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traffic violation in Italy

Posted by (Aiken, SC, United States) on

We have been home from our Italy trip since June, 2013. I received in the mail yesterday a moving violation from a trip we took to Florence. Evidently the police contacted the rental car company and got my information. It seems that while driving in Florence at some point I drove in the lane designated for public transportation. I remember before we left for our trip I read that a person needs to beware of the driving rules. I studied them and tried to adhere to them as much as possible. I had also read not to be surprised if you drive in Italy, that you receive a ticket when you get home. (It took them long enough to send it.) I will pay it since I did violated a rule, but was just wondering if any one else has had a similar experience? [Other than that, our trip was so special. I can't even begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our 3 weeks in Italy.]

Linda

Posted by
11613 posts

This topic comes up frequently. By law Italy has 365 days to get the ticket to you, so the time frame is not unusual. The credit card company is also obligated to give your information to the police/traffic violations office. Your credit card should show a transaction for this.

So, you are not alone. So happy that you enjoyed Italy!

Posted by
4535 posts

Zoe is right, it is very common. And you will be charged by your rental agency via the credit card you used for conveying the information to the authorities. Kind of like a double-whammy.

PS - Thanks for not complaining about it or asking what happens if you don't pay, as most people do. No one likes to get tickets but as you say, you broke the rules and are responsible for it.

Posted by
143 posts

In October 2007 we entered the Autostrada near Montepulciano. There was no attendant in the booth and no automatic ticket. When we exited near Monte Cassino, I tried to explain to the attendant what had happened but I was given a fine for not having a ticket. When we turned in the rental car in Sorrento, I explained to the Avis clerk what had happened but was told I had to pay at the local police station. Once again I tried to explain but to no avail.

In 2010 in Provence, our ticket blew out the window just before we reached the toll booth. I explained and told the attendant where we had entered the autoroute and he charged us just for that distance.

Both conversations were limited to my meager Italian and French + phrase books. It's just part of the travel experience.

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