Florence · pay or appeal
ZTL fine in Florence: pay with the discount or appeal?
The notice often says that paying quickly gives a discount. Here is why paying is not always the right choice, and what to do instead.
Why paying is not a good idea
When a fine arrives the temptation is to pay it at once and forget it, especially if the notice says that paying within a few days gets you a discount. But if the fine came from a mistake in the registration of the number plate, paying it is the wrong choice: by paying you lose the right to have it cancelled. And if the omission is the garage’s, there is no reason why that sum should stay on you.
What to do instead
First of all contact the garage you went to, sending the parking ticket: together you check whether the authorisation of the plate went through. For City Parking write to multe.ztl@gmail.com or phone the garage (Fiesolana, Via Venezia, Borgo Pinti). If there was a mistake, the appeal to the Prefetto is prepared: it is free and must be filed within 60 days of receiving the fine. The garage helps you draft it, but you sign it and send it. See how to appeal to the Prefetto.
And if the fine is actually due?
If the checks show that the fine is due, for example because you drove in a lane reserved for buses and taxis, which the garage permit does not cover, read the notice carefully: the conditions for paying, including any discount, are written there.
ZTL fines: all guides
ZTL fine for foreign drivers · When does a ZTL fine arrive? · Why keep your garage parking ticket · ZTL fine with a rental car · Rental company letter or real fine? · Pay the ZTL fine or appeal? (you are here) · Can the garage appeal for me? · Prefetto or Giudice di Pace? · How to appeal a ZTL fine · Rental company fees for fines
Questions from international drivers
Why is it not a good idea to pay the fine at once?
If the fine came from a mistake in the registration of the plate, by paying you lose the right to have it cancelled, even when the notice offers a discount.
What should I do instead of paying?
Contact the garage, sending the parking ticket, so you can check whether the authorisation of the plate went through. If there was a mistake, the appeal to the Prefetto is prepared: it is free and must be filed within 60 days.
And if the fine is due?
Read the notice carefully: the conditions for paying, including any discount, are written there.