Navigation on the roads of Albania: Important Information
Navigation on the roads of Albania: Important Information
Traveling in Albania requires a certain level of agility, as local drivers sometimes deviate from commonly accepted norms. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution and prudence, especially until you become accustomed to the typical dynamics of Albanian roads. We will provide a brief overview of driving rules and peculiarities in Albania for foreign travelers.
Are international driver's licenses mandatory in Albania?ย
To drive in Albania, you need to have valid driver's licenses and an International Driver's Permit (IDP). However, it's worth noting that international permits allow you to drive in Albania for one year. After this period, obtaining Albanian domestic driver's licenses became a requirement. To initiate the process of applying for an Albanian driver's license, you must provide documents such as a passport photo, a signature, images of your driver's licenses (front and back), and passport photos.
Penalties for not having international driver's licenses in Albaniaย
The financial penalty for not having a valid International Driver's Permit (IDP) in Albania varies depending on local laws and regulations. Currently, the fine for not having international driver's licenses in Albania is approximately 10,000 lek, which is equivalent to about 110 US dollars.
Traffic rules in Albaniaย
โ Traffic moves on the right side of the road.ย
โ The minimum legal driving age is 18 years.ย
โ All car passengers must always wear seat belts.ย
โ Hands-free mobile communication systems can be used while driving.ย
โ Foreign drivers must carry valid driver's licenses, international driver's permits, passports, vehicle registration, and insurance documents while driving.ย
โ Recommended car equipment includes a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, an emergency stop sign, and basic tools for roadside repairs.ย
โ Speed limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in residential areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) outside residential areas, and 110 km/h (68 mph) on highways.ย
โ The permissible blood alcohol concentration is 0.01 mg/ml.ย
โ Every vehicle must be equipped with an emergency stop sign and a reflective vest.
Additional driving rules in Albania:ย
Driving a car in Albania can be challenging due to generally poor road conditions. Night driving outside major cities is discouraged for safety reasons. There are no toll roads in Albania. Car rental requires a valid driver's license with a minimum of three years of issuance. The minimum rental age is 21 years, and international driver's licenses are required for car rental. In the event of an accident, the driver must wait for the police to arrive. When entering Albania in a foreign vehicle, road tax is paid by the driver. Customs officers provide a road tax certificate, which must be kept until leaving the country and submitted to customs when exiting Albania.