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PhrasesNeighbourhood LifeQuel posto è riservato ai disabili.
A2

Quel posto è riservato ai disabili.

That space is reserved for disabled people.

Pronunciation

di-SA-bi-li — four syllables; stress the second; 'b' is a standard bilabial stop.

When to use it

Use this when pointing out that someone has parked in a reserved disabled space. In Italian street culture, a calm, factual statement is more effective than an emotional approach. If ignored, note-taking for the vigili urbani is the next step.

What it means

Posto riservato ai disabili (disabled parking space) is identified by the blue marking and the international wheelchair symbol. Parking without a disabili pass (contrassegno disabili) is a traffic violation subject to immediate fines. The vigili urbani (municipal police) can tow illegally parked cars from disabled spaces.

Variations

Ha il contrassegno disabili?

Do you have a disabled persons' badge?

Direct but not aggressive; the contrassegno is a blue card displayed on the dashboard.

Il parcheggio qui è riservato — può spostarsi?

Parking here is reserved — can you move?

Polite request to move; può spostarsi is formal and non-confrontational.

Chiamo i vigili se l'auto non si sposta.

I'll call the municipal police if the car doesn't move.

Last resort warning; vigili urbani are the appropriate authority for parking violations.

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, quel posto è riservato ai disabili. Ha il contrassegno? — Ah, scusi! Non me n'ero accorto. Mi sposto subito. — Grazie, apprezzo. — Ha ragione, mi dispiace.

— Excuse me, that space is reserved for disabled people. Do you have a badge? — Oh, sorry! I hadn't noticed. I'll move right away. — Thank you, I appreciate it. — You're right, I'm sorry.

Cultural Note

Parking abuse in Italian cities is a national problem. Italy has one of the highest car-to-resident ratios in Europe, and parking space is chronically scarce in historic city centres. Disabled space abuse is particularly common and frustrating for those who genuinely need them. Italian culture has gradually become less tolerant of this — social media campaigns documenting and shaming abusers have had measurable effects in reducing violations in some cities.