Italy Introduces New Rules for a Popular Tourist Route

The so-called Amalfitana tourist route on Italy’s Amalfi Coast will again be closed to traffic for an extended period this year. This is how the authorities want to control and regulate traffic on the busy road.

The Amalfitana is one of the most famous tourist roads in southern Italy. Its complete name is: Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana. The winding coastal road with steep slopes runs for 50 km in the Gulf of Salerno and connects the major city of the same name with the popular resorts on the Amalfi Coast – namely Vietri sul Mare, Maiori, Minori, Atrani, Amalfi, Praiano and Positano all the way to Sorrento.

A tricky license plate system was applied when it comes to who is allowed to drive on the busy route and when. In this way, the Italian region of Campania aims to curb the sometimes extremely high volume of traffic.

Traffic was restricted from April 24 to May 2 due to regional vacations, after the first driving bans were already in place during the Easter holidays.

Those Who Do Not Comply Will Be Fined

In the summer, it will be tough for locals and travelers: the rules will apply on all weekends from mid-June to the end of September and on all days in August.

Cars whose license plates end in an odd number are no longer allowed to drive on the Amalfitana tourist route on odd days in the calendar – for example, not on August 1/3/5. And so on. Correspondingly, cars with license plates with even numbers at the end of the license plate may not travel the road on even days in the calendar.

The rules apply from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during this period. The rules also apply to cars with foreign license plates, rental cars, tourist buses and travelers who have booked accommodation along the Amalfitana. Exempt from the ban are cabs and buses, as well as motorcycles, Vespas and other two-wheelers. Anyone who violates the regulations must expect a fine.

Caravans and Motor Homes Are Only Allowed at Night

Because of the restrictions, experts advise using regular bus connections on the route. Or, for example, to take the boat from Vietri sul Mare to Amalfi and from there – also by boat – continue to Positano.

Vehicles longer than 10.36 meters, caravans and vehicles with trailers are prohibited from driving on the Amalfitana all year round, every day between 6:30 in the morning and midnight. Vehicles longer than 6 meters and wider than 2.1 meters are allowed to use the popular Amalfi Coast road only at certain times and are prohibited at peak times.