Area B in Milan: Who Can Enter, What Vehicles Are Banned & How to Avoid Fines
If you plan on driving in Milan, it’s essential to understand the city’s limited traffic zones, Area C and Area B. These two zones are part of Milan’s broader effort to reduce congestion and improve air quality. While much of the attention goes to Area C, the smaller congestion zone in the city center, Area B is actually far larger and covers almost the entire urban area. It doesn't require a ticket to enter, but it has stricter rules based on vehicle emissions—and many drivers aren’t aware of the restrictions until it’s too late.
In this guide, we’ll focus specifically on Area B: how it works, who can enter, what vehicles are banned, and how to avoid fines. Whether you’re a resident, commuter, or tourist entering with a rental car, this is information you’ll want before crossing into the city.
If you are interested in Area C information, then here everything you need to know about Milan’s Area C. and here’s how to pay for Area C ticket to enter the zone.
What Is Area B?
Area B—sometimes also called Zone B—is a limited traffic zone (in Italian: Zona a Traffico Limitato, or ZTL) that covers about 72% of Milan’s total area. Introduced by the Comune di Milano in February 2019, its main goal is to reduce air pollution by banning the most polluting vehicles from entering the city.
Unlike Area C, which requires a paid ticket to enter, Area B is free—but it comes with stricter environmental rules. Access is completely prohibited for certain older petrol and diesel vehicles, particularly those that fall below the Euro emission standards set by the city. These restrictions apply regardless of whether you're a resident or a visitor and are enforced automatically through camera surveillance.
Where Is Area B in Milan?
Area B covers nearly the entire city of Milan, extending well beyond the central area enclosed by Area C. The zone starts just outside the city center and includes almost all neighborhoods within the administrative boundaries of Milan, reaching into districts like Bicocca, Lambrate, Corvetto, Barona, Giambellino, and Gallaratese.
It begins within the ring road system, particularly just beyond Viale Certosa, Viale Tibaldi, and Viale Umbria, and continues outward toward the city’s edges.
Take a look at this map to see the full coverage of Milan’s Area B and where the access restrictions apply.
Where Area B Does Not Apply:
- It does not extend beyond Milan’s municipal borders, meaning cities in the metropolitan area (such as Sesto San Giovanni, Cinisello Balsamo, Rozzano, Assago, and others) are not included.
- Highways and bypasses like the Tangenziale Est, Ovest, and Nord are not part of Area B.
- Certain peripheral industrial or rural zones on the edge of the city limits may fall outside the controlled access network.
There are over 180 automatic camera checkpoints at the main entry roads into the city. These surveillance points use license plate recognition to track and log every vehicle that crosses into Area B.
If your vehicle is restricted and you drive into Area B, a fine is sent to the vehicle’s registered owner—whether in Italy or abroad.
Which Vehicles Are Banned in Area B?
The restrictions in Area B are based primarily on vehicle category and Euro emission standards, as part of Milan’s strategy to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The list of banned vehicles expands gradually each year, with the aim of completely phasing out diesel and high-emission vehicles by 2030.
As of 2024–2025, the following vehicles are not allowed to enter Area B:
Passenger Cars:
- Petrol (gasoline): Euro 0
- Diesel:
- Euro 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4: already banned
- Euro 5 diesel cars: banned starting October 1, 2024 (unless enrolled in a monitoring program like Move-In)
Light Commercial Vehicles (Vans):
- Petrol vans: Euro 0 not allowed
- Diesel vans:
- Euro 0 to 3: banned
- Euro 4: banned
- Euro 5: expected to be banned in the coming years
- Non-electric vans with gross vehicle weight over 3.5 tons face additional restrictions depending on emission class
Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Goods Transport / Trucks):
- Diesel trucks Euro 0 to Euro 3: banned
- Euro 4 trucks: banned from October 1, 2023
- Euro 5 trucks: will be restricted from October 1, 2026, with some exceptions for vehicles enrolled in the Move-In program
- Vehicles exceeding certain weight and size thresholds may also be subject to time-based restrictions (e.g., limited access during morning hours)
Motorcycles and Mopeds:
- 2-stroke mopeds and motorcycles: Euro 0 and Euro 1 banned
- 3-wheeled vehicles (like older Piaggio models) may also face limitations if below Euro 2
Exceptions:
Some vehicles may still enter with temporary authorization or under special circumstances:
- Vehicles for people with disabilities (with prior registration)
- Public service and emergency vehicles
- Residents with a limited number of entry days allowed per year (via Move-In monitoring program)
You can find up-to-date lists of vehicle bans and schedules on the Comune di Milano’s official portal.
When Are the Restrictions Active?
Area B is active Monday to Friday, from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, excluding public holidays. On weekends, access is not monitored, but you’re still encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible.
If your car is not allowed, entering even for a few meters during those hours could trigger a fine—ranging from €163 to €658, depending on the severity and number of violations.
How Are Drivers Monitored?
Milan uses automatic license plate recognition cameras at every entry point to Zone B. These cameras compare each plate with a database of: Allowed vehicles, Registered exceptions, Vehicles enrolled in monitoring programs (like Move-In).
If a violation is detected, a fine is automatically issued—usually within 90 days for Italian-registered vehicles or slightly longer for international plates.
Can Tourists Drive in Area B?
Yes. However, If you’re renting a car, your rental agency may provide you with a vehicle that meets current emission standards. Still, it’s your responsibility to check whether the car is diesel or petrol, and what Euro class it is.
Tourists with foreign-registered vehicles should be especially cautious. If your car is diesel Euro 4 or lower, you’re likely banned from Area B.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Allowed?
You can verify your car’s eligibility using several tools: Comune di Milano’s official vehicle checker (in Italian), Targa (plate) checkers provided by mobility services, Contacting your rental agency directly if you’re unsure.
Prefer Not to Drive? Use Public Transportation
If your car isn’t allowed, Milan has excellent public transportation, including metro, tram, and bus networks and even even BikeMi, the city’s convenient bike-sharing service. These are often faster, cheaper, and more sustainable options for getting around the city.
Milan’s metro system is one of the most efficient in Europe, with 4 lines (M1 to M4) and a fifth line (M5) continuing to expand. The tram network is iconic and historic, with over a dozen active lines covering central and outer areas.
You can buy tickets for public transportation in several ways, including contactless payment with a credit or debit card, as well as through physical tickets, the RicaricaMi rechargeable card, or mobile apps.
For most visitors and even locals, public transportation is the easiest way to avoid Area B stress.
Avoid Zone B Fines - Final Tips
- Check your car’s emission standard before entering Milan
- Use the official vehicle eligibility tool
- Register for the Move-In program if you’re a resident with a restricted car
- When possible, plan your journey using metro or tram lines instead of driving
- Understand that Milan ZTL zones, especially limited traffic zones like Area B and Area C, which are strictly enforced
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