Montenegro is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the Balkans. Nestled on the southeastern edge of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a hidden gem that boasts pristine coastlines that kiss the azure waters and rugged, awe-inspiring mountain regions that beckon adventure seekers.

While most people visit only the Montenegrin coastline, you need to venture inland to the mountainous regions to genuinely appreciate what this magnificent country has to offer. Montenegro is a perfect country for a road trip, and you can easily explore it by car, campervan, motorhome, or even motorbike.

But as you plan your adventure to this Balkan gem, a few questions may arise:

• Is driving in Montenegro difficult?
• Is Montenegro safe?
• Can tourists drive in Montenegro?
• And, How can I be road-safe whilst driving in Montenegro?

We spent just over two weeks driving in Montenegro and exploring this picturesque country to help you shed some light on this essential aspect of your travel plans.

Let's start by getting the burning question out of the way: Is Montenegro safe to drive for tourists? The short answer is yes. Driving in Montenegro is generally safe. You shouldn't have too much trouble if you are a confident and experienced driver. But this does not tell the whole story.

The country can be divided into three driving conditions: coastal, cities and mountainous.

Coastal Driving

Coastal regions such as Kotor and Budva are the busiest, especially during the summer. Tourists generally tend to stay along the coast, which leads to constantly slow-moving traffic, congestion, and impatient drivers. The winding coastal roads, often carved into steep cliffs, offer stunning views but require caution due to sharp turns and unpredictable weather. Parking can be a challenge, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and be prepared to walk a little to your final destination.

City Driving

Cities further inland, such as Podgorica, are generally less busy than along the coast but pose their own challenges. The roads are generally wider and “better” maintained, but you will find large lorries and local drivers who can sometimes be quite assertive. Parking in the city centres can still be challenging, but more designated parking areas exist.

Mountain Driving

Montenegro's mountain regions can be demanding. Roads often wind through steep, rugged terrain with narrow lanes, sharp curves, and occasional road hazards such as landslides or rockfalls. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes, with icy road surfaces and heavy snowfall during winter months. Steady, cautious driving is crucial, but despite this, the mountainous landscapes and remote villages offer a unique and unforgettable driving adventure.

Challenging Terrain

Montenegro is a very mountainous country, and while breathtaking, it can present some very challenging terrain for drivers to traverse, especially in larger vehicles such as campervans and motorhomes. Expect hairpin turns, narrow roads, uneven road surfaces and steep cliff edges at the road's edge. Whilst these can challenge some people's nerves, you can navigate these areas without much difficulty if caution is taken.

Road Conditions

Montenegro's roads offer diverse experiences, from well-maintained highways to narrow, winding mountain routes riddled with potholes. Coastal roads are generally in good condition and suitable for most travellers. However, as you venture further into Montenegro's more remote mountainous regions, be prepared for narrow roads, poor road conditions and steep ascents and descents. These roads demand extra caution, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Road conditions can deteriorate quickly, and it's generally a good rule to expect it to get worse before it gets better.

Not All Roads Are Equal

Do not be misled by Google Maps or any other platform into thinking that a main road is a good road. As you leave the coast, you will pretty much continuously be driving through, along, and over mountainous regions. This can mean tight, winding roads with very little or no barrier between you and a sheer drop, even on what may appear to be a main road.

Two of the worst offending roads we discovered during our road trip were the P16, which runs alongside Shkodra Lake (Lake Skada) and the M9 route leading up to Mount Komobi. Whilst it is possible to drive these roads in larger vehicles, such as campervans and motorhomes, it is worth considering if you are confident enough to do so. These roads can be challenging, but unfortunately, they did lead to some of the most amazing places we travelled to in Montenegro.

National Parks

Driving through Montenegro's National Parks can offer unparalleled views, beckoning you to stop at every turn. But, these regions were where we found the most care required. Local laws limit major road works from taking place in these areas. While this maintains the park's natural beauty, it leads to somewhat unkempt roads with narrow single-lane traffic and little or no protection at the road edge. This makes for very precarious situations when another car is oncoming in the opposite direction. It is essential to be vigilant on these roads and always be aware of the road layout, as you may need to reverse up to a wider section of the road to let traffic through.

Weather Conditions

Montenegro is blessed with a typical Mediterranean climate, which is generally hot and dry. But while the country is known for its sunshine, when it rains, it pours! Big storms are not uncommon, especially in the mountains, and localised flooding and poor visibility can become issues on rural roads. Extra care should be taken during harsh conditions.

Montenegro Safety in Winter

If you are travelling in the winter, it can become very cold at high altitudes. Roads can become slippery, and heavy snowfall can occur. Even though roads are generally cleared during these periods, road gritting should not be expected, especially on rural roads.

During our summer road trip, we encountered some challenging conditions. One morning, after a stormy night, we woke up in the mountains and felt like our camp had descended into the clouds. The fog made for very limited visibility, and we had to wait for the fog to clear before we could continue driving safely. The roads were clear again after a few hours, but this was a stark reminder that conditions can change quickly.

Driving Culture

Montenegro's driving culture can be described as a mix of Mediterranean nonchalance and Balkan assertiveness. You'll encounter various driving styles, including occasional speeding, overtaking, and aggressive driving. Defensive and careful driving is essential, and you should always be prepared for unexpected maneuvers by other drivers.

While driving through the winding mountain roads, we were surprised at how quickly other drivers would take blind bends. Whether this is from overconfident local drivers or inexperienced foreigners, it is always a good idea to take every turn with extreme caution and allow as much room as possible for unexpected oncoming traffic.

Traffic Rules

Make sure to familiarise yourself with Montenegro's traffic regulations before your road trip. Ensure you have the necessary documents, such as a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance.

Important road rules for driving in Montenegro safely:

• Drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
• Headlights must be switched on at all times, even during the day.
• Always wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle or moped.
• Drivers and all passengers must wear seatbelts.
• Always give way to traffic coming from the left.
• Vehicles from the right generally have priority.
• Speed limits are in KPH.
• You could be given an on-the-spot fine if caught committing a minor driving offence while driving in Montenegro.
• The drink-drive limit for all drivers is 0.03%, and police carry out random tests if a driver is suspected of being over the limit. By comparison, the UK and US limits are 0.08%.
• Road markings can be unfamiliar at junctions, so pay close attention and remember a solid white line means you must stop and give way.

Montenegrin Speed Limits

Speed limits in built-up areas are 50km/h unless otherwise stated. Outside these areas, the limit is 80km/h and can increase to 100km/h on faster highways.

Police with speed guns are not uncommon, especially as you get closer to the coastal regions. On one occasion, we saw three speed traps on a single road, all within a 5 km stretch of road.

Drivers License & Insurance Requirements

Is My Driver License Valid in Montenegro?

Whether using a rental vehicle or driving your own car, a valid driver's license is required when driving in Montenegro. Montenegro accepts driver's licenses from most countries, and whilst an international driving permit (IDP) is not required, you are advised to get one just in case of any problems.

Vehicle Registration

You should always carry a vehicle registration when driving in Montenegro. If the police stop you, they may ask you to produce it. If you rent a vehicle, you should be given this when you pick it up.

Vehicle Insurance

All drivers require Vehicle insurance. Third-party insurance should come as standard if you rent a car, but check before you set off on your road trip. Rental car insurance does not generally cover damage to your own vehicle and should be purchased separately.

Legal Driving Age

The legal driving age for Montenegrins is 18. However, the required age to drive in Montenegro is 21 for visiting foreigners. If you are renting a vehicle you will not be allowed to rent a vehicle if you are under this age.

Parking

Finding a parking spot in Montenegro's cities and tourist areas can be challenging, especially during peak seasons, and driving a larger vehicle can exacerbate these challenges. It is advisable to plan ahead, especially along the coast, and be prepared to park farther from your destination and walk. Using an app such as “park4night” can give you a good indication of places to park ahead of your arrival and can advise, through user reviews, whether it is safe to park in these places overnight.

Driving in Montenegro

Driving in Montenegro is a rewarding but somewhat adventurous experience. While the country's diverse landscapes provide a unique backdrop for your road trip, it comes at the cost of challenging road conditions and unexpected situations. It is, therefore, crucial to exercise caution, take your time, and be prepared for varying road conditions.

For a safe and enjoyable driving experience, consider renting a reliable vehicle, maintaining situational awareness, and taking breaks when necessary. Consider where you want to explore and choose a car best suited to those regions. If you are unsure, seek out local advice.

With the proper preparation and a sense of adventure, you can explore Montenegro's beauty and culture at your own pace, making your journey as memorable as the destination.

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