Parking on Blue Lines: What the Regulations Say

Horizontal road markings use a few basic colors to indicate permissions and restrictions, making it immediately clear to drivers what is allowed. One example is the blue color used to designate roadside parking spaces. Let’s take a look at who can park in blue-lined spaces and what fines apply if the regulations are not followed.

What do blue parking lines indicate?

Blue lines in parking areas generally indicate paid parking zones. To park in these spaces, it is necessary to purchase a ticket from a parking meter or through a payment app. In both cases, the ticket or a card indicating payment via app must be displayed in a clearly visible position on the dashboard.

In some cities, blue lines may also include exemptions or discounts for residents with specific permits or for certain vehicle categories (e.g., electric cars or disabled individuals with a permit). If in doubt, nearby vertical signage can clarify the exact rules of the area and indicate the valid time slots for paid parking.

Failure to pay for blue line parking: the fine

Failure to pay the required ticket for blue-line parking is subject to a fine ranging from €42 to €173, which can be reduced by 30% if paid within five days of receiving the fine. Appeals can be submitted to the relevant authority, which will forward them to the Prefect.

Cases in which the fine may be contested include:

1. The blue lines are not visible.
2. The parking fee was paid, but the receipt was not displayed.
3. The details of the violation or the offender (e.g., time) on the fine are incorrect.
4. The notification was issued late.
5. The blue parking space is located within the roadway.
6. The required ratio of free (white) and paid (blue) parking spaces in the area was not respected.

What if the blue line parking ticket has expired? Although a fine is officially foreseen in this case, many fines have been annulled over the years based on the stance of the Ministry of Transport.

In a 2015 note, the Ministry specified that if a driver exceeds the paid parking period, only an additional fee for the extra time can be requested, rather than a fine for illegal parking.

However, the Court of Cassation recently reaffirmed the legitimacy of issuing a fine in such cases. So, it's up to you whether to take your chances or not!