ZTL & Driving in Italy – Common Questions
ZTL in Italy (Zona a Traffico Limitato) means restricted traffic zones in city centers where access is limited to authorized vehicles only (residents, taxis, emergency vehicles, hotel guests with prior authorization).
Italian ZTL zones are designed to reduce congestion and pollution, making historic city centers more pedestrian-friendly. Entering a ZTL without proper authorization can result in hefty fines, often automatically issued through camera enforcement (ZTL zones with cameras at every entrance).
Tourists CANNOT drive into the ZTL zones in Italy unless their hotel arranges a temporary permit.
To avoid fines in ZTL areas, travelers should look for traffic signs indicating ZTL entrances, use GPS with ZTL alerts, park outside restricted areas, or obtain temporary permits (ZTL pass) if staying in a hotel within a ZTL area. Many Italian cities have different ZTL rules based on time of day, vehicle type, and resident status.
Each city in Italy has its own ZTL regulations. Below is an overview of the main ZTL zones in major Italian cities.