Rome's Golf Cart Tours Face New Rules as Overtourism Debate Intensifies

Rome's narrow, cobblestone streets have become the latest battleground in the city's struggle with overtourism, as hundreds of golf carts now ferry visitors through its most iconic neighborhoods. The vehicles, which have surged in popularity, are prompting a regulatory response from city officials aiming to restore order to the congested historic center.

Critics argue the carts are worsening traffic, parking illegally, and adding to the pressure of mass tourism. Some local media have described the situation as an "invasion," with the city said to be "held hostage" by the vehicles. However, operators and some visitors counter that the carts are quieter and take up less space than the tourist vans and buses they replace, offering a more efficient way to see the city's sprawling sights.

The tension was on display during a recent ride when a driver of a private-hire van shouted at a golf cart driver to move out of the middle of the road, leading to a heated exchange of gestures and words—a common scene in Rome's chaotic traffic.

For tourists like Ruth Sanderson from Manchester, England, the golf cart offered a practical solution. She surprised her husband with a three-hour tour on their first trip to Rome, allowing them to see major landmarks and "potter around" for the rest of their short stay. Their driver, Martin Halili, acknowledged the parking challenges, noting that without designated stops, he parks "where we can—as legal as possible."

Parking is a chronic issue in the area, with only about 4,300 regular on-street spots for residents who own nearly four times as many cars. An average of 50,000 vehicles enter the center daily. Residents like Luigi la Licata, head of the Monti neighborhood association, say the golf cart is the "last straw" in a long line of traffic problems.

Data shows golf cart bookings this summer grew 147% from 2024, with an estimated 500 carts operating in the city. Pascal van Duijnhoven, president of the Metur association representing some operators, acknowledges the industry's role in overtourism but argues the carts are a "smart" solution if properly integrated. "We need a hand," he said, calling for help from authorities.

Rome's deputy mayor for mobility, Eugenio Patanè, is working on a regulatory framework. The city has already begun charging electric vehicles for entering the historic center, a shift from focusing on emissions to tackling congestion. Authorized vehicles are down about a quarter, and the goal is to halve daily entrants.

However, regulating golf carts has proven complex due to differing technical specifications and regional jurisdiction over tourism transport. Patanè has requested the region transfer that power to the city, which he anticipates will happen soon. His proposed rules would establish fixed tour routes, cap the number of carts, and create a system to select operators.

Operators warn that such measures could cripple their nascent industry. They report increased scrutiny, including document checks and fines. Halili claims that private-hire and taxi drivers, a "powerful lobby," are behind the pressure. "They have waged a war against us," he said, citing complaints and appeals filed against golf cart businesses.