Height limitItaly

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Italy. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


30. Height limit

A height limit prohibits vehicles whose total height exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other structure. The vehicle’s height includes its load and any equipment attached above it.

Drivers of high vehicles must know their exact height, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never rely only on visual judgement or attempt to pass beneath a structure when safe clearance is uncertain.

Height limit
Height limit of 3.30 metres. Warning for flooding if the light flashes. (Pisa, Italy)
Wikimedia.org • János Korom Dr. • CC BY-SA
How should you read a low-bridge height restriction in Italy?

Look for the locally prescribed height restriction or clearance warning near historic town centres, tunnels and Alpine roads. The displayed clearance is normally in metres. A warning may describe a hazard ahead; a prohibitory sign indicates a route you cannot enter if your vehicle exceeds the limit.

🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 38, 39, 140–141

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 39

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 141

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 154

Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited. Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

English • Traffic sign II.66 • No vehicles higher than indicated. The prohibition applies where the vehicle's actual overall height at the time of passage exceeds the value shown in metres.

Italiano • Figura II.66 • Transito vietato ai veicoli aventi altezza complessiva superiore a quella indicata. Vieta il transito ai veicoli la cui altezza complessiva effettiva al momento del passaggio supera il valore indicato in metri.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Normattiva.it • D.P.R. 495/1992 • testo vigente • art. 118, comma 1(b), 3
🔗 Gazzettaufficiale.it • Gazzetta Ufficiale • Figura II.66 • pagina 264

SVG source: Original: Ministero dei Lavori Pubblici Vectorization: Arbalete • Public domain • Original revision 2024-09-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Does a roof load count when checking vehicle height in Italy?

Yes for practical clearance: measure the vehicle at its highest point with its load and fitted accessories, such as a roof box, bicycle or roof rack. Check the local legal measurement rules as well; an empty vehicle’s registered height is not enough when equipment has been added.

🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 38, 39, 140–141

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 39

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 141

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 154

What should you do if your vehicle is too high for a bridge or tunnel in Italy?

Do not try to squeeze under the structure. Use the signed alternative route and, if you are already close to the obstruction, stop where safe and seek traffic-control assistance rather than reversing unpredictably into moving traffic.

🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 38, 39, 140–141

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 39

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 141

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 154

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