What does the highway code say about yellow lines?
The new highway code has introduced some changes regarding the penalties for those who park their car on yellow lines. But what exactly does this color indicate, and what are the risks of parking there? Keep reading to learn more about the rules on yellow lines and the related fines.
What do yellow lines indicate?
In Italy, there are three colors used to mark parking spaces: white, blue, and yellow. The first designates free parking, sometimes with time limits indicated by vertical signage, while the second refers to paid parking. Yellow lines, on the other hand, indicate that parking is reserved for specific categories of drivers, namely:
- People with disabilities;
- Residents;
- Police forces or municipal officials (near their workplaces);
- Electric cars while charging;
- Vehicles performing loading and unloading operations;
- Pregnant women or individuals with children under the age of two.
To determine which category a parking space is reserved for, you need to look at the pictogram on the road surface. In all these cases, it is necessary to display a permit in a visible location inside the car (usually behind the windshield) to certify that the driver belongs to one of these categories.
Pink lines, previously used to indicate parking spaces reserved for pregnant women or parents with small children, have been replaced by yellow lines, always accompanied by the corresponding symbol on the road surface.
Yellow line fines: what are the amounts?
Fines for parking on yellow lines without authorization vary based on the type of vehicle (car or motorcycle) and the category the space is reserved for. The most severe penalties apply to those who park in spaces designated for people with disabilities. In this case, in addition to a fine ranging from €165 to €660 for motorcycles and from €330 to €990 for cars, drivers also risk losing 4 points from their license.
This increased focus on accessibility is a result of the new highway code, which came into effect in November 2024. It also allows vehicles with a special permit to park for free in blue-marked spaces.
To avoid getting fined for parking on yellow lines, always check both horizontal and vertical signage, make sure to display the permit that proves your eligibility for the reserved space, and if you're in an unfamiliar city, verify any specific local regulations to avoid unpleasant surprises. Keep in mind that pregnant women can also request a special permit from the municipality.
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