Restricted Travel Zones

Be sure to ask your rental agent if you are in or near one of these restricted areas. Second, learn to watch for a sign that says "Zona traffico limitato". Do not go past one of these signs. The computerized cameras are above the sign and will get your rear license plate as you enter.

Here's a favorite post from Kent in Oregon. "I just learned that Michelin reports the signs are, generally, large rectangular signs saying: "Zona a traffico limitato riservata ai veicoli autorizzati." No English translation appears on the sign but if it did it would say: "Americano, big fine if you drive past this sign."

CLICK HERE to see an article on www.slowtrav.com that describes the sign and actually SHOWS A PICTURE OF IT. YEAH!

They tend to have a big red cirle in the middle of the sign, along with the written words Zona Traffico limitato. My advice would be to avoid going into the historic centers of these cities with your car, I don't know if the GPS would be able to tell you where they are or not.

Larry - I would just gently follow your post with the observation that few pedestrian-only zones in the U.S. have Italian translations. I just worry that too many people (and I know not you) discussing this subject leap to the conclusion that its a racket to rip off American tourists, not appreciating the importance of traffic exclusion to preserve the character of Florence's historic center. The exclusions inconvenience Florentines more than anyone else.

I too tend to cringe when I hear people claim that this is all a "tourist scam". To be honest, I wish most of Rome were pedestrian only, and if exclusion zones were a way to limit traffic to only locals, great. As I said elsewhere, ignorance of laws is not a defense. Now sure, seat belt, resticted cell phone use, and other driving laws are not posted, but at least these zones are signed. As for camera enforced traffic laws, the French, Swiss, most famously the Brits, and yes, even here in the US; it is used effectively and frequently. I can understand people feeling they have been wronged and the natural tendency to defend yourself, but accept you were in a strange place and you erred because you did not fully understand the consequences nor the regulations.

Paul and Doug, I made no mention of a tourist scam. Nor did I suggest that the Italians placed signs in their native language to trap unsuspecting tourists. I am fully aware of what the sign is for and my attempt is to inform others of its existence. The inclusion of Kent's comments fully describes what will happen if you enter these zones without knowing what they are. We have seen many posts on this board about tickets received by the unaware that are quite expensive.