Thinking about driving yourself in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Here’s exactly what you need to know. Rules, real risks, how to avoid fines, and where most visitors go wrong.
The basics: What you need to drive
- Valid driving licence from your home country (in Roman alphabet; if not, get an International Driving Permit).
- Car registration (promet) and insurance papers. Rentals will provide these.
- Green Card insurance for cross-border trips (Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia). Check with your rental company or ask at the border.
- Reflective vest, warning triangle, first aid kit, spare bulbs are required by law. Rentals usually provide them. Check the boot before leaving the lot.
Winter tyres are the law
Between 1 November and 1 April, every car must use winter tyres or have snow chains in the boot. Police set up random checkpoints on highways and mountain roads—no exceptions for rentals or tourists. Fines are usually 40 BAM or more. If you are renting, always confirm that your car has winter tyres installed.
Speed limits
- Urban (city, towns): 50 km/h unless signed otherwise
- Open road (outside towns): 80 km/h
- Motorways: 120 km/h Speed cameras are increasingly common, both fixed and mobile. Fines start at 50 BAM and go up sharply for 20 km/h or more over the limit.
Police checks: What to expect
Routine police checks are common, especially in winter and around holidays. Police will ask for your driving licence, car registration, and proof of insurance. Stay calm, keep everything together in your glovebox, and show documents promptly.
If you are fined, you can pay on the spot or at a local post office. Police usually give you a receipt.
Drinking and driving: Zero tolerance
Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03 percent—effectively zero for most people. Any sign of drinking or refusal to take a breath test will get you a fine and possibly a ban from driving.
Road quality, tolls, and vignettes
- Main highways are good but secondary roads can be narrow, winding, and slow, especially in rural areas.
- Most major highways charge tolls. Expect to pay about 4 BAM for each 20 to 30 km segment. Pay with cash or card.
- No vignettes required—just collect a ticket at the entry booth and pay at exit.
Parking and city rules
- Paid street parking in city centres. Look for blue or white zone signs.
- Use only official lots or marked spaces. Clamping and towing are common in Sarajevo and Mostar.
Emergencies and roadside help
- For breakdowns, call BiHAMK: 1282. English is usually spoken.
- Emergency number for police, ambulance, fire is 112.
FAQ
Can I cross into Croatia, Serbia, or Montenegro with a rental car?
Yes, but check with your rental company for “Green Card” insurance. Some require a cross-border fee.
Is GPS reliable?
Google Maps and Waze work, but always double-check in rural areas. Road works and one-ways change often.
Are there lots of tunnels and mountain roads?
Yes, especially from Sarajevo to Mostar. Take your time, drive defensively, and always use headlights.
What if I get a fine?
You can pay police on the spot or at a post office. Always get a written receipt.
Can I use my US or UK licence?
Yes for short visits. For longer stays, you may need an International Driving Permit. Always carry both if possible.
For more
Sources
BiHAMK, Bosnia and Herzegovina police, local rental agencies. Checked July 2025.
