Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Standfirst 

Everything you need to drive legally and confidently in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This guide uses only primary sources. We cover compulsory equipment, speed limits, alcohol rules, winter tyres, tolls on the A1 and RS motorways, documents and insurance, plus clear operator contacts.

The quick answer

Standard speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside towns, 100 km/h on express roads and 130 km/h on motorways. These limits are set in the state traffic law. jpautoceste.ba
Headlights must be on at all times. Winter equipment is mandatory from 1 November to 1 April across the country. bihamk.ba JPCFBIH.BA
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03 percent. Zero applies to young and professional drivers. Police can issue on-the-spot fines. Travel.gc.ca
Tolls are distance based. Federation sections are operated by JP Autoceste on the A1. RS sections are operated by Autoputevi RS on E661 Gradiška to Banja Luka and Banja Luka to Doboj. Pay at exit with cash or card or use the electronic device. jpautoceste.ba autoputevirs.com
Insurance and entry. Most European plates are covered by the Multilateral Agreement. Vehicles from certain Green Card countries must present a valid Green Card at the border. Biro zelene karte u Bosni i Hercegovini
Currency peg for quick mental maths. One euro equals 1.95583 KM. Quote KM first then the euro equivalent on first mention.

Documents and insurance

Driving licence and ID. Carry your valid licence and passport at all times.
Vehicle papers. Carry the registration certificate and proof of insurance. Rental drivers should keep the rental agreement in the car.
International insurance. The Bosnia and Herzegovina motor insurance bureau confirms that vehicles from Green Card countries listed on its page must carry a Green Card. Others are covered through the Multilateral Agreement and do not need one. Check your plate against the official list before you travel. Biro zelene karte u Bosni i Hercegovini

Rules of the road that matter most

Speed limits

These are defined in the state Law on Road Traffic Safety.

50 km/h in built-up areas unless signed otherwise
80 km/h on other roads outside towns
100 km/h on roads reserved for motor traffic and on express roads
130 km/h on motorways Additional class limits apply to buses and heavy vehicles as shown in Articles 44 to 46. jpautoceste.ba

Lights, phones and seat belts

Headlights required at all times. Treat this as daytime running lights if fitted or use dipped beam. bihamk.ba
Seat belts required for all occupants. Child restraints required according to size and age. These are part of the same state law. jpautoceste.ba
Use of a handheld phone while driving is prohibited. The traffic law applies nationwide. jpautoceste.ba

Alcohol limits

General limit 0.03 percent blood alcohol
Zero for drivers under 21 or with less than three years of experience and for professional categories
Police can fine on the spot and can confiscate a licence for serious violations These points are confirmed by government travel advisories that draw on local law. Travel.gc.ca

Winter tyres and equipment

Winter equipment is compulsory from 1 November to 1 April throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina
For passenger cars up to 3.5 t this means winter tyres with at least 4 mm tread or summer tyres with at least 4 mm tread plus snow chains carried for the drive axle
Chains may become compulsory on signed mountain sections during heavy snowfall These rules are published by BIHAMK and JP Ceste FBiH. bihamk.ba JPCFBIH.BA

Tolls and payment on motorways

Where tolls apply

Federation of BiH. A1 motorway sections operated by JP Autoceste. Closed system with a ticket at entry and payment at exit based on distance and vehicle class. jpautoceste.ba
Republika Srpska. E661 Gradiška to Banja Luka and Banja Luka to Doboj operated by Autoputevi RS. Price lists and tolled sections are published on the operator’s site. autoputevirs.com

How to pay

Cash in KM or by card at exit plazas. Subscription and electronic devices are available for frequent users. Federation operator guidance confirms cash and card are accepted. RS operator offers an electronic device and publishes price lists by plaza. jpautoceste.ba autoputevirs.com

Practical examples

RS operator lists individual toll prices for Jakupovci, Kladari and Prnjavor plazas. Check the current table before travel and keep small notes or a card handy at exits. autoputevirs.com
Federation operator publishes a vehicle class table and the price list for A1 sections. Use the official calculator or plaza price board when you enter. jpautoceste.ba

Compulsory kit in the car

Bosnia and Herzegovina follows European norms. Carry at least a reflective vest, warning triangle, first aid kit and a spare bulb set where applicable. Snow chains are part of winter kit when using summer tyres. These requirements are derived from the state traffic law and winter equipment rules. jpautoceste.ba bihamk.ba

Right of way and basic conduct

Give way to the right at uncontrolled intersections. Vehicles on the circular carriageway have priority at roundabouts where signed. Always stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings. These are standard provisions in the state law on traffic rules. jpautoceste.ba

Fines and enforcement

Police can issue fines at the roadside. Speed is enforced by fixed and mobile cameras and by patrol units, with thresholds and proof methods set in the law. If you are fined, a prompt payment often reduces the amount. jpautoceste.ba

Safety and access panel

Season. Roads are open year-round. Expect winter conditions from November to March at altitude.
Difficulty. Urban driving requires patience with narrow streets and tram priority in Sarajevo. Mountain roads can be narrow with sharp bends.
Required gear. Reflective vest, warning triangle, first aid kit, spare bulbs. Winter kit from 1 November to 1 April. bihamk.ba
Emergency. Dial 112 for all emergencies.
Mobile coverage. Strong on main corridors, variable on remote mountain roads.
Accessibility note. Many rural fuel stations accept cards. Keep KM cash for small toll plazas, parking and remote stations.

Planning a cross-border loop. Get our free Bosnia and Herzegovina road trip planner with legal checklist, toll contacts and a printable winter kit list.