL zones.
Park outside these zones. Many cities have parking lots or garages just outside restricted zones, often marked as “Parcheggio.”
Request a permit if staying in a ZTL area. If your hotel is within a ZTL, they may be able to arrange temporary access for your vehicle.
Special cases
Electric vehicles or other exemptions: Some ZTLs allow EVs to enter. Check the rules for specific cities.
Local variations: Rules can differ by city, so always verify local ZTL regulations.
Keep in mind that even as a visitor, you’re responsible for following traffic laws outside the U.S. By being aware of ZTLs and planning ahead, you can avoid costly fines for driving around Italy without understanding local restrictions.
As for Kerry, her TikTok post helped millions of U.S. drivers get in the know about the violations, which are fairly common.
