Driving in Albania

Basic Traffic Regulations and Fines

Driving in Albania can be a unique experience due to its mountain roads, variable pavement quality, and local driving habits. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and avoid fines.

Speed Limits

• 130 km/h on expressways
• 90 km/h on major intercity roads
• 80 km/h on minor intercity roads
• 40 km/h in cities

If you encounter a 40-50 km/h speed limit sign on a highway outside the city, be sure to obey it as there are often cameras or traffic patrols in such areas.

Fines for Speeding

Other Important Regulations

• All car occupants must wear seat belts, in both the front and rear seats.
• Children under 3 years of age can only ride in special restraint systems.
• Children over 3 years of age are not allowed to ride in the front seats if they are under 150 cm tall.
• Switch on low beam in low visibility conditions.
• Give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing.

Local Driving Style

The Albanian driving style may surprise, irritate, or even scare foreign tourists at first. Here are some tips to help you adapt:

• Local drivers rarely use turn signals. At junctions and roundabouts, watch out for the cars in the adjacent lanes.
• Some drivers don’t respect the right of way. Even at junctions with traffic lights, look to your sides carefully.
• If someone tries to overtake you in the wrong place, it is better to take to the right and let the reckless driver pass.
• Pedestrians often cross the road in the wrong places. Slow down in advance.
• Albania has numerous mountain serpentines with steep turns and narrow sections. Be very careful and take your time on such roads.
• The roads can be slippery in wet weather. Be careful.
• Slow down when exiting onto minor roads in remote areas. Some of them may be in poor condition.
• Fuel consumption increases in the mountains where petrol stations are not frequent. Be sure to fill up with plenty of fuel.
• Locals often stop right in the middle of the road to talk to other drivers or pedestrians. If you are in a hurry, just honk at them.

Consider the local traffic style as a peculiarity of the country, try to adapt to it, and don’t forget to obey the traffic regulations.

How to Talk to the Police

If you are stopped by the traffic police, keep calm and be polite.

• Most police officers do not speak English well. If you cannot understand each other, use a translation app on your phone.
• If you have committed a traffic offence, do not be aggressive. It is best to admit fault and apologise. For a minor offence, you may be let off without a fine.
• If a police officer starts writing a ticket, do not argue. Fines in Albania vary greatly, and the exact amount is determined by the officer.
• It is not a good idea to bribe a police officer because this can result in serious penalties. Sometimes it is cheaper to pay the ticket.

How to Pay the Fine

• You can pay the ticket issued by a police officer at the nearest police station, bank, Western Union office, or post office.
• You can get a 50% discount if you pay the fine within 15 days of receipt or final ruling.
• Fines from cameras are sent via the e-albania.al online system within a few days. Your rental company will notify you of the debt, provide proof of the offence with the exact date, and offer available payment options.