Guide to Driving in Croatia

Croatia can be a relaxing country to drive in, mainly because of the landscapes. The traffic is on the right and overtakes are on the left. The condition of most intercity roads is impressive. You will have no problem navigating on them. However, in cities the traffic is intense so there might be some cracks and holes here and there. More than 25% of Croatia’s borders are meeting the Adriatic Sea. That’s why we have to say that traffic in those areas is a nightmare during the summer. Avoid, if possible, the West Coast of Croatia. Around cities the traffic lights and signals offer a familiar view. It will be easy for you to figure out the rules because all the road signs are respecting the ‘Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals’. Note that only school busses have the right of way when leaving the station. In large cities like Zagreb or Split there are special areas in which you can park. Often they use a toll system; you pay once you park or once you leave. Local drivers may act reckless if they are provoked, so drive defensively.

Police cars in Croatia are easy to distinct from the rest of the cars. They are white with blue stripes on the sides and with their national logo on the hood. Also, the word ‘POLICIJA’ is placed on these 3 spots. Traffic controls are a familiar view, especially if you drive a foreign car. The documents needed are: your national driver’s license, the car’s insurance policy, your identification card and the car’s registration certificate. An international driver’s permit is needed only if you’re from a non-UE country.

Essential Driving Information

• It is mandatory for all passengers, including the driver of a car to wear the seatbelt. Note that children under 12 are required to stay in the back seats.
• Some bridges or sections of roads require a small tax in order to drive on them. Motorways use a toll system as well.
• You are not allowed to use your mobile device without a hands-free system attached properly.
• You are prompted to use the dipped beam all the time between October and March. In the other months you need to use them only when the visibility drops.