I visited Italy last September. In 2009 approximately 7-8 months after the fact I received (three) violations from the Municipality of Florence. The infractions are electronic and were taken within six minutes of each other which would mean they were taken by cameras strategically arranged to snap your photo in a consecutive manner. I tried to work something out with the Florence Police but to no avail. They are completely unwilling to cooperate under any circumstances. We were new and had been driving around looking for our hotel. Many post that this may help you get rid of the ticket. This is untrue. Inthat the hotel you are looking for must be located in a specific section in order that it would be validated by Police and Municipality. hmmmmm something fishy about that? You bet. One guess! Anyway my point is...when visiting Italy AVOID FLORENCE ALTOGETHER UNTILL THEY BECOME TOURIST FRIENDLY! It is a well known fact that traffic violations create the majority of their financial economy. Be Ware Be Any Where but Florence!