Car Hire in Azerbaijan: What to Know Before You Drive

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road in Azerbaijan. Visitors used to left-hand traffic should take particular care during the first part of the journey.

• Overtaking: normally overtake on the left.
• After turning: consciously return to the right-hand side if you normally drive on the left.
• Junctions: follow signs, signals and lane markings carefully.
• Lane changes: signal clearly and check mirrors before moving.
• Right-hand-drive cars: right-hand-drive vehicles are not permitted for normal road use in Azerbaijan, so locally supplied hire cars should be left-hand drive.

Speed limits in Azerbaijan

Speed limits are displayed in kilometres per hour. For a normal passenger car, the general maximum limits are:

• Residential areas and courtyards: up to 20 km/h.
• Built-up areas: generally up to 60 km/h.
• Roads outside built-up areas: generally up to 90 km/h.
• Motorways: generally up to 110 km/h.

Lower posted limits always take precedence, and road, traffic or weather conditions may require a considerably lower speed.

Driving in Baku

Baku has wide multi-lane avenues, fast-moving traffic and busy junctions. Driving can feel very different from the quieter roads outside the capital.

• Plan your route before moving: choose your route and destination while parked rather than making last-minute navigation decisions.
• Choose your lane early: multi-lane junctions are easier when you position the car in good time.
• Allow extra time: congestion can make relatively short urban journeys take much longer.
• Bus lanes: observe lane signs and road markings rather than assuming every lane is available to ordinary traffic.
• Pedestrians: take particular care around busy junctions and central areas.
• Airport return: allow a comfortable margin when returning a rental car to Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Parking in Baku

Baku operates an official zoned parking system managed by the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency.

• Parking zones: Baku has five official parking zones, with charges depending on the zone. Zone 4 is free.
• AzParking: paid parking can be managed through the official AzParking mobile application.
• Cashless payment: payments for official parking are collected electronically.
• Night: parking in the paid zones is free from 22:00 until 07:00.
• Sundays: parking in the paid zones is free on Sundays.
• Check the particular space: follow the parking signs and instructions rather than assuming a space is free because another vehicle is parked there.

Driving in the Caucasus

Northern and north-western Azerbaijan offer some of the country's most rewarding road trips, but mountain roads demand more care than the main routes around Baku.

• Gradients and bends: reduce speed before bends and use an appropriate gear on long descents.
• Weather: mountain conditions can be very different from those in Baku.
• Road width: minor mountain roads may become narrower and slower.
• Visibility: fog, low cloud or snow can reduce visibility quickly.
• Remote routes: check current conditions before committing to a high-altitude journey.

Winter road conditions

Snow can affect routes in Azerbaijan during the winter, particularly in mountainous regions.

• Check the weather and road conditions before leaving.
• Confirm that the rental vehicle has suitable tyres and equipment for the planned route.
• Carry warm clothing and drinking water on longer winter journeys.
• Avoid attempting a mountain road simply because navigation software shows it as open.
• Be prepared to change the route if snow or local authorities close a road.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Requirements depend on the country that issued your licence and on the conditions imposed by the rental provider.

• Carry your original, valid driving licence.
• Keep your passport or other required identification available.
• Check the rental provider's licence requirements before travelling.
• UK licence holders: current UK government guidance says to carry a 1968 International Driving Permit together with your UK driving licence.
• Longer stays: current UK guidance says a British visitor needs an Azerbaijani driving licence after one month.

Do not plan a cross-border drive without checking first

Azerbaijan currently has significant restrictions on entry and exit through its land borders. Do not build a rental itinerary around an international road crossing without checking the latest official position.

• Entering Azerbaijan: unrestricted entry is currently by air. Entry by land or sea is restricted.
• Leaving by road: current UK government guidance says permission from the Azerbaijani authorities is required.
• Armenia: the Azerbaijan-Armenia land border remains closed.
• Russia: the land border between Azerbaijan and Russia is closed.
• Georgia and Iran: current entry guidance states that these land borders are temporarily closed.
• Rental company: even where a border crossing is possible, separately confirm that the rental provider permits the vehicle to leave Azerbaijan and that insurance remains valid.

If you are involved in an accident

• Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
• Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
• Contact the police where required and follow their instructions.
• Contact the rental provider as soon as possible.
• Take photographs and record relevant details where it is safe to do so.
• Do not arrange repairs yourself unless authorised by the rental provider.

If the hire car breaks down

• Move the vehicle away from moving traffic where this can be done safely.
• Switch on the hazard warning lights.
• Keep passengers away from live traffic.
• Contact the roadside-assistance service supplied by the rental provider.
• Do not arrange your own recovery or repair unless authorised by the provider.
• Police: 102
• Ambulance: 103
• Fire service: 101