ZTL, Crit’Air and Umweltzonen: driving into European cities
How to avoid fines when your route passes through a historic centre.
By Priya Lindqvist · September 16, 2026 · 6 min read
Many European cities limit who can drive in the centre, and the rules differ from country to country. Cameras enforce most of them, so a mistake often shows up as a fine weeks after you get home.
Italy: ZTL
A zona a traffico limitato closes the historic centre to non-residents during set hours. The signs are easy to miss. Park outside and walk, or ask your hotel to register your plate if it is inside the zone.
France and Germany: stickers
French low-emission zones need a Crit’Air sticker and German Umweltzonen a green Umweltplakette. Both apply to foreign vehicles. Order them only from the official websites, well before you leave, because delivery takes time.
CampingSpirit flags known zones near your stops in the Details tab of the planner, so you can park outside before you reach the centre.
