Advice for drivers in Albania

Advice that you need before you drive in Albania; breakdown cover and the insurance that you need!

What happens if your car breaks down in while you are on holiday in Albania? Who do you call if you need roadside assistance? Whether your Albanian vacation is about camping or touring through Albania we can help get you back on your way quicker than others. Go to our website to arrange cover.

You will need 3rd party insurance for Albania by law and breakdown cover is a good idea. You can arrange this on this site. Many insurers do not cover Albania and so please check your cover and remember that we will cover you.

Things that you should do before!

Register your ID and vehicle with the customs for Albania so that they will stamp your passport accordingly. This allows you to drive for 6 months in any 12 months in Albania but there are rules to be checked the email addresses and page are in this link Customs clearance of vehicles (dogana.gov.al).

Things that you need!

Valid driving licence
GB Sticker
Motor Insurance certificate
3^rd Party motor insurance that covers Albania (this is compulsory)
VS Registration or the hire car paperwork
Head lamp converters (to prevent dazzle)
Warning Triangle
Reflective jacket
Be over 18!

Some good extra things to have

Spare bulbs for your lamps
Fire extinguisher (required on some vehicles)
Green card (not required but it is for) but it makes it clear and easier for some officials
International Driving Permit

Rules of driving in Albania

Speed limits are enforced by random speed traps
Speed limits are 110Km/h on the motor ways but they vary a lot so you need to be mindful of the signs and obey them. Generally in the urban areas 40 Km/h is usual with other roads being signed around 80-90 Km/h. We would advise you to remember that random obstructions are common on many roads and so keeping well within the limit and respecting the road conditions is a safer policy.
Police also will pull vehicles in for random checks.
Police often use data bases to check that your vehicle is registered and complies with the law.
Police can issue on the spot fines for driving offences with the top fines being ALL 200,000!
Police will check drivers for alcohol and Albania has a very low rate at 0.01 % which compares to 0.08 % in, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Police will fine you if you refuse to take the test ! ALL 2,000 (about £147).
The Police will attend collisions. Many Albanians are multi lingual and so do not be surprised that the police try to communicate in English, Italian and Greek. Albanians are generally hospitable and respectful to the needs of foreigners so while there may be a lot of loud conversation the Police will look to be fair and resolve matters.
Horns are not supposed to be sounded unless for emergency or for overtaking on rural roads but many Albanians do over use their horns!
Seat belts must be worn and Police do check for this especially for drivers but remember that passengers are also supposed to be restrained if they are over 12 years old. Children under 4 should be restrained in the rear also.

Driving in Albania

Driving in Albania can present a number of challenges. The urban areas are like most urban areas but roads and driving styles change rapidly as we drive in rural areas.

Expect to find badly parked or unlit vehicles.
Expect to find animals on the road.
Expect long delays around Tirana or other centres at peak times and so allow extra time for your journey or reschedule your journey if you are planning to cut through Tirana or visit some of the beaches in peak holiday season. Seek advice on this.
Road Tolls are charged on the “ Nation’s Highway “ or the A 1motorway from the border with Kosovo towards Milot. They charge €5 for going through the Kalimash Tunnel. Many sites state that there are no tolls on Albanian roads and omit this information. Payment can be made in cash or cards and you get a long receipt.
The standards of the roads is often good but then some sections are not good and there is not rule as to where the good roads are ! So drive carefully and observe what other vehicles do! The image that you need a 4×4 to get around is false unless you are using the wild unpaved routes in the remote lands.
Exits can be at very sharp angles and so do not be too surprised if vehicles suddenly exit around you.
In many parts people will sell fresh fruit, fish, honey and other things by the side of main roads so it is wise to be aware that people will stop suddenly to purchase goods. This can be a great way to buy items like water melons, apples and cherries and put money into the hands of farmers.

Conseils aux conducteurs en Albanie

Les conseils dont vous avez besoin avant de conduire en Albanie ; la couverture en cas…

Road Assistance

August 28, 2022