Tips for handling Italian traffic tickets Published March 29, 2013 By 31st Fighter Wing legal office AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Whether driving overseas or back home, observing the rules of the road helps ensure all motorists can arrive at their destinations safely. Breaking these rules, either unknowingly or on purpose, is punishable under any law. Understanding how to properly handle traffic tickets will help keep offenders from incurring additional charges. The 31st Fighter Wing Legal Office provides assistance with both minor and major traffic tickets. Paying a traffic ticket within the required time frame is very important. The legal office will also will work to accommodate deadlines. Ticket in the Mail For tickets received in the mail, motorists typically have 60 days to pay it. For certain violations, such as speeding or running a red light, drivers are required to pay the ticket within 60 days, but are given an additional 60 days to verify who the driver of the vehicle was. If the ticket is not paid, either offence can be fined an additional 300 euro for failing to verify the driver, plus the fines for the original offense. Tickets are often pursued through the license plate number. Italian authorities go through military channels to connect the license plate to a military member. Drivers should verify the license plate and verify they were the owner of the vehicle when the ticket was received. For example, if a member receives a ticket that was issued four months ago, but they've only been in Aviano for two months. The owner of the vehicle should make an appointment with the legal office immediately to submit a package for cancellation of the ticket. Owners should bring proof of their whereabouts during the specified time frame. License Plate Visibility License plates must be visible. This can be an issue when the Italian plate is too big for an American car. A driver can receive a ticket if a license plate is not legible. The Pass and Registration Office can issue both long and square plates to accommodate most vehicles in additional to providing brackets for difficult to fit vehicles. When brackets are unavailable at the Pass and Registration Office, members can purchase them at the Base Exchange. Members are not allowed to drill holes in a license plate to affix it on the vehicle. Driver's License and Insurance Card Motorists must carry a valid U.S. and AFI license and ensure their insurance card is properly displayed on the windshield. Failure to do so can result in fines. In either case, to avoid additional fines, the driver must prove to Italian law enforcement that they have these documents. This usually needs to be verified within 30 days. If the time frame is surpassed, the driver can be charged an additional 400 euro for not presenting them to law enforcement within 30 days on top of the original charges. Suspended License AFI licenses are, essentially, an Italian translation of a stateside license. The member cannot legally drive if either is suspended. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal charge in Italy. For more information on obtaining a new license while overseas, members need to contact the department of motor vehicles that issued the license. Restricted Zones Many Italian city centers have restricted areas that require a permit to drive on from the municipal police. These are typically marked as "zona a traffico limitato" or limited traffic area (ZTLs). Drivers can be fined for each time they enter and exit a restricted area. If spending the night at a hotel in Italy, ask the service desk if a ZTL applies to the area you are in. In some cases, the hotel may even be able get the permit. Typically, if penalties are paid on time, huge fines and stress are avoided. If legal assistance is needed, make an appointment with the Legal Office at DSN 632-7843. Drivers should explain they are calling in reference to an Italian traffic ticket, describe when the ticket is due and provide a good contact phone number.