Scooters and ZTL in Florence

[markinatlanta]

Ciao.

I've decided against trying to rent a car to drive from Venice to Florence because of all the horror stories about ZTL fines once I arrive to drop off my rental. However, I'm an avid morotcyclist/road racer and would love to ride the Tuscan hills while on vacation. I'm staying near Duomo so am guessing I'll not be able to park (cheaply) near my hotel. I plan on renting a motorcycle from Stratanova and staying well...well outside the city. To my question...

It appears that scooters/motorbikes exempt from ZTLs but I've found some forum posts/webpages that say they are and some from folks that said they received a ticket once they returned home.

I found: http://www.accessibilitacentristoric...coli%20Ammessi
Vehicles Allowed
They are allowed to enter the ZTL of Florence without permission the following types of vehicles:
- Mopeds (only two wheels) and motorcycles
- Ciclomotori (esclusivamente a due ruote) e motocicli

Are there just some areas designated off limits to motorbikes? I would guess that the folks at Stratanova will likely have some advice on the topic but thought I'd ask the all knowing Discover Tuscany Forum to chime in on the topic. Pictures of signs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all for your contributions.

[Lourdes]

Yes, I can confirm - motorcycles and scooters can enter and park the ZTL area without a permit. The permission is for 2 wheels, so 3 wheel BMW scooters would not be allowed.

Park in the parking spaces for motorcycles or in spaces where you won't be blocking traffic or causing problems for other cars - that might be why some people got tickets.
Don't park in squares where there are evidently no parking spaces or where common sense shows it isn't allowed. Just because you see other motorcycles or scooters by Italians there, who generally do it for a limited time and don't get caught, doesn't mean you can do it, especially if you park for longer stretches of time.

[markinatlanta]

Yes, I can confirm - motorcycles and scooters can enter and park the ZTL area without a permit. The permission is for 2 wheels, so 3 wheel BMW scooters would not be allowed.

Park in the parking spaces for motorcycles or in spaces where you won't be blocking traffic or causing problems for other cars - that might be why some people got tickets.
Don't park in squares where there are evidently no parking spaces or where common sense shows it isn't allowed. Just because you see other motorcycles or scooters by Italians there, who generally do it for a limited time and don't get caught, doesn't mean you can do it, especially if you park for longer stretches of time.

You just made my day. I was going to be really bummed if I wouldn't have been able to ride around Florence.

Finding parking was also making me nervous. Are the white spaces reserved for residents? Been looking at google street view and saw what appeared to be a good bit of parking in the area around Duomo. Thanks again and here's to hoping my MotoGP tickets arrive soon

[Lourdes]

There is no difference in color for the motorbike spots... plus they are often quite faded and thus not that visible! Lots of scooter park behind/ in between cars if there is space. The spaces are often near bike racks, near corners, just so you know... not a rule, but they are good spots to check.

Keep in mind that anyone can enter the ZTL and park within its limits at night, after 8pm (they have to be out by 7am) so you might have harder time finding parking late in the evening that during the day.

[ayanpaul]

You just made my day. I was going to be really bummed if I wouldn't have been able to ride around Florence.

Finding parking was also making me nervous. Are the white spaces reserved for residents? Been looking at google street view and saw what appeared to be a good bit of parking in the area around Duomo. Thanks again and here's to hoping my MotoGP tickets arrive soon

How safe is it to leave a motorcycle out at night for two weeks in Firenze? I have a Ducati and will be staying in via Montebello. Thank you.

[Lourdes]

You are planning to use it during those two weeks, right? I think you should haven't problems with parking overnight at any time but do make to check on it if for some reason you don't use it for a day or two.

Make note of when street cleaning is wherever you park -- you don't want to park anywhere when there is cleaning planned as it can get towed. While there are some small trucks which can clean around the parked cars, not sure they are yet used all over the center.