DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — Behind the wheel of a red Ferrari sports car, you’re not free to drive anywhere, even in Italy.
It was discovered by an American tourist who drove a Ferrari Spider to the famous pedestrianized Piazza della Signoria in the historic center of Florence.
The tourist was arrested on Monday after stopping his car in what authorities described as an “irrational” drive along the nearby Via dei Conti.
The square where the American drove is usually packed with tourists, many of whom go to visit the nearby Uffizi Gallery, home to some of Italy’s most famous works of art.
A fine of 470 euros ($506) was immediately levied against the tourist after special inspections revealed that he did not have the necessary documents to drive on Italian roads, so how to drive to the square.
A statement issued by the municipality of Florence said: “Investigations revealed that the 43-year-old driver had a US driver’s license that does not comply with international agreements, and that he did not have an international driver’s license or an official translation.”
The report further stated that: Reports were submitted for parking in pedestrian zone, driving in opposite direction of traffic and possession of foreign license. (Tourist) Total fine paid directly to agents. up to 470 euros.”
It’s not the first time tourists have hit Italy’s famous historic sites in recent months.
A California tourist was fined €500 (about $540) in January when he drove a rented Fiat Panda over Florence’s famous old Ponte Vecchio pedestrian bridge.
And in May last year, a Saudi Arabian man trying to leave Italy was arrested after driving a rented Maserati sports car on the Spanish Steps in Rome.
The man tried to flee after the car got stuck in the middle of the road and was charged with causing serious damage to the country’s cultural heritage and antiquities.
“Freelance alcohol fan. Coffee maven. Musicaholic. Food junkie. Extreme web expert. Communicator.”
