Emergency Help Abroad - Italy

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Italy — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, purchase or use of illegal drugs can result in arrest, fines or imprisonment.

• Larger drug quantities may be treated as intent to supply, regardless of personal-use claims.

• Carrying knives, batons or defensive sprays without lawful justification is prohibited.

• Drink-driving checks are common; penalties include heavy fines, licence suspension and possible prison time.

• Public intoxication that disturbs others can lead to fines or detention.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Modest attire is expected in churches and religious venues; inappropriate clothing may lead to refused entry.

• Sitting, eating or lying on protected monuments or steps (such as the Spanish Steps) is prohibited and fined.

• Public indecency or nudity outside designated beaches is a criminal offence.

• Disruptive behaviour near religious events, services or ceremonies is taken seriously.

• Defacing buildings or monuments with graffiti or stickers carries criminal penalties.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification at any time; travellers should carry a passport or copy.

• Arguing with police, resisting instructions or being confrontational can escalate quickly.

• Disorderly conduct at transport hubs or sporting events can lead to bans or fines.

• Common scams target tourists; avoid unsolicited “help” from strangers.

• Offering “unofficial fees” or bribes to officials or police is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• You must buy and validate public transport tickets; failure results in on-the-spot fines.

• Driving into ZTL (restricted traffic zones) without authorisation leads to automatic fines.

• Speeding and mobile-phone use while driving are strictly enforced.

• Driving without correct documentation (licence, insurance, rental agreement) can lead to fines or vehicle impoundment.

• Overstaying Schengen limits can result in fines, deportation or future entry bans.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is heavily restricted in cities and heritage areas without prior approval.

• Flying drones near airports, military facilities or crowds is illegal and fined.

• Photographing certain government or security buildings may be restricted.

• Using images of individuals commercially without consent may breach privacy laws.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Littering in streets, beaches or parks results in fines.

• Many beaches restrict smoking, glass bottles and barbecues.

• Lighting fires or using grills in unauthorised rural areas is prohibited.

• Ignoring safety warnings in mountain or ski areas may result in rescue charges.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing sand, shells, stones or artefacts from beaches or archaeological sites is illegal.

• Climbing on ruins or monuments, or crossing protective barriers, can result in fines.

• Swimming or wading in fountains or restricted waterways is prohibited.

• Buying souvenirs made from endangered species or looted antiquities is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or acceptable in the UK may carry very different cultural or legal implications in Italy.

• Don’t enter churches or religious sites in revealing clothing, such as bare shoulders, low-cut tops or very short shorts, as you may be refused entry or asked to cover up.

• Don’t sit, eat or climb on monuments, fountains or historic steps, especially in cities like Rome and Florence, where local bylaws strictly protect heritage sites.

• Don’t assume you can hail a taxi anywhere, as taxis usually operate from marked stands or by phone/app; stopping them randomly in the street can be frustrating and unsafe.

• Don’t ignore ZTL (limited traffic zone) signs in city centres, as driving into these restricted areas without permission can result in expensive fines posted to you later.

• Don’t treat mealtimes as rushed “grab-and-go” moments, especially at sit-down restaurants where lingering over food and conversation is considered normal and respectful.

• Don’t expect shops, smaller restaurants or rural businesses to accept cards, particularly American Express; always carry some cash for small purchases and tips.

• Don’t touch or handle fresh produce at markets without permission, as stallholders usually select and bag items for you – grabbing fruit yourself can be seen as rude.

• Don’t order a cappuccino with or after a main meal, particularly at dinner; milky coffees are generally considered breakfast drinks and may mark you out as a tourist.

• Don’t assume English will always be spoken, especially in smaller towns; making an effort with basic Italian greetings and phrases is appreciated.

• Don’t drink alcohol in the street where it’s restricted, as some cities have local rules against public drinking in popular squares at certain times.

• Don’t underestimate how seriously drink-driving is treated, as roadside checks are common and penalties can be severe if you’re over the limit.

• Don’t treat train tickets as automatically valid, especially on regional trains; you often need to stamp (validate) paper tickets before boarding to avoid on-the-spot fines.

• Don’t expect strict queuing etiquette everywhere, but do be prepared for busy counters or platforms where you need to step forward confidently when it’s your turn.

• Don’t assume all beaches are free to use however you wish, as many stretches are privately managed lidos with rules on outside food, seating and noise.

• Don’t ignore local advice about heatwaves, particularly in cities; failing to hydrate, seek shade and rest can quickly lead to heat-related illness.

• Don’t buy counterfeit designer goods from street vendors, as both sellers and buyers can face fines and it supports illegal trade.

• Don’t treat religious festivals or processions as novelty photo opportunities, especially in smaller towns where events carry deep spiritual meaning.

• Don’t leave valuables visible in parked cars, particularly in busy tourist areas or motorway service stations where opportunistic theft can occur.

• Don’t assume tipping is identical to UK practice, as service may be included or a “coperto” (cover charge) added – avoid tipping twice unless service genuinely warrants it.

• Don’t disregard local quiet hours in residential areas, especially late at night, as noise complaints and police visits are taken seriously in many Italian communities.