Driving Tips in Croatia

Click on one of the options below to view more information:

• Car Hire Depots
• Driving Distances
• Driving Licence
• Driving Age
• Rules and Regulations
• Equipment
• Child Safety Seats
• Speed Limits
• Drink Driving
• Tolls
• Road Signs
• Parking
• Visa Information
• Winter Driving

Depot information

We search & compare the best rates and choices with reputable suppliers in Croatia. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities. Visit our Croatia car hire page for more information.

Driving Distances in Croatia

• Dubrovnik to Split - 260 kms (4hrs / 20mins)
• Split to Zagreb - 410 kms (4hrs)
• Zagreb to Rijeka - 170kms (2hrs / 10mins)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 2 years. An International Drivers Licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 18 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules and Regulations

General driving rules and regulations in Croatia;

• Driving is on the right hand side of the road.
• Vehicles are to overtake on the left hand side.
• Dipped headlights must be used at all times.
• Public transport has priority.
• The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• Drivers are to carry all licence documents at all times while driving.

Equipment

The following equipment are required to be kept in your vehicle and to be used in the event of an emergency:

• Reflective Vest - to be used when getting out of the car at an event of an accident or breakdown on any road.
• Warning Triangle - to be used at the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic. A reasonable distance between the vehicle must be given on certain roads.
• First Aid Kit
• Snow Chains - In winter months only.

Child Safety Seats

Children under the age of 12 years old must be seated in the back seats of the vehicle. Children under 5 must also be seated in an appropriate restraint.

Speed Limits

Speed cameras and mobile police units are in force to catch speeding motorists, if caught heavy fines apply. Speed limits are as follows, unless signed otherwise:

• Urban Roads (built up areas): 40-50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside of town): 80-90km/h
• Expressways: 110km/h
• Motorways: 130km/h

Drink Driving

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Croatia is 0.05g/100ml. Drivers under the age of 24 cannot exceed 0% BAC.

Tolls

A toll is payable on most motorways in Croatia. Payments can be made in cash either in Euro or Kuna or with major credit cards. Prices are determined on distance travelled, with exception on some motorways where a fixed price has be set.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Croatia adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which is used by many European countries, but with slight variance. Signs in Croatia are commonly in the countries local language however English is used on some city roads and state highways.

• Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background and a symbol in the middle.
• Prohibitory Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border.
• Information Signs are indicated with a green background and white text for motorways and blue and white providing motorists with information.

Parking

Parking with the cities of Croatia are time-based and also metered. Cities such as Zagreb use a zone system where parking is separated into three zones. The red zone is the most expensive and is located within the proximity of the city. The yellow are green zones are less expensive but further away. Tickets are to purchased at a automated meter and be made visible on your vehicles dashboard. Vehicles without a ticket displayed or have overstayed their time limits risk having their vehicle's wheel clamped, which is quite costly to remove.

Visa Information

Visa, Passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Croatia:

• Australian passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Contact the Croatian Consulate or Embassy for your state for special visa or stays longer than 90 days.
• A valid passport is required.
• A Return/Onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.

Winter Driving

There is no specific period in which winter equipment must be used. Announcements are made according to the weather conditions. It is compulsory to have snow chains aboard the vehicle. Snow chains must be used if required by the weather conditions (at least 5cm of snow or in case of black ice).

All information provided is to be used as a guide only. Distances and time may very according to the route taken. The information shown on this page may have changed since the date of publication. Please refer to the countries local tourist office for up-to-date advice. Last updated: March 2022