Road rules in Montenegro

A temporary visitor needs a valid licence for the appropriate vehicle category and must carry it. Where required, an international driving permit accompanies the national licence. Before travelling, check the requirement for the country that issued your licence and the type you hold. Information about an ordinary valid national licence does not automatically cover a probationary or provisional licence. The first question below the article examines the international-permit issue in more detail.

For a rental car, have the agreement, vehicle documents and insurance details ready. Check that every intended driver is accepted and named as required by the company. The minimum age, required experience, deposit and insurance depend on the particular offer and agreement. A legal right to drive does not oblige every company to rent you a car. If your trip includes another country, check the rental company’s permission and insurance for that journey separately.

The driver and passengers must use the seat belts fitted, including those in the rear. Under Article 25, a child under five years old must travel in a secured child seat or infant carrier. A child under 12 must not travel in the front seat. There is a narrow exception for a child under three years old in a rear-facing seat where the car has no airbag for that position or it is switched off. When booking, state the child’s age and check which seat you will receive and how it fits the chosen car.

Use a phone while driving only with equipment that allows hands-free operation. Enter your destination and connect the device before moving off. If you need to change the route or read a message, stop safely first. Under the general rule, a driver is considered under the influence at an alcohol level above 0.3 g/kg, while young and novice drivers must have none in their system. Do not turn that threshold into a calculation of how many drinks you can have. Plan to avoid alcohol on any day you drive.

Dipped headlights or daytime running lights are compulsory during the day. In a tunnel or conditions requiring dipped headlights, select the appropriate setting rather than relying solely on daytime running lights. At collection, check how the lights work in that particular car. Daytime running lights and the lights needed to illuminate the road serve different functions.

Ask to be shown the warning triangle, reflective vest and first-aid kit. A passenger car must carry a vest and one first-aid kit. Keep the vest somewhere you can reach before getting out. If the car is forced to stop on the carriageway in circumstances requiring a warning, switch on the hazard lights and place the triangle behind it. The legal minimum is 50 m outside a built-up area and 10 m within one, with enough advance visibility. Adapt your actions to the immediate danger and do not step into traffic to measure the distance.

At a police check, stop as instructed and have your licence and vehicle documents ready. If you receive a notice or other document about an offence, check what it concerns and the deadline and procedure stated on it. Keep the document and proof of any payment. Another traveller’s account of an amount or payment method cannot replace your official document.

After a collision, first assess injuries and immediate danger. Call 112 for emergency assistance and coordination, or 122 to reach the police. The European Accident Statement is intended for a collision with no injuries, damage confined to vehicles, both vehicles able to continue and agreement between those involved about the circumstances. The absence of injuries alone is not enough. With a rental car, notify the company immediately and check the agreed procedure and documents required for a damage claim. Signing the form does not itself confirm that every insurance condition has been met.