Rome will enact temporary traffic restrictions this Sunday, December 14, in an effort to combat persistently high smog levels across the city. Mayor Roberto gualtieri’s ordinance will halt circulation for a range of higher-emission vehicles within the city’s “Fascia Verde,” or Green Belt, following data from regional environmental agency Arpa Lazio showing prolonged exceedances of safe PM10 levels . The measures,anticipated earlier this month,represent the latest attempt by city officials to address recurring air quality issues and build on previous efforts such as restrictions enacted in 2011 [[2]] and tighter restrictions implemented in 2025 [[1]].
Rome will restrict traffic on Sunday, December 14, as the city struggles with rising smog levels. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri signed an ordinance halting circulation for the most polluting vehicles within the city’s “Fascia Verde” (Green Belt) zone. A map of the restricted zone is available here.
The restrictions come after monitoring stations operated by Arpa Lazio, the regional environmental protection agency, registered smog levels exceeding national limits in multiple areas. The situation was anticipated by the agency’s models as early as the beginning of December, and has now prompted the traffic ban.
The map of the green belt in Rome
Traffic Restrictions on Sunday
The ban within the Fascia Verde will affect gasoline vehicles meeting Euro 3 standards, and diesel vehicles meeting Euro 4 standards. It also applies to two-stroke and four-stroke mopeds and motorcycles powered by diesel fuel meeting Euro 2 standards, and commercial vehicles (categories N1, N2 and N3) powered by gasoline meeting Euro 3 standards or diesel meeting Euro 4 standards. The restrictions will be in effect between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and again between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Beyond Passenger Vehicles
According to a statement from the city government, the decision was necessary “following the measurements of the urban monitoring network on air pollution data, which recorded prolonged exceedances of PM10, with, according to Arpa Lazio models, a continuation of a critical situation.”
Additional restrictions include a ban on the use of biomass-fueled domestic heating systems lacking an alternative heating source and meeting at least a three-star energy performance rating, as well as a prohibition on open-air burning of any kind, the statement concluded. The move underscores the city’s commitment to addressing air quality concerns.
