Can vans park in parking spaces? Information and advice

Whether or not vans can park in the same spaces as cars is a very common question, especially for those who use a van or commercial vehicle for work or personal purposes in urban areas, where parking options are limited.

To begin with, in Italy the possibility for a van to park in a standard car space depends on several factors, mainly the size of the vehicle and the specific signage or municipal regulations. You will find the key information and useful tips by continuing to read our article.

The general rule: van dimensions and the highway code

The Italian Highway Code does not impose a general ban on (such as most vans) in parking spaces designated for cars.

The crucial point is this: a van may park in the space if it fits entirely within the boundaries of the space marked by the road markings and if its presence does not obstruct traffic or hinder the use of adjacent spaces. If it does, it is technically in violation and may be fined.

Keep in mind that the average dimensions of a car parking space are about 5 metres in length and 2.5 metres in width; many compact or medium-sized vans fall within these limits.

Signage and specific restrictions for van parking

In addition to what has been said so far, further signage must also be considered. In some areas, especially in historic centres or residential neighbourhoods, vertical signs may restrict parking to specific categories of vehicles (for example, limiting it to passenger cars only) or to vehicles that do not exceed a certain weight (often 3.5 tonnes).

As for paid parking, if the van is parked within the blue lines and fits within the space, there are usually no extra costs based on vehicle type, unless the municipality has established otherwise.

Finally, parking a van in spaces reserved for residents, disabled users, taxis or loading and unloading is not permitted unless you are actually carrying out those activities. Loading and unloading spaces, usually marked with yellow lines and specific vertical signs, can only be used for the time strictly necessary and, under recent regulations, are often limited to trucks (category N under the Highway Code) during set hours.

In conclusion, here are the main points to remember:
• If your van is particularly large, look for spaces with free room in front or behind so as not to restrict other vehicles’ manoeuvres
• Always check for bans on vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of over 3.5 tonnes (the maximum weight of most light vans)
• If you need to park in the city centre for an extended period, check the municipality’s website for specific rules on parking commercial vehicles in urban areas, especially concerning ZTL permits and time restrictions