Keep that camera holstered when passing through Portofino, Italy.
The sun-soaked town on the Italian Riviera has imposed hefty fines for snapping selfies, a practice that can grind the flow of foot traffic to a halt during peak times of the summer season, the BBC reports.
To police the problem, authorities have introduced “no-waiting” zones to keep people moving, and if you stop to take a selfie, chances are you’ll be hit with a $300 fine.
These restrictions are in place between 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. According to Forbes, the rules apply to two picturesque spots that have become famous on Instagram.
But, Portofino is no outlier when it comes to tourism regulations:
- The autonomous region of Alto Adige, also known as Bolzano – South Tyrol, in the north of the country, has introduced a limit on overnight visitors, capping numbers to 2019 levels and imposing a ban on any new accommodation openings – unless another has closed, according to CNN.
- Amalfi Coast vehicle ban: Between Vietri sul Mare and Positano is a winding, narrow, 35 km road that would be swamped with miles-long traffic during peak times. A vehicle ban was introduced in 2022, so if your car’s license plate ends in an odd number, you will be able to access the road on odd-numbered days. If it ends in an even number, you will be able to access the road on even-numbered days.
- Meanwhile, Venice officials have unveiled new rules for day-trippers, which went into effect on Jan. 16, 2023. Tourists who choose not to stay overnight in hotels or other lodgings will have to sign up online for the day they plan to come and pay a fee.
- Recently, an Italian lawmaker went so far as to float legislation that would ban the use of English in official documents, Violators would face $100,000 fines.
Make a pledge and become a member of Italian Sons and Daughters of America today.
