The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to Brits about a little-known pedestrian rule in Italy that could result in fines. In the UK, crossing roads wherever it is safe is common, with no law against jaywalking, and zebra crossings and traffic lights are widely used. However, rules differ abroad, and the FCDO has highlighted specific regulations for pedestrians in Italy.
Pedestrian crossing rules and fines
In an update for Italy on Monday, 10 August, the FCDO stated: "Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Take care when crossing roads. Pedestrians should cross roads at a crossing." They warned: "You can be fined for crossing the road if you are within 100 metres of a pedestrian crossing but do not use it. Drivers do not always stop, even though they are required to. The green pedestrian crossing signal also allows cars to turn right on to the crossing, so cross with caution."
Anyone caught breaking these rules could face a fine of €26 (£22.25) to €102 (£87.28). The FCDO also advised Brits to "exercise caution in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, including in road underpasses" and noted that emergency exits in vehicle tunnels are for emergency use only and should not be used as pedestrian routes.
Driving restrictions in Italian cities
Beyond pedestrian rules, the FCDO outlined driving restrictions. A pass is required to drive into the historic centre of many Italian cities in a private or hire car, purchasable from most car hire companies. Boundaries are marked with the letters ZTL in black on a yellow background. Passing such a sign without a pass results in a fine, as registration numbers are caught on camera.
Additionally, Milan city centre has a congestion charge, and Rome authorities sometimes restrict traffic to reduce pollution, banning certain vehicles in the green band (‘fascia verde’) area, which covers most of Rome. The FCDO advised using only officially licensed taxis, identifiable by a taxi sign on the roof and a company name and number on the side.
