Milan's Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) - Area B, Area C, & the Fashion District
Driving in Italy can be a great experience - but in cities like Milan, it also comes with a few rules you’ll want to know before starting the engine. From one-way streets that can catch you off guard to no parking signs and traffic lights that flash without clear meaning, navigating Milan by car isn’t always straightforward. But the most important thing to be aware of? The ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato, or Limited Traffic Zone in English).
In Italy in general and specifically in Milan, ZTLs are designed to reduce traffic and pollution, especially in the city’s most central and historic areas. This means that some vehicles are restricted, others need to pay to enter, and some areas are completely off-limits at certain times of the day. It can sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Milan’s three main restricted zones: Area B, Area C, and the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's newest ZTL, introduced in 2025 to protect the heart of the city’s fashion district. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying longer, understanding how these zones work will help you avoid fines and make your time in Milan a lot more enjoyable.
Area B
Area B is Milan’s largest restricted traffic zone, covering almost the entire city. Introduced in 2019, it was designed to reduce air pollution by limiting access for the most polluting vehicles, such as Euro 0 petrol cars and older diesel or dual-fuel vehicles (up to Euro 3).
Area B is active from Monday to Friday, from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, excluding weekends and public holidays. Unlike Area C, there’s no entry fee: if your vehicle meets the environmental standards, you can enter freely. The zone is controlled by more than 180 cameras placed throughout the city.
If you drive into Area B with a vehicle that isn’t allowed, you may receive a fine ranging from €163 to €658. Repeated violations within two years can also result in a temporary suspension of your driver’s license.
For full details, including exemptions, restrictions, and how to check if your car can enter, see our complete guide to Area B.
Area C
Area C covers around 8.2 km² in the centre of Milan, inside the Cerchia dei Bastioni - the historic ring where the city’s old Spanish walls once stood. This area includes some of Milan's most popular attractions, like the Milan Cathedral, and driving through it comes with specific rules and restrictions.
The restrictions are active on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM. During evenings, weekends, and public holidays, you’re free to enter without limitations. If you’re planning to drive into Area C during the active hours, you’ll likely need to buy a daily ticket. The standard cost for a daily Area C ticket is €7.50, but if you’re a resident of the zone, the price is reduced to €3, and you also get 50 free entries each year.
Some vehicles are always allowed to enter without a ticket. These include the following:
- Electric cars
- Electric scooters and motorcycles
- Public transport
- Ambulances
- Any vehicle transporting a person with disabilities.
On the other hand, certain older vehicles are not allowed to enter Area C at all, even if you’re willing to pay. This includes petrol vehicles rated Euro 0, 1, or 2, and diesel vehicles rated Euro 0 to Euro 4 without a particulate filter (FAP), as well as any vehicle longer than 7.5 metres.
The daily ticket to Area C is valid for 24 hours and allows unlimited entries and exits during that day. You have to activate the Area C ticket no later than midnight on the day after entry. If you forget to activate it, you may receive a fine of €80, plus about €14 in administrative fees. However, you can still fix the situation by purchasing a retroactive ticket within seven days of entry, at a cost of around €15.
For full details about Area C, including how to pay for a ticket, how to activate your ticket, how to recognize theentrance to Area C and how to avoid a fine – read our complete guides to Area C.
Quadrilatero della Moda ZTL (Fashion District)
Milan's fashion district ZTL - the Quadrilatero della Moda ZTL - was introduced on May 12, 2025, and applies to one of Milan’s most prestigious districts, known worldwide for luxury shopping. The restricted zone includes the following streets:
- Via Monte Napoleone
- Via della Spiga
- Via Manzoni
- Corso Venezia
It also extends to adjacent streets such as:
- Via Sant’Andrea
- Via Gesù
- Via Borgospesso.
The ZTL operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week, with stricter rules than Area B and Area C. Only the following can enter the zone:
- Residents
- Hotel guests (only for luggage drop-off and pick-up)
- Vehicles entering private garages inside the zone
- Authorized service vehicles.
All 9 access points are monitored by electronic gates and camera systems.
The goal of this ZTL is to keep traffic out of a delicate and high-profile part of the city, improving safety for pedestrians and preserving the unique atmosphere of Milan’s fashion district.
Tips for Navigating Milan’s ZTL Zones
- Before entering any restricted zone, it’s important to check for the latest updates on the official Comune di Milano website. ZTL rules can change, and new restrictions or exemptions are added from time to time - especially for vehicles with foreign plates or rental cars.
- If you’re driving in Milan with a GPS, make sure it’s set to warn you about ZTL zones. Not all navigation systems do this automatically, and even a small mistake, like turning into the wrong street, can lead to a fine.
- Don’t forget that Milan also has several pedestrian-only areas, especially in the city centre. These are often camera-monitored and off-limits to most vehicles unless you have a special permit. Accidentally entering one can carry the same penalties as violating a ZTL.
FAQ
Are there signs marking ZTL entrances? How do I spot them?
Yes, entrances to limited traffic zones in Milan are marked with official signs, usually white with a red circle and the words "Zona a Traffico Limitato." The sign also shows the hours of enforcement and may include icons or text showing which vehicles are allowed.
Can I just follow my GPS to avoid the ZTL?
Not always. Some GPS systems don’t automatically warn you about ZTL zones, especially if they aren’t set up for driving in Italy. If you're using Google Maps or a car’s built-in navigation, always double-check the route and enable ZTL alerts if available.
What happens if I enter a ZTL by mistake?
If you enter a ZTL without the required permission or payment, even by mistake, your license plate will be automatically recorded by the camera system, and a fine will be issued.
Do rental cars get fined in ZTLs?
Yes. If you drive a rental car into a ZTL without permission, the fine is sent to the rental agency, which then charges you, often with an added processing fee.
Are foreign license plates treated differently?
No. ZTL rules apply to all vehicles equally, regardless of the country of registration.
Is there a better alternative to driving in Milan’s city centre?
Yes. Public transportation is often the easiest and most stress-free way to get around Milan. The city has an excellent network of metro, trams, and buses that connect the outer areas with the historic centre and major landmarks.