Many drivers are being fooled by a rule they are not aware of and which applies in several European cities, including France.
Driving in a European country is not quite the same as driving in France. Although most of the driving and safety rules are the same – such as driving on the right, wearing a seat belt, speed limits in built-up areas – some specificities differ depending on the territory. Indeed, if you have ever had the opportunity to drive in Europe, you may have learned this the hard way. On returning from a business trip or a holiday, you have had the unpleasant surprise of discovering in your mailbox a fine of in principle 95 euros, or more if increased, for a traffic violation.
Every year, many French drivers are caught out by a rule they don’t know about that applies in European cities. These are called ZTL zones, for limited traffic zones. They are used to reduce traffic congestion and improve the quality of life in city centers. They are often located in historic or densely populated neighborhoods. Only certain types of vehicles, such as residents, delivery vehicles, health vehicles, taxis or electric vehicles, are allowed to drive there, usually during set times and on condition that they have the appropriate sticker. Other vehicles, even rentals, must have a specific authorization or risk receiving a fine.
For tourists or people passing through, these areas are not always easy to spot. However, they are indicated by road signs, but in general, the indication is written in the language of the country, a foreign language, which not all motorists understand. This is particularly the case in Italy where the concept of “zone a traffico limitato” (in Italian) is very widespread, especially in the historic centers of Rome, Florence, Milan and Bologna. They are often monitored by cameras, and if you break the rules, your license plate is automatically recorded. And after a few weeks, you get the fine!
It should be noted that ZTLs are found in Portugal, in Porto, but also similar perimeters, environmental zones in certain cities which restrict the circulation of motor vehicles, such as in Germany (the “Umweltzonen”), in Spain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and also in France, in Nantes, Rennes, Grenoble and more recently in Bordeaux.