Azerbaijan on a British Licence — Zero-Alcohol Rule + the Side Switch

Azerbaijan rewards a road trip, from the Caspian coast and the mud volcanoes near Gobustan to the mountain villages around Quba. For British visitors three differences matter before you set off: the permit, the side of the road and alcohol.

The permit

GOV.UK is clear: you need the 1968 International Driving Permit and your UK licence together in the car. Buy the IDP in the UK before you travel. The licence and IDP cover a short visit only: after one month in Azerbaijan you need an Azerbaijani licence, issued through ASAN service offices. Canada’s advice lists the documents to keep in the car: vehicle registration, passport, licence, proof of insurance, a first-aid kit and the vehicle’s roadworthiness card. Check that your hire car has them. The Driving Permit Checker covers neighbouring countries.

Two things catch British drivers

First, the side. Azerbaijan drives on the right, so the wrong-way reflex is the hazard to manage on day one: pulling out of a petrol station, taking a roundabout that flows the other way, or looking the wrong way at a junction. Spend your first hour somewhere quiet rather than in central Baku traffic.

Second, alcohol. Azerbaijan has a zero-tolerance policy. If a test finds any alcohol in your system, you may get a severe fine and possibly prison. There is no margin like the UK’s 0.08, so if you are driving, do not drink at all.

On the road

WHO records maximum limits of 60 km/h in towns, 90 on rural roads and 110 on motorways, but follow the signs, which are in km/h. Many vehicles are poorly maintained, driving is erratic and accidents are common. Expect unmarked road closures, poor visibility at night and snow in winter. Many drivers ignore speed limits and signs, so leave room and drive defensively. For emergencies call 102 for the police, 103 for an ambulance and 101 for the fire service.

Confirm your paperwork with the Driving Permit Checker, and read who pays driving fines abroad to see how penalties follow a hire car.

Sources

• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Azerbaijan (1968 IDP and UK licence; Azerbaijani licence after one month via ASAN; any alcohol can bring a severe fine and prison; road conditions): gov.uk
• GOV.UK, international driving permit table (Azerbaijan: 1968): gov.uk
• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Azerbaijan, emergency numbers (ambulance 103, fire 101, police 102): gov.uk
• Government of Canada travel advice, Azerbaijan (IDP must be carried; zero tolerance; documents and first-aid kit in the car; 102/103/101): travel.gc.ca
• WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Azerbaijan and United Kingdom profiles (60/90/110 km/h; UK 0.08 g/dl): who.int, who.int