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2 minutes readWhat is ZTL?
Zona Traffico Limitato is a limited traffic zone in historical parts of Italian cities: entry is forbidden there without a special permit. The sign comes together with a camera which automatically registers all entering vehicles.
Possible consequences of a violation
There is a penalty for violation, and the amount may be withdrawn from your bank account automatically. And even if you haven’t been charged, it doesn’t mean that it won’t happen at all – the notifications may arrive within a year or even later, and postal expenses will be added to the fine.
Example of a sign in the ZTL zone
What should you do if the hotel is in the ZTL zone?
In this case, everything is simple: at check-in you need to notify the hotel administration that you arrived by rental car. The administration will report the car details to the appropriate service, which will protect you from fines.
Please note that different types of permission are possible: for parking or only for getting in and out of the car.
How to travel within ZTL
It’s not as scary as it seems at first glance: every ZTL sign contains information about when you can enter the ZTL territory without risking a fine.
How to read a sign
Take a look at the example sign on the left. It indicates that the restriction is valid from 00:00 to 05:30 at night and from 20:30 to 00:00 in the evening from Monday to Friday, as well as from 0:30 to 05:30 and from 14:00 to 00:00 on Saturdays. Entry into the restricted traffic zone is prohibited on public holidays.
There are many similar signs, and each provides information about the time of the restrictions, so if you are not sure that you understand the information on the sign correctly, simply do not ride into the zone.
Take care and enjoy your travel!
