Renting a car in Italy and think you can get away with not paying fines? think again!

There are three main ways you are likely to get a ticket whilst in your hire car in Italy:

Parking: Although it may seem that Italians appear to park just wherever they wish, don’t be fooled! Most cities control parking quite aggressively and restrict parking to specific to streets where the edge of the curb has been painted blue or to designated parking lots – usually “pay and display”

Meters will be found at both areas and you must buy a ticket for the period you wish to park and then display it on the inside of your windscreen (always keep plenty of change available).

Speeding Fines: Most speeding tickets are issued as a result of you being caught on a speed camera.
Italian courts have a very high percentage record of upholding speed camera fines – so it’s probably better to “pay up and shut up” – otherwise it may end up costing you a great deal more!
Pedestrian Precincts: Particularly in the more crowded cities (like Florence and Piza) you will find restricted zones that you may not drive into without a special permit – even to get to your hotel. However, your hotel will be able to help you in obtaining such a permit – which may need to be renewed every day!
The police have up to 2 months (after they have obtained your details to issue a ticket.
Please don’t think that, as a tourist, you will get away with not paying! Although it may take a while (maybe as much as a year!) the fine will eventually be paid by your rental car supplier who, in turn, will charge it (+ late fees and a handling charge!) to your credit card. (even if you were to cancel your credit card there are now agencies that work internationally to collect this type of debt!).

Some of this may sound a bit Draconian. Please don’t let it spoil your trip to Italy. With a little forethought you will be able to avoid these pitfalls and go on to enjoy one of the most memorable holidays of your life – Italy!