Driving in Montenegro: What You Need to Know

Montenegro drives on the right. Most rules will feel familiar to anyone who has driven in mainland Europe. There are, however, a few local quirks that catch people out — and a handful of fines that can spoil a trip.

Licence requirements

• check_circleEU/EEA/UK licence: valid as-is, no IDP required.
• check_circleMost other licences: bring your national licence AND an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP must be the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna convention type.
• check_circleMinimum driving age: 18. Most rental categories require 21+ with one year of licence history; luxury categories require 25+.

Speed limits

• check_circleUrban: 50 km/h (sometimes signed 40 in residential zones).
• check_circleOpen road: 80 km/h.
• check_circleExpressway (M-2 Podgorica–Mateševo): 100 km/h.
• check_circleAdriatic Highway (E-80): 80 km/h except where signed otherwise.

Speed cameras are common on the E-80 and around Podgorica. Fines start at €40 for up to 20 km/h over, rising to €200 + court summons above that.

Alcohol policy

Blood alcohol limit is 0.03% — effectively a one-drink limit. For new drivers (licence under 2 years) and professional drivers, the limit is zero. Random roadside breath tests are routine on Friday and Saturday nights.

Required equipment

• check_circleReflective vest (one per passenger).
• check_circleWarning triangle.
• check_circleFirst-aid kit.
• check_circleSpare bulb set.
• check_circleTow rope.
• check_circleSnow chains (Nov 15 – Apr 15 if travelling above 700 m, regardless of road conditions).

All MontenegroDrive vehicles come with the full required kit in the boot. Check it's there before driving off.

Insurance & the Green Card

Your rental includes mandatory third-party (TPL) insurance and a Collision Damage Waiver. The Green Card is mandatory for cross-border driving in Croatia, BiH, Albania, Slovenia and onwards — we include it free of charge if you tell us at pick-up. Kosovo is excluded entirely; you must rent there separately.

Road conditions

The coastal Adriatic Highway and the new M-2 Bar–Boljare expressway (currently open Podgorica–Mateševo) are smooth two- and three-lane highways. The Lovćen road, the Durmitor Ring and most roads above 800 m are narrow, single-lane and locally maintained. After winter, expect potholes until late May.

What to do if you have an accident

• check_circleStop, switch hazards on, deploy the warning triangle 50 m back.
• check_circlePhotograph everything — both vehicles, plates, surroundings, damage close-ups.
• check_circleCall police (122) if anyone is injured or vehicles can't move under their own power.
• check_circleExchange details with the other driver: full name, address, licence number, insurance.
• check_circleCall us on +382 20 123 456 — we'll coordinate next steps, including a replacement vehicle if needed.

90% of customer drama on Montenegrin roads is parking fines in old towns. Read the blue/yellow line colour code before you walk away from the car.