What is banned in Rome: fines and penalties that can cost you dearly (or land you in jail)
In Rome, what can cost you a fine or worse: bathing in a fountain or sitting on the Spanish Steps, possessing or selling drugs, buying counterfeit goods, damaging a monument, flying a drone without permission and taking an antique out without a permit. Prison sentences mostly concern drugs and serious offences, not small street fines. This guide gives only sourced facts (travel advice from the UK and US governments, Rome city regulations) and is not legal advice. Verified on 26 October 2026.  ## The overall picture | Situation | Risk | Source | |---|---|---| | Bathing in a historic fountain | Fine of 160 to 450 € | Rome Capitale | | Sitting on the Spanish Steps | Fine (250 € announced in 2019) | 2019 regulation, to verify | | Damaging or soiling a monument | From 400 €; criminal charges possible for vandalism | Rome Capitale, US | | Drugs, including cannabis | Severe penalties, prison for possession, use or trafficking | UK | | Buying counterfeit goods | Fine or detention possible | US | | Flying a drone without permission | Fine or detention possible | US | | Exporting an antique over 50 years old without a certificate | Heavy penalties; the amounts quoted differ | Italian heritage code | | Not being able to show ID | Police can check at any time | UK | ## Checks and papers The police can carry out an identity check at any time; keep photo ID on you (the UK advises this). A legible photocopy of your passport is often enough in practice, but the original is safer. ## Drugs, alcohol, tobacco Drugs, cannabis included, carry severe penalties according to British advice, which speaks of long prison sentences and heavy fines for possession, use or trafficking. See cannabis and drugs in Rome. For alcohol, see drinking in the street, and for tobacco smoking in Rome. ## Monuments, fountains and behaviour Rome's police regulation bans sitting on monuments, bathing in fountains and messy eating near monuments. Amounts and the fountains concerned are detailed in Rome's fountains and steps: bans and fines. Damage to monuments, such as graffiti, is a criminal matter. Dress rules for entering churches: dress code in churches and at the Vatican. ## Counterfeits, drones, antiques - **Counterfeits**: the US State Department warns against buying counterfeit goods, mainly fashion accessories, which can mean a fine or detention. - **Drones**: using a drone can also mean a fine or detention; check the rules of the Italian civil aviation authority (ENAC) before flying. - **Antiques**: the Italian cultural heritage code bans the permanent export of objects over 50 years old of cultural interest without a certificate of free circulation. One source quotes penalties of up to 150,000 € and 4 years in prison; other sources give different figures: ask the Ministry of Culture before taking an old piece abroad. ## The road The limited traffic zones (ZTL) in the centre are monitored by cameras, with fines sent after your trip: see car and ZTL in Rome. ## If something goes wrong Keep your embassy's number. Travel insurance covers care and evacuation, not fines; see travel insurance in Italy and emergencies and health in Rome.
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