Driving Laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Complete Guide
Current information, rules, and requirements for international drivers
Quick Facts - Bosnia and Herzegovina
| Driving Side | Right |
|---|---|
| Steering Wheel | Left |
| Speed Units | km/h |
| Minimum Driving Age | 18 |
| Car Rental Age | 21-70 |
| Seat Belt Required | |
|---|---|
| Blood Alcohol Limit | 0.03% |
| IDP Required | Sometimes |
| Toll Roads | |
| Emergency Number | 122 |
Introduction
Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a rewarding way to explore its stunning landscapes, from the historic streets of Sarajevo and Mostar to the dramatic Dinaric Alps. The country follows right-hand traffic, with vehicles having the steering wheel on the left side, which is familiar for most European and North American drivers. Road infrastructure varies considerably: major motorways and highways are generally well-maintained, while rural and mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and occasionally affected by weather conditions or ongoing development. The local currency is the Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark, abbreviated as BAM or KM, and it is useful to carry cash for fuel stations, parking, and tolls, especially in rural areas where card payment may not be accepted. Tourists commonly rent cars at airports in Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Banja Luka, or in larger cities, finding it an excellent way to reach remote natural attractions. However, drivers should be prepared for occasional aggressive overtaking, livestock on rural roads, and landmine warning signs in certain remote areas where it is critical to stay on paved surfaces.Is It Easy to Drive There?
Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be moderately challenging for tourists. Road quality is mixed: newly constructed motorways like the A1 between Sarajevo and Mostar are excellent, while secondary roads can be poorly lit, lack guardrails, and have sudden sharp curves. Traffic in Sarajevo is notoriously congested during rush hours, and parking is scarce. Mountain roads require confident driving skills, particularly in the regions of Herzegovina and central Bosnia, where steep gradients and switchbacks are common. Signage is generally good on main routes but can be sporadic on rural roads. Local driving behavior can be assertive, with overtaking in unexpected places. Overall, defensive driving and patience are essential, but with careful planning, navigating the country independently is entirely feasible.Driving Side
Bosnia and Herzegovina operates with right-hand traffic, meaning vehicles drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. The steering wheel is positioned on the left side of the vehicle. This aligns with the majority of mainland Europe and North America, making it intuitive for most international visitors. If you are arriving from a left-hand traffic country such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or Japan, take extra care at junctions, roundabouts, and when overtaking, as the spatial awareness required is fundamentally different from what you are accustomed to.Speed Limits
| Road Type | Speed Limit | Enforcement Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas / Built-Up Areas | 50 km/h | Strictly enforced near schools and pedestrian crossings; radar controls are frequent. |
| Rural Roads / Outside Built-Up Areas | 80 km/h | Police patrols with mobile speed cameras are common on major regional roads. |
| Expressways | 100 km/h | Speed limits are clearly signposted; fines increase significantly above this threshold. |
| Motorways / Highways | 130 km/h | Enforced by traffic police and fixed speed cameras on sections of the A1 motorway. |
Seat Belt Laws
Seat belt use is mandatory for all occupants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of whether they are in the front or rear seats. The driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers under the age of 18 are properly restrained. Failure to wear a seat belt results in an on-the-spot fine of 40 BAM (approximately $22 USD). Children under the age of 5 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system. Children between the ages of 5 and 12, or those under 150 cm in height, must use a booster seat or an appropriate child seat. Taxis are generally exempt from these child restraint requirements for short urban journeys, but it is strongly recommended to plan ahead if traveling with children.Child Seat Rules
Children under 5 years of age must be seated in a dedicated child safety seat appropriate for their weight. Children aged 5 to 12 years, or those measuring less than 150 cm in height, are legally required to use a booster seat. The use of rear-facing child seats on the front passenger seat is permitted only if the airbag is deactivated. ISOFIX anchorage points are common in modern rental vehicles, but it is advisable to confirm availability with the rental agency in advance. Exceptions to these rules are made for medical reasons with proper documentation, but for the vast majority of travelers, strict adherence is expected and enforced.Drink Driving Laws
Bosnia and Herzegovina enforces strict drink-driving laws. The maximum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.03% for all drivers, which is lower than in many European countries. For professional drivers, novice drivers who have held a license for less than two years, and drivers of commercial vehicles, the limit is effectively 0.00%. If your BAC is between 0.03% and 0.05%, you face a fine starting at 100 BAM (approximately $56 USD) and a potential driving ban. A BAC exceeding 0.05% can result in fines of 400 to 1,000 BAM (approximately $224 to $560 USD), a mandatory court appearance, and a license suspension of up to three months. Refusing a breathalyzer test is considered an offense carrying equivalent penalties.Mobile Phone Rules
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes holding the device for calls, texting, or browsing. Hands-free systems and Bluetooth headsets are permitted provided they do not obstruct the driver's full control of the vehicle. GPS devices may be used if they are mounted on a dashboard or windscreen mount and do not impair the driver's view. The fine for illegal mobile phone use is 40 BAM (approximately $22 USD). Police actively enforce this law, particularly in urban areas, and the offense can contribute to point accumulation on your driving record if held locally.Required Documents
To legally drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must carry the following documents at all times: a valid passport for identification, a full and valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit if your license is not in the Latin script or is from a non-recognized state, the vehicle registration document if driving a private vehicle, a valid motor insurance green card or proof of local third-party liability insurance, and your rental contract and authorization if driving a rental car. Border police and local traffic authorities conduct random checks, and failure to produce these documents can result in fines of 50 to 150 BAM (approximately $28 to $84 USD).International Driving Permit (IDP)
An International Driving Permit is required for drivers whose national driving license is not printed in the Latin alphabet or is issued by a country without a bilateral agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and all EU member states can drive using their domestic license for short tourist stays of up to six months, but it is highly advisable to also carry an IDP as a translation aid, as some local police officers and rental agencies may request it. Non-EU citizens from countries such as China, India, and Russia must present a 1968 Convention IDP alongside their national license. IDPs must be obtained in your country of residence before traveling and are valid for up to three years.Road Signs
Road signs in Bosnia and Herzegovina follow the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, closely resembling those used throughout Europe. Stop signs are red octagons marked "STOP," and yield signs are inverted white triangles with a red border. Speed limit signs are circular with a red border and black numbers on a white background. The "No Entry" sign is a red circle with a white horizontal bar. Directional signs on motorways are green with white text, while local road signs are yellow. A uniquely important warning sign is the "Minefield" sign, a yellow triangular sign with a skull and crossbones, which must be taken with the utmost seriousness: never venture off marked roads or paths where this sign is present.Toll Roads
Toll roads are present on Bosnia and Herzegovina's expanding motorway network, most notably on the A1 motorway connecting Sarajevo to Mostar and further south to the Croatian border. Tolls are collected via physical toll plazas where drivers pay with cash (Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Marks) or by major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. There is no fully electronic tag system for tourists, so you must stop at the booths. As a guide, the toll for a standard passenger car from Sarajevo to Mostar is approximately 7 BAM (approximately $4 USD). Smaller sections of toll road exist near Zenica and Doboj. Always keep some small denomination banknotes and coins handy for toll payments.Fuel Stations
Fuel stations are widely available in urban areas and along major highways, with many operating 24 hours a day. In rural and mountainous regions, stations are sparse, and it is wise to refuel whenever the tank drops below half. All stations offer Eurosuper 95 and 98 petrol, Eurodizel diesel, and many offer LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is developing, with fast chargers available at major stations on the A1 corridor and in Sarajevo, but coverage is limited elsewhere. As of mid-2026, the average price for unleaded petrol is around 2.80 BAM per liter (approximately $1.57 USD), while diesel averages 2.70 BAM per liter (approximately $1.51 USD).Parking Rules
Parking in Bosnian cities is typically divided into zones. Zone 1, usually the strictest, covers city centers and requires payment at parking meters or via SMS payment. Zone 1 parking in Sarajevo costs around 2 BAM per hour (approximately $1.12 USD), with a typical maximum stay of two hours. Zone 2 areas are slightly cheaper and further from the center. White lines generally denote free parking, though time limits may still apply. Blue lines indicate paid parking zones. Illegal parking fines range from 40 to 80 BAM (approximately $22 to $45 USD), and wheel clamping is common in Sarajevo; removal costs around 100 BAM (approximately $56 USD). Always display your parking ticket on the dashboard and never park in spaces reserved for disabled drivers or residents.Roundabout Rules
At roundabouts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, vehicles already circulating within the roundabout have priority over those entering, unless signage indicates otherwise. You must yield to traffic coming from your left before entering. When navigating, maintain your lane discipline: use the right lane for the first exit or straight ahead, and the left lane for exits beyond 12 o'clock. Always signal right when you intend to exit the roundabout, and signal left if you are taking a later exit, adjusting accordingly to avoid confusion. Drivers failing to yield or signaling incorrectly are often fined for creating a hazard.Winter Driving
Winter driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina is regulated by law. From November 15 to April 15, all vehicles must be equipped with winter tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm on all four wheels. Snow chains must be carried in the vehicle and fitted when road conditions or signs mandate their use, particularly on mountain passes. Studded tires are permitted but only from November 15 to April 15. Vehicles without adequate winter equipment that obstruct traffic or cause an accident face fines starting at 80 BAM (approximately $45 USD). Mountain roads to destinations like Jahorina and Bjelašnica require careful navigation and full winter preparation.Low Emission Zones
'As of 2026, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet implemented formal low emission zones on a national scale similar to those in Western European capitals. However, the city of Sarajevo has introduced measures to restrict heavy goods vehicles and high-emission vehicles from the central historic old town district during peak pollution days in winter. These restrictions are signposted and announced via local media. Penalties for violating these temporary bans start at 100 BAM (approximately $56 USD). Future plans for permanent environmental zones are under discussion in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but privately owned tourist vehicles are currently not subject to permanent low emission zone registrations.'Traffic Fines
| Violation | Fine (BAM) | Approximate Fine (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (up to 20 km/h over limit) | 40-100 BAM | $22-$56 USD |
| Speeding (20-50 km/h over limit) | 150-500 BAM | $84-$280 USD |
| Speeding (more than 50 km/h over limit) | 400-1,000 BAM | $224-$560 USD |
| Illegal Mobile Phone Use | 40 BAM | $22 USD |
| Seat Belt Not Worn | 40 BAM | $22 USD |
| Drink Driving (0.03% - 0.05% BAC) | 100-400 BAM | $56-$224 USD |
| Drink Driving (over 0.05% BAC) | 400-1,000 BAM | $224-$560 USD |
| Running a Red Light | 300-500 BAM | $168-$280 USD |
| Illegal Parking | 40-80 BAM | $22-$45 USD |
Driving Tips for Tourists
1. Always carry your passport, driving license, IDP, and green card insurance in the vehicle. 2. Be vigilant for livestock, stray dogs, and horse-drawn carts on rural roads, especially in the early morning and dusk. 3. In remote areas, respect landmine warning signs absolutely; never leave marked roads or paved surfaces. 4. Mountain roads often lack barriers; keep to the right on blind bends and use the horn sparingly to warn oncoming traffic. 5. Fuel stations are scarce in the highlands; never let your tank drop below a quarter. 6. Tunnels on major roads, such as the Prenj tunnel, require dipped headlights on at all times by law. 7. Keep loose cash in Convertible Marks for parking meters, tolls, and small village cafes that do not accept cards. 8. Police checkpoints for document verification are common; remain calm, comply politely, and never offer bribes. 9. Sarajevo's tram lines have priority; you must yield to trams and be cautious of the narrow city streets. 10. During winter, check road conditions via the BIHAMK (Bosnian Automobile Club) radio frequencies or website before departing.Renting a Car
Renting a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina is straightforward. The minimum rental age is typically 21, and drivers under 24 may incur a young driver surcharge of around 15 BAM per day (approximately $8 USD). A valid credit card in the driver's name is mandatory for the security deposit, which can range from 500 to 1,500 BAM (approximately $280 to $840 USD) depending on the vehicle category. A comprehensive insurance package including Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection is standard, but a local third-party liability green card must be confirmed. Fuel policies are usually full-to-full. Rental costs for a compact car average 70 to 100 BAM per day (approximately $39 to $56 USD). Airport pickup is available in Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Banja Luka. One-way rentals between cities are possible but often incur a significant drop-off fee of about 100 BAM (approximately $56 USD). Cross-border travel into Croatia, Serbia, or Montenegro requires prior written authorization from the rental company.Frequently Asked Questions
If your driving license is from the EU, the USA, the UK, Canada, or Australia, you can drive with your domestic license for up to six months. However, an IDP is highly recommended as a translation aid. Licenses not in Latin script, such as those from China or Russia, must be accompanied by a 1968 Convention IDP.
Automatic cars are available at major airports and city rental offices, but they are less common and more expensive than manual transmission vehicles. It is essential to book an automatic car well in advance, especially during the summer tourist season from June to September.
Yes, the main A1 motorway connecting Sarajevo to Mostar and the southern border uses a toll system with physical toll plazas. Payment is made in cash (Convertible Marks) or by credit card. A typical car journey costs around 7 BAM (approximately $4 USD).
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03% for all drivers. For professional drivers, novice drivers with less than two years of experience, and commercial vehicle drivers, the limit is 0.00%. Penalties range from fines to license suspension and potential imprisonment for severe offenses.
Yes, UK driving license holders are still permitted to drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina for short tourist visits without an IDP, but it is recommended to carry one to avoid any bureaucratic complications during police checks.
The maximum speed limit on motorways and highways in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 130 km/h. In urban areas, the limit is 50 km/h, on rural roads it is 80 km/h, and on expressways it is 100 km/h.
You must carry your passport, valid driving license, International Driving Permit if applicable, vehicle registration or rental agreement, and a valid motor insurance green card or local insurance certificate.
Driving at night is possible on major highways and in cities, but it is advisable to avoid rural mountain roads after dark due to a lack of lighting, stray animals, and the risk of unexpected hazards. Always keep your headlights dipped in tunnels.
If stopped by police, you can typically pay the fine on the spot and receive a receipt. For radar-generated fines sent to rental agencies, the charge is usually processed against your credit card. Fines for speeding range from 40 BAM to 1,000 BAM (approximately $22 to $560 USD) depending on severity.
From November 15 to April 15, vehicles must have winter tires on all four wheels, and snow chains must be carried in the vehicle. Studded tires are permitted only during this winter period. Fines for non-compliance start at 80 BAM (approximately $45 USD).
Driving off marked roads is strictly forbidden due to the significant risk of landmines remaining from the war. Always stay on paved, marked surfaces, especially in rural and mountainous areas. Camping in unauthorized locations can also lead to fines.
Major fuel stations along highways and in cities accept credit and debit cards, as well as cash in Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Marks. Small stations in remote areas often accept only cash, so it is wise to carry sufficient local currency.
Parking in central Sarajevo is divided into paid zones. Zone 1 costs around 2 BAM per hour (approximately $1.12 USD). You can pay via parking meters or SMS. Display the ticket on your dashboard to avoid a fine or wheel clamping.
Vehicles already on the roundabout have priority over those entering, unless signs state otherwise. You must signal right when exiting and maintain the correct lane discipline based on which exit you are taking.
The general emergency number for police is 122, for fire services it is 123, and for an ambulance it is 124. The Pan-European emergency number 112 also operates and connects to all emergency services.