Generalities
Like many major European cities, travelling by car in Rome is restrictive, and often accompanied by traffic jams due to restrictions. Moreover circulating in Rome is not always easy, it is necessary to count on a behavior proper to the city, a little aggressive, and not respectful of the code.
Some areas of the city are closed to traffic at certain times, and/or on certain days. Parking can be a nightmare on Friday and Saturday nights, or even in the middle of the day in the centre. Traffic is often congested. And then, as if that were not enough, a car with a foreign license plate more easily attracts car explorers …
Drive downtown
Traffic is limited in most of central Rome, usually during the day on weekdays, and on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Panel at the entrance of a ZTL zone
Signs with the inscription “ZTL” (Zona a Traffico Limitato) indicate the entrances to these areas, they are surmounted by cameras. It includes hours when traffic is limited, where only residents and subscribers are allowed to travel.
Light panel indicating that the ZTL is closed to traffic (VARCO ATTIVO)
A bright display indicates if the area is currently closed: “VARCO ATTIVO” or if traffic is allowed: “VARCO NON ATTIVO”
The main area (east of the Tiber) limited to traffic can be bypassed via the Colosseum, Termini Station, the «Mura Torto» to the north near the Villa Borghese, the Tiber Quays, Bocca della Verità Square, the Circus Maximus, and the outline of the Palatine Hill.
In addition, the district of Trastevere, west of the Tiber is also equipped with ZTL, as are Testaccio, San Lorenzo and Monti.
See map of ZTL limited traffic zones and timetables:
ZTL zone maps with timetables
Parking in Rome
Regarding parking, “blue” spaces usually indicate paid spaces (timestamp). White seats may be subject to limited time, but are free. “Yellow” seats are reserved for certain vehicles: disabled, police, etc.
It is usually difficult to find a parking space. Nevertheless, along the Lungotevere (along the river), they are frequently found.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, traffic in the center is heavy and slow, parking spaces are extremely difficult to find.
Car in Rome
Vehicles registered outside of Italy are more likely to be vandalized, so avoid leaving belongings inside, and it is better to remove the rear deck to suggest that the trunk is empty and not find the forced doors.
Accident
In case of accident, it is mandatory to call the police or the carabinieri to make the statement.
Emergency numbers:
- Police: 113
- Carabiniers (gendarmes): 112
- Firefighters: 115
- Rescue: 118
