Milan's "restricted area" primarily refers to its Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL), which are designed to reduce pollution and congestion in the city center. The most important for visitors are Area C and Area B. Area C covers the historic "Cerchia dei Bastioni" (center) and is active Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM; entering this zone with a car requires a daily congestion charge of €7.50 (as of 2026), which must be activated online. Area B is a much larger zone covering almost the entire city and prohibits the most polluting older vehicles from entering during weekdays. These areas are strictly monitored by 180+ camera-equipped gates that automatically read license plates and issue heavy fines to unauthorized vehicles. For tourists, it is highly recommended to leave cars in the large "park-and-ride" lots on the city's outskirts and use the efficient Metro system to reach the center. If your hotel is located within Area C, you must ensure they register your license plate with the authorities to avoid being fined during your arrival and departure.