The best way to explore the mountainous country of Montenegro is by car. This is the easiest way to get to the most beautiful places, such as historic cities, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking viewpoints in the mountains.
Whether you rent a car upon arrival at the airport or ferry port, or drive your own car to Montenegro, chances are that you will have to get used to the traffic abroad if you are not used to it.
In addition, you have to take into account special circumstances such as different traffic rules, toll roads, mandatory equipment in the car, and other things that you may not be aware of. That is why we have listed everything you need to know about driving in Montenegro for you.
Advantages Of A Car In Montenegro
Once you have booked your flight and accommodation for your holiday in Montenegro, there are several ways to explore the area. For example, you can use the bus connections between the various coastal towns and other cities, or you can book a guided tour.
However, having either your own car or a rental car offers the most advantages if you really want to explore the country. You’ll experience the ultimate freedom of putting together your own itinerary for your holiday and the flexibility to adjust your plans whenever you want.
Public transport in Montenegro is fairly limited, and with a car, you are therefore not dependent on the available connections, and you don’t have to plan your days around the departure times of the buses. A car is also fast and efficient, so you save time and get more out of your holiday.
You also have the comfort of door-to-door transport and the privacy of your own travel group.
In addition, you save on the costs of expensive excursions, and you can put together your own day trips without having to take into account a fixed programme. You can also decide for yourself how much time you spend somewhere and where and when you stop along the way.
The most important advantage of a car is perhaps the possibility to visit places in Montenegro that you would otherwise not be able to reach, such as the most beautiful beaches, historic villages and castles, beautiful nature and other sights.
If you have your own transport, you can also book accommodation in a less accessible place. This way, you often get more value for your money and you can, for example, wake up with a beautiful view.
Finally, a car also offers the possibility to take more things with you that make your trip just that little bit more comfortable. For example, you can bring more things to the beach or take a detour to a supermarket to buy groceries for a picnic in the mountains.
Driving Requirements
To drive in Montenegro, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving license from your country of residence. You only need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your driver’s license is not in the Latin or Cyrillic script.
If you take your own vehicle into Montenegro, you must also carry your vehicle’s registration document and proof of insurance with you. Before you enter the country, don’t forget to check that your insurance is valid in Montenegro.
Toll Roads
Unlike in some other European countries like Austria and Slovenia, you don’t need to buy a toll vignette to drive in Montenegro. There are, however, two road sections where you have to pay a toll for each passage:
- A1: between Smokovac (to the east of Podgorica) and Mateševo
- E65/E80: Sozina Tunnel between Podgorica and Bar
Payment can simply be made at the toll booths, and both cash (euros) and cards are accepted.
Environmental Zones
Unlike in some other European countries, Montenegro doesn’t have any environmental zones with restrictive measures for traffic. So there’s no need to buy an environmental sticker for your car.
Mandatory Equipment
When driving through Montenegro by car, you are required to have the following items with you in the car:
- Warning triangle (2x with a trailer or caravan)
- Reflective safety vest
- First aid kit (with a valid expiry date)
When you rent a car upon arrival (or in another country) to drive through Montenegro, make sure to check that all mandatory equipment is present when you pick it up.
Motorcyclists only need to carry a reflective safety vest and a first aid kit.
Winter Tires And Snow Chaines
In Montenegro, winter tires are mandatory on some roads between November 15 and April 1, regardless of the weather conditions. In winter conditions, winter tires are mandatory on all roads.
Winter tires must be mounted on at least the drive wheels and have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm.
In winter, it is also recommended to carry snow chains. On roads marked with a round blue traffic sign showing a white tire with a snow chain, the use of snow chains is mandatory if the road surface is covered with snow or ice. Studded tires, on the other hand, are always prohibited.
Traffic Rules
We’re not going to cover all traffic rules and signs in Montenegro here, as they are mostly similar to international standards. However, we have listed a few rules and other peculiarities that might be different from what you’re used to in your home country.
Speed Limits
Unless indicated otherwise by signs, the speed limits in Albania are as follows:
Cars, Motorcycles, And Campers (<3,500 Kg)
- Within built-up areas: 50 km/h
- Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h
- Express roads: 100 km/h
Campers (>3,500 Kg) And Cars A Trailer
- Within built-up areas: 50 km/h
- Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h
- Express roads: 80 km/h
Lighting
In Montenegro, it is mandatory to drive with daytime running lights (DRL) on during the day. If your car does not have a specific setting for daytime running lights, then you should turn on your normal low beams.
If you are driving in a tunnel or the weather conditions obstruct your visibility, then daytime running lights are not sufficient, so you must use your low beams instead.
Parking
In Montenegro, parking is not allowed in the following places:
- At or near a junction, bend, or hilltop.
- At a bus or tram stop or a taxi rank.
- When parking forms an obstruction to other traffic or blocks access to a driveway or entrance to a building.
- On a sidewalk, unless it is indicated that this is allowed, and at least 1 meter of space is left for pedestrians to pass.
- When it is indicated by a sign.
Mobile Phone
In Montenegro, drivers of motorized vehicles are not allowed to hold or use a mobile phone or other communication device while driving. Hands-free calling is allowed.
Alcohol And Drugs
In Montenegro, the maximum permitted blood alcohol level for a driver is 0.3 ‰, which is slightly lower than in some other European countries. It is also not permitted to transport someone in the front seat who is visibly under the influence.
For driving under the influence of drugs, there is a zero tolerance policy.
Paid Parking
In Montenegro, paid parking is in effect in a growing number of places, including cities (or parts thereof), and busy tourist areas.
If there are parking meters, you can often pay in advance with coins and sometimes with a debit or credit card. These machines will give you a ticket that you need to place behind the windshield. Sometimes you have to enter your license plate number, in which case it’s not necessary to place the ticket in the car.
You can often also pay by SMS or via a parking app such as EasyPark, Trafik, or Digitalni Kiosk. Sometimes there are different zones, so pay close attention to the signs before you pay. In some places you can also buy a physical parking ticket at a kiosk.
At parking lots and garages that are closed off with barriers, you pay afterwards for the exact time you parked, and you can often pay with either cash or a debit card. Many tourist locations also have private guarded parking lots that charge a daily rate.
In busy tourist locations, finding a parking space can sometimes be a real challenge during the summer months. It is therefore advisable to book accommodation that includes private parking or that has ample public parking nearby.
Petrol Station
Montenegro generally has good coverage in terms of petrol stations offering both petrol and diesel. Gas (LPG) is available at more than 70 petrol stations, but depending on your type of connection, you might need to use an adapter.
Usually, you don’t have to fill up yourself, because in most cases, a service employee will do it for you. Most petrol stations in Montenegro accept card payments and have long opening hours. Some of them at busier places are even open 24/7.
Charging Electric Vehicles
Although the number of charging stations for electric cars in Montenegro is steadily increasing, the number is still very limited, and the coverage is poor, especially in the sparsely populated countryside. In addition, the mountainous landscape can also cause the indicated range to fluctuate continuously, and the range might end up being a lot less than initially displayed when you started your journey.
With an electric car, a road trip through or beyond Montenegro requires very careful planning, so we don’t recommend it. If you’re constantly worrying about whether you will reach your destination or you have to make regular detours to charge your car, it will distract you from enjoying your holiday.
If you fly to Montenegro, it is definitely better to rent a car with traditional fuel upon arrival.
Emergency Numbers
In case of emergencies on the road, you can call the following numbers:
- General emergencies: 112
- Police: 122
- Ambulance: 124
- Fire brigade: 123
- Breakdown service: 19807
Renting A Car In Montenegro
Rental cars can be found in many places, such as at the airports of Pogorica and Tivat or the ferry port in Bar, but also in most cities and other tourist places.
To rent a car in Albania, you usually have to be at least 21 years old, and some rental companies require you to have a minimum of 2 years of driving experience. Some rental companies have set a higher minimum age, and in some cases, an additional fee might be applicable for young drivers under the age of 25.
To rent a car, you will need the following documents:
- Valid ID (passport or ID card)
- Valid driver’s license
- A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) if your driver’s license is not in the Latin or Cyrillic script, although some rental companies might also require it for licenses issued outside the EU or EEA
- Credit card in the name of the main driver
In general, rental cars in Montenegro are relatively affordable, especially outside the high season. However, the price can vary depending on the location, time of year, and type of vehicle. Prices often go up as demand increases and the high season approaches, just like with hotels and airline tickets.
It is therefore advisable to search and book a rental car in advance, for example via the car rental section on our website.
Driving A Rental Car Across The Border
If you want to drive a Montenegrin rental car across the border, or come to Montenegro with a foreign rental car, you’ll first have to inquire about the possibilities at the car rental company.
Oftentimes, this is possible, but there might be restrictions and additional costs involved. Unlike neighboring Croatia, Montenegro and its other neighbors, Albania, Serbia, and Kosovo are not part of the EU, so there might be more formalities involved in crossing the border.
You might have to show proof of insurance and a declaration of consent from the rental company. For providing these formalities, the rental company can charge additional administration costs.