Driving in Croatia.

Avoid travelling at high speeds to get to your destination. When visiting the built up areas of Zagreb and Split, it might be worth avoiding the rush hour times of 07:00 – 08:00 and 15:00 – 16:00 so that you don’t waste any valuable time in queues of traffic.

Read our Croatia travel guide, you may also like to view information about destinations in Croatia.

Tips for driving in Croatia

Which side of the road do they drive on?

Drive on the right, overtake on the left. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles coming from the right have priority at junctions. At junctions with roundabouts, vehicles already on the roundabout have right of way.

All public transport and school buses have right of way. 

Seat belts

If fitted, seat belts must be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle. Failure to comply can result in a 500KN fine.

Driving with children

Children under 12 must not sit in the front seats. Children under 2 may travel in the front if they are placed in a restraint system suitable for their size and weight. If it’s a rear facing seat, the airbag must be de-activated. Children older than 5 must be placed in a seat suitable for their size and weight on the rear seat. Children between 5 and 12 must travel on the back seat using a 3 point seat belt with booster seat if necessary.

Blood alcohol limit

The blood alcohol limit is 50mg alcohol per 100ml blood if aged over 24. A zero tolerance policy operates for those aged under 24. Fines range from 300-15,000KN whilst other penalties include suspension of your licence and driving bans.

Can I use a mobile?

It’s illegal to use a mobile unless you have a hands-free kit.

Reflective vests, triangles & other essentials

A reflective vest must be kept in the vehicle at all times. It is also compulsory to carry a warning triangle and first aid kit. During winter months, snow chains and winter equipment must be carried.

Do I need winter tyres?

Winter tyres are required only in extreme conditions. They must be marked M&S (Mud & Snow) and have at least 1.6mm of tread.

Parking

Besides covered car parks, Croatia uses a 3 colour parking zone system in the cities. Red zones are closest to the city centre and cost 14KN per hour. Yellow zones are slightly further out and cost 4KN per hour whilst Green zones are 3KN per hour. These all operate on a pay and display system.

On the spot fines

Police can collect on the spot fines for motoring offences such as speeding. Speeding fines range from 300-15,000KN. Police will issue a ticket and the fine must be paid within eight days at a post office or bank. The police can confiscate your passport until you pay the fine.

Speed limit variations

There is a minimum speed on motorways of 60KPH or 37MPH.

Drivers aged 24 or younger are subject to reduced speed limits of 10KPH less than the standard limit.

Horns and headlights

You must drive with headlights on during daytime from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March. Failure to comply can result in a 300KN fine.

Only use your horn in an emergency.

What should I do if I breakdown?

If you breakdown in Croatia, you must put on a reflective jacket and place the reflective triangle 30m behind the vehicle to warn other drivers. Call the supplier who will be able to advise you. It is recommended you contact ourselves at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.

What should I do if I have an accident?

If you’re in an accident, you MUST notify the Police and get an accident report for insurance purposes. Failure to do so may result in you footing the whole bill. You must also contact the supplier and ourselves at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.

Toll roads

There are two toll systems in use in Croatia, Open & Closed. The open system is used on bridges, tunnels and on shorter motorway sections, where you pay to get on.

The closed system operates on motorways with several entrances and exits. Here you receive a toll card when joining and pay to leave the motorway. 

Driving distances

Dubrovnik to Zagreb – 600km (6hrs 10mins)

Dubrovnik to Split – 229km (3hrs)

Dubrovnik to Pula – 710km (7hrs 15mins)

Zagreb to Split – 409km (3hrs 50mins)

Zagreb to Rijeka – 160km (1hr 45mins)

Zagreb to Pula – 267km (3hrs)

Rijeka to Pula – 108km (1hr 25)