Driving in Montenegro: Complete Tourist Guide

Montenegro is one of the most scenic driving destinations in Europe. Before you pick up your rental car, here is everything you need to know — speed limits, alcohol rules, border crossings, road conditions, and required documents.

Required Documents

When driving in Montenegro you must carry these documents at all times:

• Valid driving licence — EU licences are fully accepted. Non-EU drivers are strongly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence.
• Passport or national identity card.
• Vehicle registration certificate — provided with every Happy Car Rental vehicle.
• Green Card insurance certificate — included in your rental, covers Montenegro and neighbouring countries.

Speed Limits

Speed limits in Montenegro are enforced by radar and police patrols, especially on the coastal road and approaches to Budva and Kotor.

• Urban areas: 50 km/h
• Outside urban areas: 80 km/h
• Expressways: 100 km/h
• Motorways: 130 km/h

Alcohol Limit

Montenegro enforces a blood alcohol limit of 0.3‰ — lower than the EU average of 0.5‰. For drivers under 21, the limit is zero. Penalties include immediate licence confiscation and heavy fines. Our advice: if you plan to drink, do not drive at all.

Border Crossings

Happy Car Rental vehicles are permitted to cross into all neighbouring countries. You can drive across the border into Croatia, Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina without any additional approval — just inform us when booking so we can prepare the correct documentation. Your rental includes a Green Card that is valid in all of these countries.

Tip: the border crossing into Croatia at Debeli Brijeg (Budva direction) can have long queues in peak summer. Consider crossing early in the morning or late evening.

Winter Driving and Mountain Roads

Winter equipment (winter tyres or snow chains) is mandatory on mountain roads from 15 November to 31 March. This applies to roads to Žabljak (Durmitor), Lovćen, and other highland areas. All Happy Car Rental vehicles used in winter are equipped accordingly. The Sozina tunnel (between Bar and Podgorica, €3.50 toll) is a good alternative to the mountain pass in bad weather.

Road Conditions and Tips

• Coastal road (Budva–Kotor): scenic but narrow with many hairpin bends. Allow more time than the distance suggests. Pedestrians and cyclists share the road, especially in summer.
• Budva–Žabljak (Durmitor): approximately 3 hours, mountain road with stunning views. Take it slow; the road narrows significantly after Šavnik.
• Podgorica–Bar motorway: toll road (€3.50 through Sozina tunnel), fastest route between the capital and the coast.
• Parking in Budva: the old town area has paid parking zones (blue and yellow lines). Peak summer parking is limited — consider parking outside the old town and walking.

Tolls and Fuel

Most roads in Montenegro are toll-free. The main exceptions are the Bar–Boljare motorway and the Sozina tunnel (€3.50). Petrol stations are plentiful along the coast and near major cities; less so in the mountains — fill up before heading inland. Both petrol (benzin) and diesel are widely available. The fuel type for your rental vehicle is stated in the rental agreement.

Key Traffic Rules

• Drive on the right side of the road.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, including rear seats.
• Mobile phones may only be used hands-free while driving.
• Daytime running lights are mandatory throughout the year.
• Children under 12 must use an appropriate child seat or booster. Child seats can be added to your reservation.

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 122
• Ambulance: 124
• Fire brigade: 123
• Road assistance (AMSCG): 19807
• Happy Car Rental 24/7: +382 68 487 321

If you have an accident: stop safely, call the police (122), do not move the vehicles before police arrive, and contact us immediately. Document the scene with photos.