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Florence Driving Map, the ZTL explained

Digital ZTL traffic sign in Florence showing green light indicating open access on Sunday

Driving into central Florence is restricted by the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) - a camera-enforced zone covering most of the historic center and an increasing area outside of it. Tourists and non-residents can drive in the ZTL only if staying at a hotel that has registered their license plate in advance, or if they obtain a temporary access pass. Fines for unauthorized entry range from €80 to €335, and are issued weeks later by mail - often after you've returned home.

Hours & Fines Getting a Pass ZTL Map FAQ

Travel Tip

You can drive in the ZTL, but you need to get permission first
Never drive on pedestrian (pedonale) only streets!
On Sundays, the ZTL is open
You must use the proper entrances (usually marked with the color blue on maps)!

ZTL Hours & Fines

The hours of limited entry are currently:

Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: open (no restriction)

The ZTL "NOTTURNA ESTIVA" (summer night ZTL) extends restrictions into the night on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. For 2026, this period runs from April 2 through October 4:

Thursday 11 p.m. - Friday 3 a.m.
Friday 11 p.m. - Saturday 3 a.m.
Saturday 11 p.m. - Sunday 3 a.m.

Fines for unauthorized entry range from €80 to €335. ZTL cameras photograph license plates automatically and fines are mailed weeks or months later - often after you've returned home, and rental companies typically add their own administrative fee on top.

The ZTL is divided into five sectors - A, B, O, F, and G - which correspond to the lettered parking zones on the map below. Sector boundaries mostly matter for residents' permits, but the summer night hours above may not apply identically to every sector; if you're driving in during Notturna Estiva season, it's worth double-checking your accommodation's sector against the official map.

Also Watch For: Scudo Verde

Florence also has a separate, much larger emissions-based zone called the "Scudo Verde" (Green Shield), active 24 hours a day, every day of the year - including Sundays, when the ZTL above is suspended. It bans older, high-emission vehicles regardless of hours or permits, with fines currently in effect. Most modern rental cars are unaffected, but if you're driving an older personal vehicle or camper van into the city, check your Euro emissions class before you go. Official Comune information (Italian).

Getting a Pass

If you're staying at a hotel inside the ZTL, the hotel (or apartment/business) must let the traffic police know your license plate number ahead of time and get your vehicle on the temporary "Lista bianca" (white list). Note that even with this access you're expected to go to and from your accommodation and/or parking only - it doesn't give you permission to cruise all about town.

If you're not staying at a hotel - a self-catering apartment, an Airbnb, or you're just passing through on a day trip - you'll need a "Temporary ZTL Access" pass ("contrassegno giornaliero") through Servizi alla Strada , the company that manages ZTL access on behalf of the Comune. There are two types: "solo transito" (entry and circulation only) and "transito e sosta" (entry, circulation, and parking in resident spaces) - request the second if you need to park inside the ZTL near your accommodation. A few things to know before buying: the pass covers a full calendar day and once issued it cannot be cancelled or refunded, so don't buy one speculatively; there's a cap of ten days per month and sixty days per year per vehicle; and the online process only covers vehicles under 35 quintali (3,500 kg/3.5 tonnes) - anything heavier (vans, larger camper vans) requires emailing the Polizia Municipale in advance with documentation, with approval generally limited to the 6 to 8:30 a.m. window. In the past when renting a car from inside the center of Florence we were never given a pass to show in the car - this may have changed. Full documentation of the ZTL (in Italian) is available here .

Bottom line: without a registered plate or a day pass, don't drive into the ZTL during the posted hours above - the cameras don't miss, and the fine arrives whether you're still in Italy or not.

The ZTL Map

Official ZTL restricted traffic zone map of Florence Italy showing entry points and parking zones

On the map (click it to download a PDF version suitable for printing), you can see the ZTL entry points (red and blue "T"s) and the various zones by letter (which correspond to where residents can park). The blue "T"s are where you can enter with a car or other motorized vehicle - the red "T"s are for buses and other public and emergency vehicles only, and even with a permit to enter (resident or tourist), you are not allowed to enter at the red "T" signs (I know from personal experience - and it was a very expensive lesson). The darker green shaded streets and piazzas are "zona pedonale" or pedestrian zones - you shouldn't be driving on them at all.

There is also a good Google Map of the ZTL available - we are not the authors of this map but it does appear to be fairly accurate, but perhaps a bit outdated (we are working on a map of our own which is coming soon!):

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists drive in Florence?

Tourists can drive in Florence, but not freely into the historic center. The ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) restricts access to residents, taxis, and authorized vehicles. If you are staying at a hotel inside the ZTL, your hotel can register your license plate to grant access. Otherwise you need a temporary pass, or you must park outside the zone.

What are the ZTL hours in Florence?

The ZTL is active Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is suspended on Sundays and public holidays, meaning you can drive in freely those days. In summer (roughly April to October), additional nighttime restrictions apply Thursday to Sunday from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.

What is the fine for driving in the Florence ZTL?

Fines range from €80 to €335 per entry. ZTL cameras photograph license plates automatically, and fines are mailed weeks or months later - including to overseas addresses. Rental car companies also charge an administrative fee on top of the fine.

Can I drive in Florence on Sunday?

Yes - the ZTL is suspended on Sundays and public holidays, so you can drive into the historic center without a permit. Note that parking fees still apply on Sundays in blue-line metered zones.

How do I get a ZTL pass in Florence?

If your hotel is inside the ZTL, contact them before arrival and provide your license plate number - they will register it with the traffic authority. For a self-catering apartment or Airbnb, you can request a temporary daily pass ("contrassegno giornaliero") through Servizi alla Strada, the company managing ZTL access for the Comune. There are two types depending on whether you also need to park inside the zone, and the online process only covers vehicles under 3,500 kg - larger vehicles need a separate authorization via email to the Polizia Municipale.

Is there a limit on how many ZTL day passes I can buy?

Yes - a maximum of ten days per month and sixty days per year per vehicle. Once a pass is issued it cannot be cancelled or refunded, so it's worth confirming your dates before purchasing.

What happens if I accidentally drive into the ZTL?

Cameras capture your plate automatically. If you think you entered the ZTL accidentally, contact your rental agency or hotel immediately - some hotels inside the zone can request an exemption on your behalf if notified within 24-48 hours. Acting quickly is essential.

What is the Scudo Verde and does it apply on Sundays?

The Scudo Verde (Green Shield) is a separate, larger environmental ZTL that bans vehicles based on emissions class rather than checking for a permit. Unlike the historic-center ZTL, it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including Sundays and holidays. Most modern rental cars are unaffected, but older personal vehicles or camper vans should check their Euro emissions class before driving into Florence.

More on the ZTL

Historical ZTL map of Florence from 2010s showing smaller restricted traffic zone before expansion

For reference, here is an older Florence ZTL map - you can see how the zone has grown in the ensuing years.

Here is a good video that sums up everything above and specifically covers how to avoid getting ZTL tickets:

One last tip for pedestrians: if you are walking by or near one of the ZTL entrance points, make sure to look both ways before crossing the street - drivers have been known to go into the oncoming lane at some of these entrance points to avoid the cameras!