What does 'No Entry' mean?
'Divieto' — di-VYE-to. Three syllables; stress on the second. The 'ie' is a diphthong.
Ask when you see a red circular sign with a white horizontal bar or the text 'Divieto di Accesso'. It prohibits all vehicle entry in that direction.
'Divieto' means prohibition or ban. 'Di accesso' means of access/entry. Italian road signs use 'divieto di' + noun for many prohibitions: 'divieto di sosta' (no stopping), 'divieto di sorpasso' (no overtaking), 'divieto di transito' (no through traffic). Learning this pattern unlocks many signs.
Posso passare a piedi?
Can I pass on foot?
Vehicle bans usually do not apply to pedestrians.
Vale per le biciclette?
Does it apply to bicycles?
Check if cycling is also restricted.
C'è un'eccezione per i residenti?
Is there an exception for residents?
Residents often have an 'eccetto residenti' exemption.
The 'Divieto di Accesso' sign is a red circle with a white horizontal bar — the international no-entry sign under the Vienna Convention. You will see it at the wrong end of one-way streets throughout Italy. Below the sign there is often an 'eccetto...' (except...) panel for exemptions.