Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZLT) in Italy

May 22, 2025

There is no national LEZ scheme in Italy, but there are hundreds of locally organised Low Emission Zones across the country. In Italy the Low Emission Zones should not be confused with the Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZLT), zones of limited traffic, which restricts traffic in hundreds of cities. Often the use of ZLT prevents or is combined with the LEZ.

Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZLT)

Zona a Traffico Limitato, or Limited Traffic Zones, restrict traffic access. The Italian ZLT tend to be in historic centres and are clearly signed, and camera controlled. There are around 250 ZLT zones in Italy, from large cities to small historic villages.

Can I avoid Limited Traffic Zones in Italy?

Limited Traffic Zones are clearly signed. When we visited Italy in 2024, we found the ZLT signs easy to understand and the areas simple to avoid. Signs detail times access is allowed and by whom. Many Satellite Navigation systems and maps do not indicate ZLT zones, so check for the official ZLT signs; a red circle on a white background. In our years of motorhome travel we have found historic centres should be avoided by motorhome drivers for numerous reasons, including width and height restrictions cause by narrow roads, parked cars, and balconies. Limited Traffic Zones are not bad news, may centres are now largely pedestrianised and a joy to explore on foot.

Can I enter ZLT with an electric vehicle?

Electric vehicles could be exempt from the Italian ZLT restriction, but the vehicle may need to be registered in advance to avoid a fine.

I am disabled; can I access the ZLT in Italy?

Exemption passes for disabled people can allow access, but you must have this before entering the Italian ZLT zone. You will need to apply to each town for a pass, for Rome see romamobilita.it.

What if I receive a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZLT) fine?

Entering a Limited Traffic Zone when not authorised is a finable offence and uses APNR technology to record vehicle details. Fines are posted to the vehicle owner. Fines vary but expect €65 or more. The Italian ZLT fines can be paid at info.myfines.it using the log in information on your fine letter. According to www.europe-consommateurs.eu ‘payment of the fine can be imposed up to 5 years from the day of the offence (limitation period).’

Low Emission Zones (LEZ)

Low Emission Zones are designed to reduce pollution and restrict access based on vehicle emissions. The location of LEZ in Italy varies depending on region but are most likely to be found in large cities. The exception is the Po Valley. This large valley, which includes the cities of Milan, Venice and the Italian lakes, suffers with pollution in the winter. Within the Po Valley there is a ban on all diesel vehicles with Euro 5 or lower engines from towns of more than 30,000 people. How the ban operates varies with some banning day access, others banning weekday access, some during periods of increased pollution and some total bans. Some bans run from October to April, whilst others are year-round. Milan has area B, a LEZ which covers most of urban Milan. Area B restricts older diesel engines and Milan Area C (historic centre) which is inside area B but allows access for vehicles less than 7.5m based on a congestion charge. However, you need to pass Area B criteria to get to Area C. For further infomation www.areacmilano.it

Although the restrictions vary between cities, there are no fees to pay or permits to obtain. Unless you have a Euro 5 or Euro 6 engine, avoid the centres and use public transport to get in, you’ll probably find this also improves your stress levels! However, if you find yourself in the wrong zone, fines vary from €75-€450.

Please read our other blogs regarding Low Emission Zones for each country:

How to access CRIT’Air; the Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in France

Umwelt Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Germany

Las Zonas de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE) Low Emission Zones in Spain

Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Europe

Low Emission Zones Rotterdam Netherlands