Traveling by Car: Road Tips and Guidance

Efficient Highway Network in Croatia

Croatia boasts a modern, high-quality highway network that provides safe and swift connectivity between all major tourist destinations in the country and the broader European road system.

Over the past two decades, significant investments have been made in expanding and enhancing these highways, ushering in substantial positive changes in Croatia. This expansion has improved mobility within the country, making it more accessible and opening up previously lesser-known destinations to visitors.

In addition to the toll highways, Croatia maintains a well-kept and user-friendly network of state and regional roads that lead to various points of interest. However, it’s vital to adhere to traffic regulations and speed limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, even during the busiest summer season. Safe travels in Croatia!

Traveling by Car

Traveling in Croatia: Important Information

Documentation:

  • In Croatia, you can operate a motor vehicle in road traffic with a valid driving license issued in Croatia, a foreign driving license, an international driving license, or a certificate of a filed request for a driving license (valid for 30 days).
  • The driver must carry the driving license or the certificate of the filed request and the vehicle registration certificate when operating a motor vehicle.
  • Vehicle registration certificates should not be left in the vehicle without the driver’s supervision.
  • Motor vehicles and trailers must be registered to participate in road traffic, with exceptions for insured vehicles with temporary license plates.

International Travel:

  • Drivers with foreign or EEA registered vehicles in Croatia must have valid international motor vehicle insurance or other proof of such insurance.
  • Official license plates from the vehicle’s home country or a valid Green Card may serve as proof of insurance.
  • Car rental terms and conditions are defined by the rental agreement and accompanying General Terms and Conditions.

Taxi Services:

  • Taxi services are available in all cities and tourist destinations.

Speed Limits:

  • Speed limits in Croatia vary:
    • 50 km/h within settled areas
    • 90 km/h outside settled areas
    • 110 km/h on major roadways and highways
    • 130 km/h on motorways
    • 80 km/h for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer without brakes
    • 80 km/h for buses and buses with a light trailer, except on motorways, where buses can travel up to 100 km/h (excluding those transporting children).
  • Reduce speed in wet road conditions.

Regulations:

  • Use dipped headlights in winter.
  • Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.
  • Seat belt use is mandatory.
  • A reflective sleeveless jacket is mandatory emergency equipment and must be worn by the driver when outside the vehicle on the road.

Petrol Stations:

  • Many petrol stations in larger cities and on highways are open 24/7, offering various fuel types, including Eurosuper 95, Super 95, Super 98, Super plus 98, Euro Diesel, and Diesel. Gas (LPG) is available in major cities and on motorway petrol stations.

Highway Tolls:

Avoiding Traffic Jams:

  • Check road and ferry traffic conditions with HAK before traveling (HAK Information Centre: 072 777 777 or +385 1 464 0800 for calls from abroad).
  • Real-time traffic information is available through the HAK multi-language smartphone app.
  • Traffic reports in Croatian can be heard on the Second Radio Programme of the Croatian Radio (98.5 Mhz) and, starting late June, in English and German as well.

Rental Cars: 

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