Driving in Montenegro: Tips for Visitors

Montenegro is a beautiful country with stunning coastal roads, winding mountain passes, and charming small towns. Driving here can be an incredibly scenic and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. As someone who’s driven through Montenegro’s narrow mountain roads and lively coastal routes, I’ve got plenty of advice to make your trip safe, smooth, and enjoyable.

Here’s everything you need to know before hitting the road in Montenegro:

Traffic Side and Road Etiquette in Montenegro

Driving Side

In Montenegro, you drive on the right-hand side of the road, just like in most of continental Europe. If you’re coming from a country that drives on the left, like the UK, it may take a little time to adjust. Roundabouts are also navigated counterclockwise.

Overtaking Etiquette

Drivers in Montenegro can be a bit assertive, especially on narrow mountain roads or the Adriatic Highway (Jadranska magistrala). Don’t be surprised if locals overtake on winding roads, but stay cautious—curves can be sharp, and visibility is often limited. Always check your mirrors and allow faster vehicles to pass.

General Road Culture

While the roads are generally in good condition, drivers can be unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to see people stopping abruptly to take photos of the stunning views or drive slower to enjoy the scenery. Keep an eye out for unexpected stops or pedestrians crossing in small villages. Locals might honk to say thanks or to signal a quick warning, but it’s usually friendly rather than aggressive.

Speed Limits and Traffic Rules in Montenegro

Speed Limits

The speed limits in Montenegro vary depending on the type of road:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Open roads: 80 km/h (50 mph)
• Highways: 100 km/h (62 mph)

Speed cameras are increasingly common, especially in tourist-heavy regions. Stick to the limits to avoid fines (and because some roads are quite narrow, driving slower is simply safer).

Seatbelt and Child Safety

Seatbelts are mandatory for both drivers and passengers in Montenegro. For child safety, children under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat, and young children must use appropriate car seats. Make sure to rent a car seat if you’re traveling with kids, as police may stop you for non-compliance.

Alcohol Limits

Montenegro has strict drinking and driving laws. The blood alcohol limit is 0.3 mg/ml for most drivers. However, professional drivers and those with less than three years of driving experience must maintain a 0.0 mg/ml limit. In short: if you’re planning to drive, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether.

Navigating Montenegro’s Roads: Tunnels, Roundabouts, and More

Road Conditions

Montenegro has a mix of road types, from modern highways to winding rural roads. While most major routes, such as the road from Podgorica to the coast, are well-paved, some smaller roads (especially in the mountains) can be narrow and without guardrails. Be extra cautious in rainy weather—roads can become slippery, and fog is common in higher altitudes.

If you’re driving along the coast, expect busy roads during summer, with heavy traffic, especially around popular towns like Kotor and Budva. In the mountains, roads are more peaceful, but the terrain is rugged, and hairpin turns are frequent.

Roundabouts

Montenegro uses roundabouts in many towns and cities. The general rule: yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Locals tend to drive confidently through them, but as a visitor, take it easy and make sure you signal when exiting.

Tunnels and Bridges

Montenegro’s mountainous terrain means you’ll be driving through many tunnels and across bridges. Some tunnels are narrow and unlit, so make sure to turn on your headlights (even in daylight). Be prepared for sudden changes in light conditions, especially when entering or exiting tunnels.

Road Safety: Tolls, Fuel, and Emergencies

Toll Roads

Montenegro doesn’t have a vast toll road system, but there are a few toll sections, such as the Sozina tunnel, which connects the coast to Podgorica. The tolls are affordable (around €2.50 for a regular car) and can be paid in cash. Always carry some change in euros for such cases.

Fuel Availability

Fuel stations are fairly frequent along major roads and highways, especially in tourist regions. However, if you’re heading into more remote mountain areas, fill up your tank beforehand. Fuel prices in Montenegro are comparable to other European countries, and most stations accept both cash and cards.

Documents Required

Make sure to have the following documents when driving in Montenegro:

• A valid driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is recommended, especially if your license is not in the Roman alphabet).
• Vehicle registration papers if you’re renting a car.
• Proof of insurance (most rental cars come with insurance, but double-check).

You may encounter police checkpoints where they’ll ask for these documents, so keep them handy.

Emergency Numbers

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for general emergencies, or 122 for the police. Montenegro has a responsive emergency system, but it’s best to stay calm and explain your situation clearly. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but in remote regions, you might need to rely on translation apps or guides.

Conclusion

Driving in Montenegro is an adventure full of breathtaking landscapes and exciting roads. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or exploring the mountains, you’ll enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with having your own car. Just remember to stay alert, respect the local driving culture, and keep safety in mind.

With my tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Montenegro’s roads with confidence. Enjoy your trip, and take it slow—you won’t want to miss any of the incredible views along the way!

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