Japan vs Montenegro: Driving Rules Compared

Japan vs Montenegro share one number: the alcohol limit, 0.03% in both. Everything else shifts. Japan drives on the left with 100 km/h expressways; Montenegro drives on the right with 130 km/h motorways. Both require an international driving permit, but of different versions: Japan only the 1949 one, Montenegro a 1968-convention permit. Montenegro also makes winter tyres mandatory on listed roads from 15 November to 1 April.

130 km/h in Montenegro, 100 km/h in Japan

Montenegro: towns 50 km/h, rural roads 80 km/h, motorways 130 km/h. Japan’s expressways are 100 km/h (120 km/h on selected sections), and ordinary roads default to 60 km/h, or 30 km/h where there is no centre line or a sign says so. Rural roads are therefore faster in Montenegro by 20 km/h.

The same alcohol limit, different fine structures

Both allow 0.03%. Montenegro’s fines are in euros: a handheld phone costs EUR 60-120 plus 3 points and a red light EUR 60-200 plus 4 points. Japan’s phone offence is JPY 18,000 plus 3 points and its red light JPY 9,000 plus 2 points, with a warning and one point for a first seatbelt offence. Montenegro’s penalties range from EUR 20 to EUR 6,000, according to the UK FCDO.

International driving permit: two different conventions

Montenegro needs a permit issued under the 1968 convention (GOV.UK’s permit table). Japan accepts only the 1949 Geneva Convention version and lists 12 months for visitors. A permit valid for one is therefore not necessarily valid for the other.

Speeding ticket: euro ranges in Montenegro, yen bands in Japan

Montenegro charges EUR 60-200 plus 3 points at about 20 km/h over and EUR 200-2,000 plus a licence suspension of 60 days to 1 year at about 30 over. Japan charges JPY 9,000 up to 15 km/h over, rising to JPY 35,000 or more, with the top two bands only on expressways.

Winter tyres and kit: Montenegro’s listed roads

In Montenegro winter tyres are compulsory from 15 November to 1 April on roads named in an Interior Ministry order, whatever the weather, and in winter conditions elsewhere; tyres need M+S marking and 4 mm of tread, and studs are prohibited. Japan leaves winter rules to each prefecture. Montenegro requires a first-aid kit, vest, spare bulbs and triangle; Japan only the triangle.

Emergency numbers

Montenegro uses 112 for every service. Japan uses 110 for police and 119 for ambulance and fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Japan and Montenegro have the same alcohol limit?

Yes. Both are 0.03%.

Which permit does Montenegro need?

A 1968-convention international driving permit.

When are winter tyres required in Montenegro?

From 15 November to 1 April on roads named in the Interior Ministry order, whatever the weather, with 4 mm of tread.

How wide is the range of traffic fines in Montenegro?

From EUR 20 to EUR 6,000, according to the UK FCDO.