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

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 LZT tend to be in historic centres and are clearly signed, and camera controlled. There are around 250 LZT 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 vary and can cover large areas, such as the Milan ‘Paw Print’ LEZ. This covers Milan up to Como, Varese and Lecco and everything in between. The Paw Print LEZ runs from 15 October to 15 April and applies to all diesel vehicles below Euro 3 and all petrol vehicles below Euro 1, which are restricted between 7.30am-7.30pm. In an emergency situation, this can be increased to a ban on all vehicles. In contrast, the town of Lucca permanently bans all Euro 1 vehicles. The Bolzano Zone restricts access for diesel engines Euro 4 and below and requires Italians to display a sticker, but foreign vehicles need to show log books to police if asked. 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.

Image © D66 Utrecht, CC license granted via Flickr.