Renting a car in Albania is a fantastic way to explore this beautiful country at your own pace.

Traffic Rules in Albania

When driving in Albania, you must adhere to the following traffic rules:

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts must be worn by all occupants.
  • Using mobile phones while driving is prohibited, except for hands-free devices.
  • Children under 12 years old or shorter than 150 cm must use appropriate child seats or booster cushions.
  • Headlights must be used during nighttime and in poor visibility conditions, such as fog or heavy rain.
  • The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.01% for new drivers (with less than two years of experience) and 0.05% for experienced drivers.
  • Be aware of unique traffic signs, such as the "No Overtaking" sign.
  • Exercise caution, as Albanian drivers are known for aggressive driving and may not always follow traffic rules.

Speed Limits in Albania

Speed limits in Albania vary depending on the type of road:

  • Urban areas: 40 km/h (25 mph)
  • Non-urban roads: 80 km/h (50 mph)
  • Highways: 110 km/h (68 mph)

Fines in Albania

Fines for traffic violations in Albania (in Albanian lek and EUR equivalent) include:

  • Speeding: 5,000 to 30,000 ALL (€40 to €240), depending on the excess speed
  • Not wearing a seat belt: 3,000 ALL (€24)
  • Using a mobile phone while driving: 5,000 ALL (€40)
  • Parking violations: 2,000 to 10,000 ALL (€16 to €80), depending on the severity of the offense
  • Running a red light: 12,000 ALL (€96)
  • Drunk driving: 10,000 to 50,000 ALL (€80 to €400), depending on the blood alcohol level
  • Children without child seats: 5,000 ALL (€40)

Fines can be paid at the nearest police station, post office, or bank within 20 days from the date of issuance.

Road Police in Albania

There are limited cameras on Albanian roads, but the road police, known as "Policia Rrugore," are responsible for maintaining traffic safety and enforcing traffic rules. If stopped by road police, remain calm, provide the requested documents, and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to offer bribes, as this can lead to more severe penalties. The emergency phone number to call in case of a road accident is 112.