Driving advice for every country in Europe

From required documents to European breakdown cover and vehicle accessories, find all the up-to-date driving laws and advice for every country in Europe in our travel guides.

Driving in Montenegro

Montenegro
Population: 615,000
Area: 13,812 square kilometres
Currency: Euro (EUR) € = 100 cents
As one of Europe’s newest countries, the small Balkan state of Montenegro isn’t on many travel itineraries – but with its dramatic Adriatic coastline, idyllic old towns and rugged interior, you may want to visit before that changes. 

Driving is a great way to experience this Montenegrin magic, but if you’re planning a road trip to the Balkans it’s essential you’re fully prepared ahead of time as driving there has many differences to the UK. 

To make your journey to Montenegro as safe and effortless as possible, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know before you go, from required documents to rules of the road.  

Driving a rented vehicle? Jump to the advice for driving a hire car in Montenegro section.

RAC European Breakdown Cover (Basic and Comprehensive) provides a wide range of benefits should you breakdown in Montenegro to ensure you stay safe. 

To supplement this, RAC also offers travel insurance. Cover will include medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings, among many other benefits.

Things to take when driving in Montenegro

driving-in-montenegro-advice

Documents for driving in Montenegro

  • A valid, full UK driving licence
  • A UK sticker. Please note the GB sticker is no longer valid due to a change in UK driving rules
  • Your motor insurance certificate
  • V5 registration document or hire car paperwork
European Breakdown Cover

European Breakdown Cover

Instant cover available for just £4.17 a day*.

 

*Price is based on European comprehensive breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in zone 1.

 

European Breakdown Cover

Driving in Montenegro packing checklist

Aside from the documents above, there are some legally-required items you must bring with you to drive in Montenegro.

Unless your headlights can be adjusted, it's a legal requirement to carry headlamp converters (stickers for your headlights when driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way).

A warning triangle is also compulsory to carry in vehicles in case of a breakdown.

It's also recommended to have:

  • Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
  • A fire extinguisher 
  • A first-aid kit
  • A reflective jacket
  • Have antifreeze in the windscreen fluid and a shovel to clear snow if you’re driving in winter
  • A Green Card (this is no longer a requirement, but it could be useful to back-up your insurance documents and show you've got the minimum legal level of cover. To find out more, contact your insurance company)

You can pick up all the car kit you need from RAC Shop.

Rules of the road in Montenegro

  • Use dipped headlights during the daytime all year round and on all roads
  • Make sure everyone in the car wears a seat belt at all times
  • Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle or moped
  • In Montenegro, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Vehicles from the right generally have priority
  • Horns should only be used when an audible warning is required to prevent an accident
  • If you're caught committing a minor driving offence while travelling through Montenegro, you could be given an on-the-spot fine
  • Seat belts must be worn in all seats where a belt is available
  • Children under 5 years of age must use an appropriate restraint or child seat. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the front passenger seat
  • The drink-drive limit for all drivers is 0.03%. Random tests are carried out by police officers if a driver is suspected of being over the limit 

Montenegrin speed limits

Speed limits in built-up areas are 50km/h unless otherwise stated via local signs. Outside these areas, the limit is 80km/h and 100km/h on faster expressway routes.

Other things you should know when driving in Montenegro

driving-in-montenegro-tips

  • Montenegro does not have any motorways or toll roads, although a charge is levied on the Sozina tunnel, linking the capital Podgorica with the Adriatic coastline
  • Unleaded petrol and diesel are readily available throughout Montenegro – there are no automatic petrol pumps
  • There are no parking meters in Montenegro, and payments in car parks are usually made to an attendant 

In an emergency

112 - Here's a really important bit of knowledge; you can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you're visiting.

Operators can answer your call in their native language, English or French.

Breaking down in Montenegro

RAC offers great-value, flexible RAC European breakdown cover tailored to meet your needs. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings.

Driving a hire car in Montenegro

Not all of the information in the guide above will be relevant to those looking to rent a hire car in Montenegro.

Though it might be a good idea to read through everything anyway, here are the most important things to know for drivers of rental vehicles:

Rental information

  • The minimum age to hire a car is 21
  • You need a full, valid UK driving licence and usually a second proof of ID (passport)
  • Some car rental companies ask that you have held your licence for a minimum term - check with your hire company first
  • Some companies require you to use a credit card for deposit
  • You may not be able to drive outside of Montenegro unless planned in advance - check with your hire company first
  • Make sure you get car hire excess insurance before your trip to protect yourself from unexpected costs. It's almost always cheaper to do this with a separate insurer and in advance

Hire car driving tips

  • Montenegrins drive on the right and overtake on the left - the opposite to the UK
  • Speed limits in built-up areas are 50km/h unless otherwise stated via local signs. Outside these areas, the limit is 80km/h and 100km/h on faster expressway routes.
  • Dial 112 in an emergency
  • It’s compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats
  • The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.03%. That's lower than thewhole of the UK

Car hire excess cover

Protect yourself from unexpected excess costs when hiring a car.

Car hire excess cover
Car hire excess cover

Driving in Montenegro FAQs

  • Is it safe to drive in Montenegro?

    Montenegro is a relatively safe country for motorists although be aware that the quality of the road network can vary considerably. This is especially the case in rural areas, including the Moraca Canyon, which can be dangerous in poor weather.

    Generally speaking, the roads leading to the coast are much better maintained, but as driving in any foreign country, it’s important to familiarise yourself with driving laws in Montenegro to ensure you stay safe on the roads.

  • Can you drive in Montenegro with a UK licence?

    Yes. You can legally drive in Montenegro with a full and valid UK driving licence. You don’t need an International Driving Permit, although it could provide extra peace of mind if you have one.

  • Do I need a green card to drive in Montenegro?

    Like the UK, Montenegro is a member of the Green Card System, a Europe-wide scheme that allows countries to recognise foreign vehicle insurance policies of visiting motorists.

    UK motorists are no longer required to carry a green card to drive in Montenegro, but you should check that your policy will cover you in all countries you plan to visit before setting off.

  • What side of the road do they drive on in Montenegro?

    As in most European countries, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Montenegro.

  • Can I drive my car in Montenegro?

    Yes, so long as you have all your essential documents, including a valid UK licence, V5 document and sufficient insurance for your trip.

    You should also familiarise yourself with the laws around driving in Montenegro and ensure you have all the required items needed for your journey (such as a warning triangle and headlamp converters). That applies to any other country you’re planning to drive through too.

  • How do I drive to Montenegro?

    If you’re planning on visiting Montenegro by car, prepare yourself for an epic European adventure that takes in some of the continent’s best sights and cultures.

    As ever, start by crossing the channel before heading through France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and, finally, Montenegro. In total, the drive from Calais to Podgorica takes 23hrs non-stop.

  • What age can you start driving in Montenegro?

    To legally drive in Montenegro, you must be 18 years or older and in possession of a full valid driving licence.

  • Does Montenegro have toll roads?

    No, although a charge is levied to use the Sozina tunnel, which links the capital Podgorica with the Adriatic coastline.

  • Do you need winter tyres to drive in Montenegro?

    Winter tyres are required in Montenegro should weather conditions require them, so consider your tyre usage if travelling during winter months and if you’re planning on driving around the country’s mountainous regions.

  • When do my lights need to be switched on in Montenegro?

    Headlights set to dipped beam must be used whatever time of day you’re driving and regardless of whether it’s sunny or not. This is to make sure you’re always visible to other drivers so you stay safe.

UK Government travel advice

See up-to-date travel advice


Information in this guide is subject to change

British Embassy Podgorica

Ulcinjska 8, Gorica C
Podgorica
81000
Montenegro

Telephone: +382 (0) 20 420 100

Fax: +382 (0) 20 420 140