What is mappaztl.org?

mappaztl.org is a free website that displays Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL – Zona a Traffico Limitato) and Low Emission Zones.
All geographic data shown on this website is sourced from OpenStreetMap (OSM).

The goal of this project is to make ZTL information easier to discover and understand, especially for travelers and drivers who may not be familiar with local traffic restrictions.

What is OpenStreetMap?

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project that creates and maintains a free, editable map of the world.
It is operated by the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF), a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom.

OpenStreetMap data is made available under the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL).
This license allows anyone to use, share, and adapt the data, provided that:

  • OpenStreetMap is properly credited
  • Any publicly shared derived database is distributed under the same ODbL license
  • Changes to the data are clearly indicated

More information about the license and attribution requirements can be found here:
https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright

mappaztl.org is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the OpenStreetMap Foundation.

How do ZTLs work?

ZTLs are traffic-restricted areas established at the municipal level, mainly in Italy but also in other European countries under similar concepts.
Their rules and enforcement vary widely from city to city.

For the purpose of this map, we currently group zones into three categories:

  • Permanent restricted areas
    Traffic is restricted at all times. These zones are commonly found in historic city centers or environmentally sensitive areas.

  • Time-limited restricted areas
    Traffic restrictions apply only on specific days and/or at specific times.

  • Low Emission Zones (LEZ)
    Access is restricted based on vehicle emission standards. These zones are often time-limited as well, although this map does not always distinguish time restrictions for LEZs.

ZTLs are usually enforced using automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) systems.
When a vehicle enters a ZTL, the license plate is scanned and checked against authorized vehicles.

Although ZTLs are created by municipalities, they are based on national traffic laws.
Entering a ZTL without permission typically results in an administrative fine (often around €80–100, depending on the municipality), which is issued by the local authority.

How do I recognize a ZTL?

ZTLs are typically marked by rectangular road signs.

Common elements of ZTL signage include:

  • The international “General prohibition of driving” symbol (red circle with white center)
  • The text “ZONA TRAFFICO LIMITATO”
  • Additional panels listing:
    • Allowed or excluded vehicle categories
    • Time windows when restrictions apply
    • Permit requirements
  • Sometimes a phone number or website for further information

Signage and clarity can vary significantly between municipalities.

How can I access a ZTL?

Access rules differ from city to city.
In many cases, access may be granted to:

  • Residents
  • Delivery vehicles during specific hours
  • Taxis or public transport
  • Vehicles with special permits
  • Low-emission or electric vehicles

Official information is usually available on the municipality’s website.
If in doubt (or, better yet, as a general precaution), always check local regulations before entering a restricted area.

When driving in Italy, always keep an eye out for Zona Traffico Limitato signs and, if in doubt, choose a different route.

Contributing

This map is built entirely on OpenStreetMap data.
You can help improve accuracy by adding or correcting data directly in OpenStreetMap.

General guide to contributing to OpenStreetMap:
https://learnosm.org/it/

Mapping guide for this project

Our overlay relies on two specific boundary types:

  • boundary=limited_traffic_zone
  • boundary=low_emission_zone

These can be mapped as relations, ways, or nodes, depending on the situation.

Mapping a Limited Traffic Zone

  • Set the boundary tag to:
    boundary=limited_traffic_zone

  • To specify which type of vehicles are allowed, use the additional tags:
    motor_vehicle:conditional=* motorcar:conditional=* motorcycle:conditional=*

Example: motor_vehicle:conditional=permit

Mapping time-limited ZTLs

For time-based restrictions, we recommend adding the timeframe using conditional tags:

  • motor_vehicle:conditional=*

Example: motor_vehicle:conditional=permit @ (Mo-Fr 00:00-02:00,19:30-24:00; Sa 00:00-02:00,18:30-24:00)

This indicates that a permit is required only during the specified time ranges.

Mapping a low emission zone

  • Set the boundary tag to: boundary=low_emission_zone

  • To specify details of the emission criteria and affected vehicle types, use the additional tags: motorcar:conditional

Example: motorcar:conditional=no @ (fuel = diesel AND emissions < euro_6; fuel=petrol AND emissions < euro_3; fuel=diesel+lpg AND emissions < euro_4; fuel=diesel+methan AND emissions < euro_4)

More detailed information can be found on the OpenStreetMap Wiki: https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Tag:boundary%3Dlimited_traffic_zone https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Tag:boundary%3Dlow_emission_zone

  • mappaztl.org is an independent project.
  • It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or maintained by the OpenStreetMap Foundation or any other OpenStreetMap-related organization.
  • All map data is © OpenStreetMap contributors and is used in accordance with the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL).
  • This website provides informational content only. ZTL boundaries, rules, and enforcement may change at any time.
  • No guarantee is made regarding completeness, accuracy, or current validity of the displayed data.
  • Users are solely responsible for verifying local traffic regulations before driving into restricted areas.

If you rely on this information, you do so at your own risk.