Related:
"Cars And Motorcycles"

Rome Tourist Guide Travel And Transportation  

Cars and Motorcycles

Although it might seem like a very comfortable option at first, we would dissuade visitors from using cars and motorcycles in Rome. Both the traffic and the parking situation might prove to be a "mission impossible" for anyone inexperienced in Roman driving. And as far as motorcycles are concerned, using them in Rome is always a risky proposition. 

Despite the existence of traffic lights that seem to work, they are usually disregarded and driving a car becomes an exercise in survival of the fittest. Furthermore, many of the streets in the Historic Centre (Centro Storico) are closed to regular traffic, meaning that visiting Rome's most important monuments and museums on either two or four wheels is less than convenient.

If despite all these warnings you still prefer renting a car or simply have no way around it, then keep in mind that the parking laws are becoming stricter by the day. The parking areas are usually indicated by blue lines, and machines selling passes are installed every few metres (you can also buy parking passes at the same places selling metro, bus and tram tickets). The seemingly chaotic free for all that rules Roman traffic does not, however, apply to police controls. A parking violation can cost you more than a 100€, not including the added cost of the tow truck.