Good to know before your trip — Italy

ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) are limited traffic zones in the historic centers of cities, accessible only to vehicles with the appropriate permit. Entry is monitored by cameras that automatically read license plates, so a fine often arrives several weeks later through the rent-a-car agency, usually between 80 and 335 euros. If you are staying at a hotel or using a garage inside the ZTL, check in advance whether they can register your license plate or whether you need to purchase a temporary transit permit. Rules vary from city to city, so never assume that entry is automatically permitted.

The color of the lines tells you everything. Blue means paid parking — a ticket is purchased at a machine or through an app and must be kept visibly displayed. White is most commonly free parking, but in some cities the spaces may be reserved for residents or subject to other local rules, so always check the road sign. Yellow is off-limits for tourists — it is intended for residents, people with disabilities, or loading.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payment is common. It is still useful to have some cash on hand for markets, smaller venues, or if a terminal is temporarily out of service.