Elderly man, 81, captured driving car down Rome's Spanish Steps claims he was 'going to work'
20 June 2025, 12:54
The moment an 81-year-old man attempted to drive down Rome's famous Spanish Steps before getting stuck has been caught on camera.
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The after-dark escapade on the Italian steps was captured on camera by locals, with the vehicles headlights drawing attention before the vehicle was seen to come to a halt.
Footage shows two men approach the vehicle after it came to a halt half way down the steps, with the man, who held a full and valid driver’s license, appearing unfazed as he stepped out of the vehicle.
Speaking following the incident, the man said he was “going to work” when he was spotted drive down the steps - later admitting he was "wrong" to do it.
ieri sera piazza spagna colpita da un'auto!
Emergency services were pictured at the scene the following day as authorities used a crane to remove the car from the tourist attraction.
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Under Italian law, drivers over the age of 80 are forced to renew their license every two years, as well as undergo a medical examination to ensure they are physically and mentally fit.
The 81-year-old behind the wheel was not injured in the incident, but was taken to hospital as a precaution.
He tested negative for both drug and alcohol consumption, city police said in a statement.
The steps currently remain closed to the public - a normal course of action in Rome when historic monuments are involved in an incident.
