The basics

• Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt, front and back.
• Children must travel in a child seat suited to their age and size.
• Dipped headlights must be on day and night, all year round, not only in winter.
• You may only use a phone hands-free. Holding a phone while driving is not allowed.
• Give way to trams in Sarajevo, and never drive or stop on the tram tracks.
• Turning right on a red light is not allowed unless there is a separate green arrow.

If you are travelling with children, you can add a baby seat or child seat to your rental. A baby seat (0–4 years) is €5 per day and a child seat (4–8 years) is €3 per day.

Speed limits

Speed limits in Bosnia and Herzegovina are generally:

• 50 km/h in towns and villages
• 80 km/h on open roads outside built-up areas
• 100 km/h on expressways
• 130 km/h on motorways

Always follow the signs, as limits are often lower near schools, junctions, bends and road works. Speed cameras and police radar checks are common, especially on the main roads into Sarajevo.

Alcohol limit

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.3 g/kg. For new and young drivers it is zero. In practice, a single drink can put you close to the limit, so the simplest rule is not to drink at all if you are driving.

Police checks

Police checks are a normal part of driving here. Officers often stop cars at the roadside to check documents, lights and speed. Stay calm, pull over safely and have your papers ready. Always carry:

• Your driving licence
• Your passport or national ID card
• The rental agreement and car documents we give you at pick-up

If your licence is not written in the Latin alphabet (for example, an Arabic-script licence), bring an International Driving Permit as well. If you are unsure whether your licence is accepted, ask our team before you travel.

Winter driving and winter tyres

Winter equipment is mandatory in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 15 November to 15 April. In practice, this means winter tyres on the car. This applies whether or not there is snow on the day you drive.

With TRIO, winter tyres cost €13 per rental, and they are required on every rental during that period. If you are heading to the mountains, snow can fall early and late in the season. Read our guide to driving to Jahorina and Bjelašnica before a ski trip.

A few winter tips:

• Allow extra time. Roads can be icy in the morning and evening, even when the day is sunny.
• Keep a bigger gap to the car in front.
• Watch out for fog in valleys and around Sarajevo, especially in late autumn and winter.
• Follow any signs about snow chains on mountain roads.

Mountain roads

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a mountainous country, and that is a big part of its beauty. Main roads between cities are generally in good condition. Smaller roads can be narrow, winding and steep, with few places to overtake.

• Take bends slowly and keep to your side of the road.
• Expect slow lorries on climbs. Be patient and only overtake where you can see clearly.
• Look out for rock falls, potholes and animals on rural roads.
• Distances look short on the map, but journeys often take longer than you expect.

An SUV or crossover gives you a bit more ground clearance for rougher roads. Have a look at our fleet of economy cars, SUVs and estates to find the right fit.

Motorways and tolls

There is no vignette in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Instead, parts of the A1 motorway have toll booths. You take a ticket or pay at the booth, and you can usually pay in cash or by card. Toll prices change, so check current prices if you want to budget in advance.

The local currency is the convertible mark (KM, also written BAM). It is fixed at about 1.96 KM to one euro. It is handy to carry some KM in cash for tolls, parking and small petrol stations in rural areas.

Fuel

Petrol stations are easy to find along main roads and in towns, and most accept cards. In remote areas they can be further apart, so fill up before heading into the mountains. Check whether your car takes petrol or diesel before you fill up. We will tell you at pick-up, and it is also written on the fuel cap.

Driving in Sarajevo

Sarajevo traffic can be busy at rush hour, and the city stretches along a long, narrow valley. The main avenue runs east to west with trams in the middle. The old town, Baščaršija, is mostly pedestrian, and the streets climbing into the hills are narrow and steep.

Parking in the centre takes a little planning. Our guide to parking in Sarajevo explains the paid zones, garages and what to avoid.

Driving abroad from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Many visitors combine Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia, Montenegro or Serbia. You can take a TRIO car to neighbouring countries for €55 per rental, which includes the border documents. Just tell us when you book. For route ideas, see our guide to road trips from Sarajevo.

Renting a car with TRIO

Our desk is inside the terminal at Sarajevo International Airport and is open every day from 08:00 to 21:00. A few things worth knowing:

• Minimum driver age is 21, with a licence held for at least 2 years.
• Unlimited mileage on every rental.
• Full coverage insurance means no deposit, zero excess and 24/7 roadside assistance across Europe.
• With basic insurance, there is a €1,100 deposit on a credit or debit card.
• No online prepayment. You pay at pick-up, by card or cash.

You can find the full details in our rental terms and conditions.

FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Many foreign licences are accepted on their own. If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit together with your original licence. If in doubt, contact us before you travel and we will advise.

Do I need to keep my headlights on during the day?

Yes. Dipped headlights are required day and night, all year round. Most modern cars switch them on automatically, but check the dashboard when you set off.

Are winter tyres mandatory in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Yes. Winter equipment is required from 15 November to 15 April. TRIO fits winter tyres for €13 per rental during this period.

Is there a motorway vignette?

No. Bosnia and Herzegovina does not use a vignette. You pay tolls at booths on the A1 motorway, in cash or by card.

Is it safe to drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Yes, for a careful driver. Main roads are in good condition. Take extra care on narrow mountain roads, in fog and on icy winter mornings, and follow the speed limits.

Ready to explore the country at your own pace? Check availability and book your rental car and pick it up as soon as you land at Sarajevo Airport. You pay nothing online, and you can call or WhatsApp us on +387 61 922 307 with any questions.