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Car Hire in Croatia: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Croatia's speed limits, motorway tolls, coastal roads, winter equipment, island ferries and practical driving conditions between Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and the Adriatic coast.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Croatia has a good motorway network, but many visitor journeys also involve coastal roads, mountain sections, ferries or busy historic city centres.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel or electricity.
  • Find the main controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Ask about tolls: check whether the vehicle has an ENC electronic toll device or whether you should pay tolls directly.
  • Winter rental: confirm that the car has the required winter equipment if your route uses designated winter sections.
  • Set navigation while parked: enter your first destination before joining traffic.
  • Save assistance details: keep the rental provider's roadside-assistance number accessible.

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right in Croatia. Visitors accustomed to left-hand traffic should take extra care after turns and when leaving car parks, service stations and side roads.

  • Overtaking: normally overtake on the left.
  • Motorways: keep to the right when you are not overtaking.
  • After turning: consciously return to the right-hand side.
  • Roundabouts: follow the signs and lane markings at each junction.
  • Coastal roads: avoid crossing the centre line on tight bends.

Speed limits in Croatia

For an ordinary passenger car, the general maximum limits are:

  • Built-up areas: generally 50 km/h.
  • Ordinary roads outside built-up areas: generally 90 km/h.
  • Express roads: generally 110 km/h.
  • Motorways: generally 130 km/h.

Lower signed limits always take precedence. Roadworks, tunnels, mountain sections and approaches to towns commonly have lower limits.

Croatia uses motorway tolls rather than a vignette

Croatia does not currently use a general passenger-car motorway vignette. Many motorways use open or closed toll systems where the amount paid depends on the route and vehicle category.

  • Closed toll system: collect a ticket when entering and pay according to the distance travelled when leaving.
  • Open toll system: a fixed amount is paid at the toll point.
  • Payment: HAC toll plazas accept cash and commonly accepted payment cards.
  • ENC: electronic toll collection uses a device fitted to the vehicle.
  • Rental car: ask whether an ENC device is fitted and how charges are settled.
  • No vignette: do not buy a supposed Croatian motorway vignette from an unofficial website.

Motorways are useful for longer journeys

Croatia's motorway network makes journeys between Zagreb, the Adriatic coast and many regional destinations considerably quicker than using older main roads.

  • A1: the principal motorway from the Zagreb area towards Split and southern Dalmatia.
  • A6: connects the Zagreb area with Rijeka.
  • A3: provides the main east-west motorway corridor through Zagreb.
  • A4: runs north from Zagreb towards Varaždin and Hungary.
  • Traffic: summer Saturdays and holiday-changeover periods can be very busy.

Strong winds can affect motorway travel

Croatia's powerful bura wind can affect exposed roads, bridges and motorway sections near the coast.

  • Restrictions can be introduced for certain vehicle types.
  • Severe wind can lead to temporary road or bridge closures.
  • Reduce speed when crosswinds affect the vehicle.
  • Hold the steering wheel firmly when leaving tunnels or sheltered sections.
  • Check HAK road information before travelling in severe weather.

Coastal roads are scenic but often slower

Croatia's Adriatic coast is one of the country's best driving regions, but the coastal roads can involve bends, cliffs, towns, cyclists and heavy summer traffic.

  • Reduce speed before bends rather than braking heavily while cornering.
  • Allow space for cyclists and motorcycles.
  • Expect congestion around resort towns during July and August.
  • Watch for pedestrians around beaches and waterfront areas.
  • Do not stop in an unsafe roadside position simply for a photograph or viewpoint.
  • Allow more time than the kilometre distance suggests when using a scenic coastal road instead of the motorway.

You can now reach Dubrovnik through Croatia without entering Bosnia

The Pelješac Bridge and connecting roads allow drivers travelling between Split and Dubrovnik to remain within Croatia rather than crossing the short Bosnian coastal corridor at Neum.

  • This simplifies a domestic Croatian rental-car journey to Dubrovnik.
  • Follow signs for the Pelješac Bridge route when travelling south.
  • You do not need to cross an international border simply to drive from Split to Dubrovnik.
  • If you deliberately choose a route through Bosnia and Herzegovina, first check the rental provider's cross-border conditions.
  • Summer traffic around Dubrovnik can be heavy, so allow extra time for airport returns.

Driving in Split

Split can become heavily congested during the summer and around ferry departure times.

  • The historic centre is not an area to expect to drive through normally.
  • Use recognised parking facilities and continue on foot where practical.
  • Expect queues on approaches to the ferry port.
  • Allow additional time if returning a vehicle to Split Airport during peak season.
  • Watch for scooters, motorcycles and pedestrians.

Driving in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has limited road space, steep streets and very heavy visitor traffic around the historic centre.

  • Do not expect to drive into the pedestrianised Old Town.
  • Use recognised parking outside the historic centre.
  • Check local signs and access restrictions carefully.
  • Avoid circulating repeatedly looking for street parking in peak season.
  • Leave additional time when travelling to Dubrovnik Airport.

Check the rental terms before taking the car on an island ferry

Vehicle ferries connect the Croatian mainland with a number of Adriatic islands. A rental car can therefore be useful on islands with larger road networks, but ferry transport should be planned in advance.

  • Confirm that the rental agreement permits the car to be taken on a ferry.
  • Check whether additional insurance conditions apply.
  • Vehicle space can be limited on popular summer sailings.
  • Arrive early enough for vehicle check-in.
  • Check whether taking the car is worthwhile for smaller islands where local transport may be simpler.
  • Do not assume a ferry reservation for passengers automatically includes space for a vehicle.

Winter equipment is compulsory on designated roads

From 15 November to 15 April, winter equipment is compulsory on designated winter sections of public roads in Croatia, regardless of the immediate weather conditions.

  • Winter tyres: four approved winter tyres on all wheels satisfy the requirement for normal passenger cars.
  • Alternative: qualifying summer tyres with at least 4 mm tread can be used with approved snow chains or traction devices ready for the driven wheels.
  • Snow and ice: winter equipment is required where winter road conditions make it necessary.
  • Rental car: confirm the vehicle is equipped for every road on your planned winter itinerary.
  • Mountain areas: weather inland can be very different from conditions on the Adriatic coast.

Daytime lights are required during winter

From 1 November to 31 March, cars must use daytime running lights or dipped headlights while driving during daylight.

  • Motorcycles and mopeds must use lights throughout the year.
  • Check whether the rental car's daytime running lights operate automatically.
  • Use appropriate headlights whenever visibility is reduced.
  • Do not assume illuminated dashboard instruments mean that the correct exterior lights are switched on.

Inland weather can differ sharply from the coast

Croatia's coastal climate can give a misleading impression of conditions inland and at higher elevations.

  • Snow and ice can affect inland motorways and mountain routes.
  • Fog can reduce visibility on higher routes.
  • Strong bura winds can affect roads near the Adriatic.
  • Check current HAK information before a long winter journey.

Croatia has strict drink-driving rules

The general legal alcohol limit for most ordinary drivers is 0.5 g/kg, equivalent to 0.5‰.

  • Young drivers: Croatia applies a zero-alcohol requirement to drivers legally classed as young drivers.
  • Professional drivers: zero-alcohol rules also apply to specified professional driving categories.
  • Police conduct roadside alcohol checks.
  • The legal maximum should not be treated as a safe drinking target.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is not to drink alcohol before driving.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Use the fitted seat belt in both front and rear seats.
  • Children must use an appropriate restraint where required by Croatian law.
  • Arrange child seats in advance when booking the rental car.
  • Check that the restraint is fitted correctly before leaving the rental location.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
  • Set navigation before starting the journey.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make complicated route changes.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Croatia's Ministry of the Interior states that qualifying visitors may drive using a valid foreign licence and that an International Driving Permit is not required where the foreign licence is recognised under reciprocity.

  • Carry your original valid driving licence.
  • Keep your passport or other required identification available.
  • UK photocard licences: current UK government guidance says these can be used in Croatia for up to one year.
  • If your licence is not in a readily understandable format, check whether additional documentation or a translation is required.
  • Rental companies can impose their own minimum age and licence-holding requirements.

Check the rental agreement before crossing a border

Croatia is well placed for road trips into Slovenia, Italy, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, but rental-company permission may still be required.

  • Confirm that every country on your itinerary is permitted.
  • Check whether a cross-border fee applies.
  • Confirm that insurance and roadside assistance remain valid.
  • Keep any required rental-company authorisation with the vehicle.
  • Each neighbouring country has its own toll, vignette and road-law requirements.
  • Remember that Croatia's motorway toll arrangements do not carry over into another country.

Parking can be difficult in historic coastal towns

Parking systems are controlled locally, so charges, zones and restrictions differ between Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Rijeka and other destinations.

  • Check the signs every time you park.
  • Historic centres may be pedestrianised or access-restricted.
  • Use recognised car parks where practical during the peak summer season.
  • Make sure the rental car's registration is entered correctly when paying digitally.
  • Do not leave valuables or luggage visible inside a parked car.

Croatian trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Zagreb to Plitvice

A car provides flexibility for reaching Plitvice Lakes and combining the journey with smaller towns and countryside away from the main rail network.

Split and central Dalmatia

Driving makes it easier to combine Split with Trogir, inland Dalmatia and coastal destinations while avoiding dependence on fixed transport schedules.

Dubrovnik and southern Dalmatia

The Pelješac Bridge allows a continuous domestic road journey from the rest of Croatia into the Dubrovnik region.

Istria

A car is particularly useful for combining Pula, Rovinj, Poreč and smaller inland hill towns across the Istrian peninsula.

Kvarner and the islands

Rijeka and the surrounding coast provide access to several islands, although ferry arrangements and rental conditions should be checked before taking the vehicle offshore.

Stay on marked roads and paths in former conflict areas

Some less-travelled areas of Croatia still contain unexploded mines or unexploded ordnance from the 1990s conflict.

  • The main tourist routes and normal paved roads are not the places where visitors would ordinarily encounter this issue.
  • The risk is mainly relevant to remote, uncultivated or previously war-affected land.
  • Do not leave marked roads or paths where warning signs are present.
  • Follow local authority and Civil Protection instructions.
  • Check current government travel advice if planning remote off-road activities.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone needs medical assistance.
  • Contact the emergency services where necessary.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant details and photograph the vehicles and scene where it is safe to do so.
  • Follow the accident-reporting procedure in the rental agreement.

Emergency and roadside assistance

  • All emergency services: 112
  • Police: 192
  • Fire service: 193
  • Emergency medical help: 194
  • Roadside assistance: 1987

For a rental-car breakdown, contact the assistance service specified in your rental agreement before arranging your own repair or recovery.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact return location and opening arrangements.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow additional time for summer traffic when returning to Split, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Zadar or Pula airports.
  • Check that motorway tolls and any ENC charges have been dealt with correctly.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork and return confirmation until the security deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Croatia

Which side of the road do you drive on in Croatia?

Traffic drives on the right and vehicles normally overtake on the left. Visitors accustomed to left-hand driving should take extra care after turns and when leaving car parks or service stations.

What are the speed limits in Croatia?

For ordinary passenger cars, the general maximum limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on ordinary roads outside built-up areas, 110 km/h on express roads and 130 km/h on motorways. Always follow a lower posted limit.

Do I need a motorway vignette in Croatia?

No. Croatia currently uses toll systems rather than a general passenger-car motorway vignette. Many motorway journeys are charged according to the route and distance travelled, with payment at toll points or through ENC electronic equipment.

Do I need winter tyres in Croatia?

Winter equipment is compulsory on designated winter sections of public roads from 15 November to 15 April, irrespective of the immediate weather conditions. Confirm that your rental vehicle is properly equipped if travelling during this period.

Do I need daytime headlights in Croatia?

Cars must use daytime running lights or dipped headlights during daylight from 1 November to 31 March. Motorcycles and mopeds must use lights throughout the year.

Do I have to cross Bosnia when driving to Dubrovnik?

No. The Pelješac Bridge and connecting Croatian roads allow you to drive from the rest of Croatia to Dubrovnik without crossing the international border into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Official driving information for Croatia

Toll arrangements, road conditions and winter restrictions can change. The links below are active Croatian government, road authority or recognised government travel-advice sources.

Last reviewed: 21 September 2026.