For a foreigner, driving through Italy might be a quite challenging experience: the traffic is chaotic, the lanes are narrow, the road signs are often unclear, and the Italians drive somewhat aggressive. However, even after mastering the Italian way of driving, there is still a threat common to both locals and non-locals, expert and less expert drivers. It is the ZTL or rather Zona Traffico Limitato which translated means Limited Traffic Zones!
ZTL zones are restricted traffic areas found in many historic European city centers, where non-residents and unauthorized vehicles are prohibited from driving at certain times. Together with Low Emission Zones (LEZ), ZTL zones represent a traffic measure to limit pollution levels and to protect historic city centers from excessive traffic.
The sign indicating the start of the ZTL is composed of two panels – the first is mandatory and contains the symbol and the writing “zona a traffico limitato” (limited traffic zone); the second contains information about the period of validity, exceptions or limitations to the prohibition, report the presence of an electronic gate or provide telephone numbers to obtain information on the ZTL.
To allow drivers to understand if the ZTL is active, municipal administrations often integrate road signs with electronic displays indicating, for example, “ZTL attiva” (ZTL active) or “ZTL non attiva” (ZTL inactive). In some cases, the sign reads “varco attivo/non attivo” (active/non active passage).
Exceptions to the prohibition to access the zone depends on the Municipality. For example, in Milan there is Area C – this is a limited traffic area corresponding to Milan city center. To enter this area, first you must register your car’s plate on MyAreaC website. Then, if you reside in this area, you are entitled to a pass with 50 free entrance tickets to the ZTL. When the free entrance tickets are finished, you must pay for a daily ticket of 3 euros. If you are not a resident, the daily ticket is 7 euros. Remember, if you do not register your car’s plate and you enter Area C, you will be fined!
However, in most Italian cities, vehicles transporting people with disability are allowed when displaying the appropriate badge. Bear in mind that there are cameras that check the plate of each car that enters and leaves the ZTL zone – if the Municipality electronic system recognizes a vehicle that is not authorized to enter de ZTL zone, the Municipal Police will be notified, and they will issue a fine. Unauthorized movement of vehicles in a ZTL is punishable by a fine under Article 7(14) in conjunction with the relevant city ordinance, and the fine is between 84 and 335 euros.
In order to avoid a fine, it is very important to check previously if your vehicle can or cannot enter the ZTL zone. Before heading into a city center or historic area, be sure to check regional or municipal websites for all relevant information and any traffic changes. The Municipality grant the possibility to request a ZTL permit for residents, workers that load/unload goods, etc.
If you need a ZTL permit, just let your Relocation Associate know, so they can help you in the process; remember that you are responsible for your car and any inconvenience resulting from not respecting the Italian Rules of the Road.
