General Information
Like many large European cities, driving in Rome is inconvenient and often accompanied by traffic jams due to restrictions. Moreover, getting around in Rome is not always peaceful: you must account for a city-specific behavior that is somewhat aggressive and shows little regard for the rules.
Some areas of the city are closed to traffic at certain times and/or on certain days. Parking can be a real nightmare on Friday and Saturday evenings, or even during the day in the centre. Traffic is often congested. And as if that was not enough, a car with a foreign license plate more easily attracts car thieves… Additionally, the most polluting vehicles are banned on certain days (ZFE zones).
Driving in the city centre: ZTL zones in Rome
Traffic is restricted in most of Rome’s city centre, generally during daytime on weekdays, and on Friday and Saturday evenings. Only authorized vehicles can enter.
Fines are very high. In 2025, ZTL access fees rose due to the Jubilee — for example up to €1,232 for an Euro 4 vehicle in the historic centre.
Panel at the entrance of a ZTL area
Signs bearing “ZTL” (Zona a Traffico Limitato) mark the entry points to these zones, topped with cameras. They display the hours during which traffic is restricted and only residents and permit holders may drive.
Illuminated sign indicating that the ZTL is closed to traffic (VARCO POSING)
An illuminated display shows whether the zone is currently closed: “VARCO ATTIVO” or if circulation is allowed: “VARCO NON ATTIVO”.
The main restricted traffic zone (east of the Tiber) can be bypassed via the Colosseum, Termini Station, the “Mura Torto” north near Villa Borghese, along the Tiber quays, Piazza Bocca della Verità, the Circus Maximus, and around the Palatine Hill.
Additionally, the Trastevere district west of the Tiber also has ZTL zones, as do Testaccio, San Lorenzo, and Monti. (See table below and updates on romamobilita.it.)
Table of ZTL 2025 in Rome and map
| ZTL Zone | Active Hours | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Tridente (A1) | Mon–Fri: 6:30–19:00; Sat: 10:00–19:00 | Access restricted to residents and authorized vehicles. |
| Historic Centre | Mon–Fri: 6:30–18:00; Sat: 14:00–18:00 | Private vehicles prohibited, except residents, taxis, and disabled. |
| Trastevere | Every day: 6:30–10:00; Fri–Sat: 23:00–3:00 | Additional night restrictions in summer. Speed limited to 30 km/h at night. |
| San Lorenzo | Fri–Sat: 21:00–3:00 | Access banned for non-residents during these hours. |
| Testaccio | Fri–Sat: 23:00–3:00 | Night-time access restricted to residents only. |
Map of restricted traffic ZTL zones
 Maps of ZTL zones with schedules |  Historic Centre ZTL map |  ZTL Trastevere map 2025 |
Parking in Rome
Blue lines generally indicate paid parking (metered). White spots may have time limits but are free. Yellow spaces are reserved for certain vehicles: disabled, police, etc. …
It is generally difficult to find a parking spot. However, along the Lungotevere (along the river), you can often find places.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, traffic in the centre is heavy and slow, and parking spots are extremely hard to find.
Parking in ZTL zones is often forbidden or allowed only with a permit: check the signs.
Low Emission Zones in Rome
Fascia Verde in Rome
Rome has several low emission zones, notably the Fascia Verde and the Anello Ferroviario, where the most polluting vehicles (Euro 0–2) are restricted or prohibited. These zones aim to reduce pollution and protect the historical heritage. This concerns only a small portion of private vehicles.
- Fascia Verde: Euro 0–2 vehicles (check on the vehicle registration, different criteria than Crit’Air) are restricted, with “eco days” when they are banned depending on pollution levels.
- Anello Ferroviario: Ban on Euro 0–2 from Monday to Friday, except weekends and public holidays.
→ See updates and map of the Fascia Verde in Rome
Driving in Rome: Risks
Vehicles with foreign license plates are more prone to vandalism, so avoid leaving belongings inside, and it’s better to remove the parcel shelf in the trunk to suggest it’s empty and prevent forced entry.
Tip: opt for monitored parking lots in tourist areas, although recent statistics on thefts are lacking.
In case of an accident
In the event of an accident, it is compulsory to call the police or the Carabinieri to file a report.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 113
- Carabinieri (gendarmerie): 112
- Fire brigade: 115
- Ambulance: 118
