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Driving a Car in Italy for Tourists: Parking, ZTL Zones & Survival Tips

Cars on the road in Italy, Italian flag on a building.

Planning a road trip through Italy? Great choice.

Italy is made for exploring by car — whether you’re cruising through Tuscany, along the Amalfi Coast, or heading up to the Dolomites, having a car gives you the freedom to stop when you want, where you want, and for as long as you want.

But with that freedom comes a set of rules you really don’t want to ignore. Italy isn’t exactly the most relaxed country when it comes to driving – in fact, if you’re not careful, you could rack up a €100+ fine before you even reach your accommodation.

Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Italy, from ZTL zones and toll roads to parking and local traffic rules.

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ZTL

ZYL sign when driving in Italy.

ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) stands for Limited Traffic Zone, and you’ll find these in the historic centers of almost every major Italian city. They were created to reduce congestion and pollution in old town areas, and in most cases, only locals with permits and pre-registered vehicles are allowed to enter.

Here’s the important part — entering a ZTL without authorization = a fine. As soon as you pass the sign (usually a round white sign with a red border), a camera scans your license plate. The fine goes directly to the car’s registration.

If you’re renting a car, the ticket will be sent to the rental company and then forwarded to you, plus an “administration fee.” In other words: one careless turn can cost you €100-€300, and a service charge on top.

How to avoid a fine:

  • Pay attention to the signs. If you see “ZTL,” turn around. No exceptions.

  • If your accommodation is inside a ZTL zone, contact your host in advance, they can register your license plate with the local police and help you avoid a fine.

  • Don’t think you’ll go “under the radar” just because you’re driving a rental – you won’t. The fine will find its way to you.

  • And if you already messed up, don’t ignore the ticket. Italy’s systems are digital and efficient, and you could get flagged the next time you enter the country.

In short: ZTL zones are no joke. You’ll see them everywhere. Especially in cities like Florence, Rome, Milan, Bologna, and others. Stay sharp (and keep your eyes on the signs).

Autostrada

Autostrada highway in Italy at night, illuminated.

Italian highways are called “Autostrade” and are marked in green. The system is probably similar to the one you have back come. Enter at a ramp, take the ticket, and pay when you exit.

But there are a few things you need to know:

Telepass

Telepass is the Italian automatic highway payment system, and the lanes for Telepass are specially marked with yellow color and the sign TELEPASS. If you enter that lane without the device, the camera will register it as if you haven’t paid, and you will be charged the maximum possible toll.

So:

Enter lanes marked with “CARTE” or “BIGLIETTO” – these are marked with blue or white signage, depending on the toll booth.

At the exit, have cash or a card ready – most booths accept cards without any issues.

Highway prices aren’t outrageous, but they can add up – especially if you’re taking longer routes. For example, a drive from Milan to Rome can cost you around 40 euros.

As for driving culture, Italians drive like they’re in Formula 1. If someone flashes their headlights from the third lane, move over. They drive fast, close, and expect you to keep up with their rhythm. There’s not much tolerance on the road. So keep your distance, check your mirrors, and don’t wander between lanes.

Autogrill

Autogrill overpass on a highway in Italy.

Okay, now something positive. Autogrill is a chain of gas stations and rest stops in Italy, and if you’ve never been – you have no idea what you’re missing. From the outside, it might look like just another gas station, but it’s not.

Poetically speaking, for me, it’s a little culinary miracle in the middle of the sizzling asphalt. Focaccia with mortadella or prosciutto, croissants, pizzas, soups, salads, great coffee, a glass of wine (if you’re not driving), etc. My husband claims that Autogrill is the best part of traveling in Italy. And he might not be far from the truth.

Some Autogrill locations are built on overpasses above the highway, which is an experience in itself – you’re sitting above the road, watching cars go by underneath, eating one of the best focaccias you’ve ever had. The smaller ones located right off the road aren’t anything special, but when you see the one on the overpass, make sure to stop.

Parking in Italy

Italy parking, cars parked behind the blue and white line.

Italian cities are old, narrow, and overcrowded – which means parking is often a nightmare.

Where to park in Italy:

  • White line = free parking (rare)
  • Blue line = paid parking (most common)
  • Yellow line = forget it – reserved for locals, disabled, deliveries, or taxis

How to pay for parking in Italy

If you don’t want to hunt for parking meters (which often don’t work or only accept coins), the best option is the EasyPark app. It works in almost all of Italy, is easy to use, and you can set it to extend your parking time without going back to the car.

Tips for parking in Italy:

  • In bigger cities, look for garages or marked parking zones outside the center – they’re often cheaper and safer.
  • Don’t leave anything valuable in the car, especially if you’re in tourist areas – car break-ins do happen.
  • If you’re not sure whether a spot is legal, don’t risk it – parking fines come quickly, and sometimes even a tow truck.

A few more things that will make driving easier for you:

  • Got a child in the car? In Italy, child seats are legally required, depending on the child’s age and height. Fines are steep if you’re not compliant.

  • Alcohol? The legal limit is 0.5 ‰, but if you’re a new driver (less than 3 years of license), the limit is 0.0 ‰ – meaning no alcohol at all.

  • Daytime running lights? Yes, outside urban areas. In towns and cities it’s not mandatory, but still recommended.

  • Navigation – Google Maps works great, but download offline maps, especially for rural areas like Tuscany or southern Italy, where signal can be unreliable.

Driving in Italy – Quick Checklist

To sum it all up – so you have everything in one place:

  • ZTL Zones – Check locations in each city, avoid entering without a permit
  • Staying in a ZTL? – Contact your host so they can register your vehicle
  • Avoid Telepass lanes on highways (yellow signs marked TELEPASS)
  • Use “CARTE” lanes when entering/exiting toll roads
  • Toll payment – Have a card or cash ready
  • Download EasyPark app for convenient parking payments
  • White lines = free parking
  • Blue lines = paid parking
  • Yellow lines = reserved, do not park
  • Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)
  • Autogrill – A must-stop for great food and a real Italian rest stop experience 😉
  • Child seat – Mandatory based on child’s age/height
  • Reflective vest & warning triangle – Must be kept in the cabin
  • Daytime lights – Required outside city areas
  • Alcohol limit – 0.5 ‰ (0.0 ‰ for drivers with less than 3 years experience)
  • Do not leave valuables in the car, especially in tourist areas.

Driving in Italy can be an absolute joy – the landscapes, the freedom, the hidden gems you’d never reach without a car. But if you’re not prepared, it can also be a source of stress and unexpected costs. Hopefully, these tips will help you avoid fines, parking headaches, and Telepass traps.

Safe travels – and don’t forget to stop at an Autogrill.