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PhrasesReading Signs and MapsCosa significa 'Senso vietato'?
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Cosa significa 'Senso vietato'?

What does 'Wrong way / No entry' mean?

Pronunciation

'Vietato' — vye-TA-to. Same pronunciation as in the previous phrase; the 'v' starts with a slight buzz.

When to use it

Ask when you see this red circular sign with a white bar. It is different from 'Divieto di Accesso' in that it specifically marks the wrong end of a one-way street.

What it means

'Senso vietato' literally means direction forbidden. It is the companion sign to 'Senso Unico' (one-way) — placed at the end where traffic should not enter. Driving past a 'Senso vietato' sign is a serious traffic offence with an €80–€328 fine.

Variations

Non si può entrare da questo lato.

You cannot enter from this side.

Explanation statement for someone confused.

Dove posso girare per entrare correttamente?

Where can I turn to enter correctly?

Asks for an alternative entry point.

Questo è un senso unico?

Is this a one-way street?

Confirm before proceeding.

Mini Dialogue

— Cosa significa 'Senso vietato'? — Non si può entrare da qui, è il lato sbagliato del senso unico. — Ho quasi sbagliato! — Capita spesso ai turisti, le strade antiche sono confuse.

— What does 'Senso vietato' mean? — You can't enter from here, it's the wrong end of the one-way street. — I almost made a mistake! — It happens often to tourists, the old streets are confusing.

Cultural Note

Italian historic city centres (centri storici) evolved from medieval streets designed for horses and foot traffic. Today's traffic planning tries to manage cars in these spaces with one-way systems. The resulting maze of restrictions confuses even local drivers regularly.