Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026: 0.03% BAC, 4 mm Tyres
Data verified:
5 min readBosnia and Herzegovina drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The motorway speed limit is 130 km/h. The general emergency number is 112. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03% BAC. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Traffic in Bosnia and Herzegovina flows on the right. The blood alcohol limit is stricter than most European countries. See the full rules with our interactive tools below.
Bosnia and Herzegovina requires warning triangle, first aid kit in the vehicle at all times, and roadside checks do happen; the penalty for a missing item is set locally and we do not publish a figure we cannot verify. Rental companies rarely include the full kit; ask before leaving the lot.
Driving Difficulty: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mountain roads, limited motorways, war-damaged areas
3.5/5 · Challenging (TyreMap difficulty index)
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Bosnia and Herzegovina holds drivers to 0.03% blood alcohol, tight enough that one drink can end a trip. Winter rubber is not a suggestion here: between 1 November and 1 April cars need M+S tyres carrying at least 4 mm of tread, and studs are prohibited year-round. Limits run 50 km/h in town, 80 on rural roads and 130 on motorways, with the worst band — 30 km/h or more over — reaching BAM 300-1,500 and suspension of the licence. A warning triangle, reflective vest, first-aid kit and spare bulbs must travel with the car, and 112 answers every emergency.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.03% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.
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Emergency Numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina
General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The default speed limits for passenger cars in Bosnia and Herzegovina are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.
For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Albania (110 km/h).
Speed camera coverage in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively limited, but mobile radar units are used. The typical enforcement tolerance is about 10 km/h.
Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.
Speeding Fines and Penalties
Foreign drivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina may be required to pay fines on the spot. Carry sufficient cash or a valid payment card.
Other common fines:
- Mobile phone use while driving: BAM 50-200 (approx. EUR 25-100)
- Running a red light: BAM 100-400 (approx. EUR 50-200) + 3 penalty points
- Seatbelt violation: BAM 40-100 (approx. EUR 20-50)
Traffic Rules and Regulations
Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is BAM 50-200 (approx. EUR 25-100). Use hands-free devices only.
Daytime running lights are required in most situations. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels, rain, and reduced visibility.
Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.
Tyre Requirements and Regulations
Winter tyre requirement in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Required.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 4.0 mm for adequate grip.
Studded tyres are prohibited in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina guide.
Mandatory Vehicle Equipment
Vehicles in Bosnia and Herzegovina must carry the following:
Required:
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest (high-visibility)
- First aid kit
- Spare bulbs
Recommended:
- Fire extinguisher
Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.
Driving License Requirements
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
Foreign licence valid for 6 months. IDP recommended.
Parking and Fuel
Current fuel prices in Bosnia and Herzegovina: petrol approximately $1.38/litre, diesel $1.32/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.
Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.
Seasonal Driving Conditions
Bosnia and Herzegovina has varied conditions. Check weather forecasts before long journeys and adjust your driving to conditions. Road surfaces and visibility can change quickly with weather.
Practical Driving Tips for Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Speed camera warning apps (Waze, Google Maps) are legal here.
- Dashcams are legal and recommended for evidence in case of an accident.
- Police can issue on-the-spot fines. Carry cash or a valid payment card.
- Download offline maps of Bosnia and Herzegovina before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
- Check if you need a motorway vignette (toll sticker) or an environmental zone sticker for city driving.
- Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
- Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.
Related tools
Speed Limits in Bosnia and Herzegovina
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural | 80 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Motorway | 130 km/h | 80 km/h |
Speed Enforcement in Bosnia and Herzegovina
What tourists actually face on the road
Tolerance
10 km/h
Foreign Plates
Limited
Radar Apps
Legal
Dashcams
Legal
Very few fixed cameras. Police radar checks common on M17 and near Sarajevo. On-the-spot fines; receipt required.
Traffic Fines in Bosnia and Herzegovina
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone use while driving | BAM 50-200 (approx. EUR 25-100) |
| No seatbelt | BAM 40-100 (approx. EUR 20-50) |
| Running a red light | BAM 100-400 (approx. EUR 50-200) + 3 penalty points |
| Speeding (1-10 km/h over) | BAM 40-100 (approx. EUR 20-50) |
| Speeding (11-20 km/h over) | BAM 80-200 (approx. EUR 40-100) + 2 penalty points |
| Speeding (21-30+ km/h over) | BAM 300-1,500 (approx. EUR 150-750) + licence suspension |
Penalties may vary by region and circumstances. Always check current local regulations.
Mandatory Equipment in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Winter tyres in Bosnia and Herzegovina — 2026–27 season
Winter tyres are compulsory on fixed dates in Bosnia and Herzegovina: 1 Nov - 1 Apr.
- Tread minimum: 1.6 mm — Bosnia and Herzegovina sets no separate winter figure.
- Accepted marking: M+S or Snow/Winter marking
- Studded tyres: banned
Verified against national legislation, August 2026 · Full Bosnia and Herzegovina tyre law · Compare all countries
Licence Requirements for Foreign Drivers
Foreign licence valid for 6 months. IDP recommended.
Emergency Numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
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Recent changes to this page
- Title, description and introduction rewritten from this page's own data (no shared template wording).
- Replaced the speeding-fine calculator link: that tool covers 17 countries and Bosnia and Herzegovina is not one of them, so the link could not answer the question it promised. It now points to the speed-limit map, which does cover Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Removed an equipment penalty that was actually the speeding fine copied from another field; countries.json has no equipment-fine value, so no figure is published.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph), rural roads 80 km/h (50 mph), and motorways 130 km/h (81 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
EU/EEA license holders generally do not need an IDP for short visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, drivers from outside the EU/EEA should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the most current requirements.
Vehicles in Bosnia and Herzegovina must carry: Warning triangle, Reflective vest, First aid kit, Spare bulbs. Failure to carry mandatory equipment can result in on-the-spot fines during police checks. It is advisable to keep all required items easily accessible in your vehicle.
The general emergency number in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 112. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
The minimum age to drive a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 18 years old. Some categories of vehicles (such as motorcycles or heavy vehicles) may have different age requirements. Novice drivers may face additional restrictions during their first years of driving.
Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Road infrastructure follows European standards. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has limited ability to enforce fines on foreign-registered vehicles. However, rental car companies will always pass fines to the registered driver.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has limited fixed speed cameras but active mobile radar patrols. The typical enforcement tolerance is around 10 km/h above the posted limit. Speed camera warning apps (like Waze, Google Maps) are legal to use in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina: EU/EEA driving licences are valid. An IDP is recommended but not always required. Your licence is valid for up to 6 months. Always carry your original licence alongside the IDP.
If you receive a traffic fine in Bosnia and Herzegovina: police may require on-the-spot payment from foreign drivers. enforcement of fines for foreign-registered vehicles is limited. Rental car companies will always pass camera fines to the registered driver with an admin fee.
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