The dreaded ZTL's and how to avoid

Generally the ZTL's are only within the walls of medieval cities and towns, although not always, so you want to keep an eye out for the ZTL sign.
These towns normally have numerous parking lots outside the ZTL areas to make it easy to park and walk into the town, just look for the blue P sign.

You can't always know if you're violating a law enforce by a traffic cam. At least in Verona, our landlady showed us a certain nearby intersection (outside the ZTL) where only locals are allowed to make a left turn. There's no sign so no way to know about that, if you're arriving in a rental car.

Greg, That is what I thought until our visit last month to Lucca. We noticed 3 different cameras when walking the streets. We always pack light, so walking is not a big deal. I was just wondering for others that had problems walking, large luggage, etc.

Michael, I have found this to be true, you don't know sometimes when you go into the zone, the cameras are all digital, so you don't realize it is snapping your photo and that of your car license as you are driving along! That is why I asked the question....is there a website or app for locating these cameras? We have made several trips to Italy and only the larger cities had them, but now it seems to be spreading to the smaller towns. Thank you for your reply and any more info!!

By law, you can drive to a hotel inside a ZTL to drop off your luggage. But, you have to make sure that your hotel reports your license plate to the police department. I'm not sure how well this process works.

Each city will have its own rules on the permitted access to the ZTL.
In Florence you are allowed to go to your hotel and check in. The hotel has to register your car on the city website so that any photo of your car entering will not result in a fine. You must then move your car to a parking lot outside the ZTL, unless the hotel has a garage where you can park. This is the road sign indicating a ZTL. http://boards.independenttraveler.com/showthread.php?40359-Beware-of-limited-traffic-areas-when-driving-through-Italy-in-a-rented-car! Florence also has a red light coming on during the hours when the ZTL is in effect. When traffic is allowed (generally at night, if it's not summer), then the green light comes on: http://firenze.virgilio.it/primopiano/3-giugno-torna-ztl-notturna-centro-storico.html

The easy way to avoid ZTL fines is to never drive in the cities and towns. Each one will have parking lots outside the central portion or old walls. Yes, you can drive into the ZTL if staying at a hotel - but you must register your car with the hotel who in turn must register it with the local police who in turn must compare the violation notice with the approved list. And you cannot stray from your approved zone (many larger towns and cities have multiple zones). So many ways things can go wrong that it makes a lot of sense to just never drive into the towns and cities. If you need help getting luggage to your hotel from the parking lot, take the bus or a taxi. Much cheaper than a fine.

Thank you all very much!