In the US we use a handicap placard for driving because my wife is ill. Most of the content in these forums on this topic are fairly old so looking for fresh insights. We will be renting a car for nearly a week in Tuscany next month, staying in an apartment within the ZTL in Siena (my AirBNB host is also researching for us, but didn't know the answers right away). I understand that Italy will recognize US handicap placards, and that they permits free parking at meters and municipal lots. I also understand that officially one is supposed to pre-register in each town. I am still awaiting an email reply from Siena Servizio Traffico. Does anyone on this forum know details about:
1) Is pre-registration with the Comune of Siena manditory (I won't know the car details or license plate until the day we enter the city, it is the day we rent the car)? Or will the placard alone likely be sufficient?
2) May I enter the ZTL with the placard?
3) May I park inside the ZTL with the placard (vs. dropping my wife off at the apartment and then finding parking outside of the ZTL)?
4) What about any other towns we visit during the week in Tuscany (it would be nearly impossible to register in every town that we might visit)?
Thanks in advance to anyone knowledgeable in this matter!
Posted by
Boston
1803 posts
There have been relevant discussions on this forum on this subject that would seem to disagree with your information, at least in part. Have a read: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/us-handicap-placard and https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/are-handicap-parking-permits-valid-in-italy
My interpretation is your placard would likely be accepted if you also display the referenced EU information sheet. As for parking fees, not very likely but maybe at some locations. As for ZTL's the placard in not enough, you need to register at each city and the permission rules will vary - often your hotel will help in advance.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Mike, thanks for your reply, but that post is mostly for the EU in general, and I broad link for Italy, and I was wondering if anyone on this forum as personal info for Siena specifically, and Tuscany as well. Thx.
Posted by
Boston
1803 posts
The first discussion gives an Italy specific link and a sheet to be printed and displayed:
http://www.disabledmotorists.eu/en/world_map/europe/italy.htm
You can also read about ZTL access in the comment from @Roberto da Firenze in the 2nd link.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks all. Yes, I imagine the August holidays are the reason our landlord said she wouldn't be able to get answers before Sept 2 (only 2d before we arrive there). The daytrips from Siena on my tentative list, include Montepulciano (and then Pienza), Perugia (and maybe on to Assisi), Greve (and then Montefioralle and Castellina), and possibly Bagno Vignoni.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16133 posts
There are procedures for obtaining a disabled permit to enter a ZTL, I know the City of Florence does have it, and I am sure Siena will be the same, I don’t know how long it will take, but for sure you will need to provide the car’s license plate number. The ZTL access is enforced by cameras, not humans, therefore if a license plate enters the ZTL without being registered in the City’s White List (the list of cars with permanent or temporary authorization to enter) the ticket is automatically generated. Having your US placard on the dashboard or hanging on the mirror won’t help you because the ZTL cameras take only the photo of the license plate and generally from the rear. Believe it or not, but about 10 years ago a guy had taped his mother’s old motorcycle’s license plate on his backpack. One day he walked into the ZTL in Genoa. Since that old license plate was not registered in the City’s White list he received a fine of 80€ for “walking” into the ZTL. He had to file an appeal with the Prefect’s office to have it canceled. It made the news nationwide.
https://www.corriere.it/cronache/13_agosto_08/genova-cuce-targa-su-zaino-multato_7deccf26-0051-11e3-b484-e2fa3432c794.shtml
Posted by
OP
5 posts
I now have more information about parking with a US disability placard in Italy, or at least in Siena and in its ZTL:
I have heard back from the "Comando Polizia Locale," who indicated that as long as they receive a photo of my license plate and the handicap placard (presumably also my email advising them of the information too) by the FOLLOWING day after my planned arrival, not only may I drive in the ZTL, but I will also be permitted to park within the ZTL in places reserved for disabled people.
So now you know too.