Driving in Montenegro: rules and local tips

The basics

Police checks by the road are common, especially in summer. Always carry your driving licence, passport or ID card and the rental agreement.

• dipped headlights on all day
• seat belts on every seat
• children under 12 may not sit in the front seat; small children need a child seat
• phone only with hands-free
• the alcohol limit is low, and stricter for young and new drivers — best not to drink at all

Speed limits

The limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside them, higher on expressways and the motorway — but only where signs say so. On the coastal highway the limit changes every few kilometres, and speed cameras are common at town entrances.

Tolls

Montenegro has no vignette. You pay for the Sozina tunnel (between Podgorica and Bar) and for the Smokovac–Mateševo motorway section heading north. Payment is at the toll booth, in cash or by card; for a passenger car it is a few euros.

The coastal highway in summer

From July to late August the Budva–Bečići stretch and the approaches to Kotor and Herceg Novi can come to a standstill. Leave early in the morning for day trips and avoid driving back from the beach around 6 pm. The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry shortens the drive around the bay, but it also has queues in summer.

Mountain roads and serpentines

Roads to Lovćen, Durmitor and the canyons are narrow, with little room to pass. Sounding the horn before a blind bend is normal here. Cows, sheep and fallen rocks are common on the road, so avoid driving in the mountains at night whenever you can.

Winter equipment

From mid-November to early April, winter equipment is mandatory on many roads, especially in the north. If you are heading to Kolašin or Žabljak in that period, check with the company that the car has winter tyres and chains.

Fuel and petrol stations

There are enough stations along the main roads, but fewer in the north — fill up before heading into the mountains. Fuel prices are the same at every station because the state sets them weekly. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.