Driving your car rental in Italy – ZTL explained and how to get around them

When you visit Italy you could come across a limited traffic zone, or ‘Zona Traffico Limitado’ (ZTL). This guide will explain what these are, where they are and how to avoid them. We’ll also explain what you should do if you enter one.

Italian Restricted Driving Zones – Frequently Asked Questions

One of the most common fines issued when driving your car rental in Italy, is from an ZTL enforced area. Many unsuspecting tourists will often drive into these zones unknowingly and be caught on camera. Many visitors are unaware of these areas and aren’t sure what to look for in terms of signage. This is why Auto Europe has put together this useful guide of the most asked questions regarding ZTL's.

What is an ZTL enforced area?

These driving restricted zones are enforced mainly within city centres or in certain traffic congested areas of a city. ZTL’s do not exist in all cities throughout Italy, however, if you plan to visit a major city then it is more than that a ZTL area will be in enforcement. Florence, Rome and Pisa are just some examples where you’ll find such an enforced ZTL area.

When do I know if I have entered an ZTL area?

Even though ZTL areas are well sign posted, if you don’t know what you are looking for, they can be easily over missed. When entering such a zone, clear signed are located at the entrance, along with numerous cameras to capture vehicle numberplates. The sign itself is a while circle with a red border. It will also have ‘Zona Traffico Limitato’ clearly written on it. Directly under the sign you can view the actual restrictions enforced for the specific zone. With each zone having its own restrictions, times and rules it is important to fully understand these before entering. Once you have entered this zone there will be no further signage regarding the ZTL you have entered.

Why can other vehicles circulate within an ZTL area?

Although each ZTL area has its own rules, times and restrictions, in general it’s almost always the same. For most ZTL areas residential and public transport are allowed to circulate freely within them.

What if my accommodation is within the ZTL area?

If your accommodation is located within the ZTL area, then the place you are staying at must register your vehicles numberplate with the local police. They must also inform the police of how long you will be staying. It is usually free to register your number plate and once done you can drive into and circulate within an ZTL area freely. However, it is important to confirm with the place you are staying whether your registration has been successful. Entering the ZTL area without being registered will get your fined.

Being given access to one ZTL area will not mean that you are allowed to drive into other ZTL areas within the city. If in doubt, we recommend avoiding ZTL areas altogether. Any fines will be sent directly to the car rental supplier and will be forwarded unto you with an additional administration fee.

What if I entered an ZTL area accidentally?

You will be fined if you enter the ZTL area regardless of if accidentally or not, or for how long you stayed within the zone. Numerous cameras are located both at the entrance and exit points of an ZTL area. If you are caught on camera more than once, you may be fined multiple times.

How much is the fine?

Fines for entering the ZTL area without permission is between 80€ to 300€. The fine amount is in accordance with the actual ZTL you entered, with different zones having different fine amounts stipulated. Any fines will be forwarded to you via the car rental supplier, including an administration fee. A traffic violation fine may also be added by the supplier in some cases.

Can I be fined if I’ve left Italy?

When the vehicle number plate is captured on the ZTL cameras, the fine will be sent to the vehicles registered owner – in this case the car rental supplier. The suppliers is then obliged to provide the renters full name, address and any further details the police may ask for. The fine will be sent directly to the renter, along with an administration fee. In some cases fines may be charged directly to the credit card used at time of pick-up.

I wasn’t warned about ZTL areas during vehicle pick-up.

Generally, car rental suppliers may inform you of ZTL areas in existence within the city. However, it is solely the driver’s responsibility to make themselves fully aware of ZTL areas, and any local road rules and regulations.

Why the existence of ZTL areas – isn’t it just another money-making tactic?

ZTL areas were adopted as a way to minimise heavy traffic and improve air quality in parts of the city with historic importance or with a large tourist footprint. Furthermore, through the creation of these zones, more pedestrian friendly areas have been created, significantly improving the local environment, both for visiting tourists and residents alike.

Maps of popular Italian cities that have adopted ZTL areas.

GPS Devices and ZTL areas

Some decide to use their GPS device as a form to avoid ZTL areas. This unfortunately is risky as many GPS devices do not show ZTL areas, and those that do, may have outdated information. This is due to the fact the ZTL areas are constantly changing their area of coverage and restrictions. It is also important to be aware that when calculating the shortest route to your destination, your GPS device may inadvertently take you through a ZTL area. It is important to be fully aware of road signs whilst driving your car rental in Italy.