Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


1. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a mountainous country in Southeast Europe, in the western Balkans between Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, with a short Adriatic coastline at Neum. Traffic drives on the right, and journeys outside the main cities frequently involve winding roads, steep terrain and changing weather conditions. Winter driving deserves particular attention: most vehicles must carry the prescribed winter equipment from 1 November to 1 April, regardless of the weather.

Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are used in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and both the Latin and Cyrillic scripts are used. Traffic-sign inscriptions may therefore appear in both scripts, with their order differing between the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. Core traffic rules are established at state level, while motorway networks and toll collection are managed separately in the country's entities.

Let's explore the traffic rules of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

For most drivers, the permitted blood-alcohol concentration is up to 0.3 g/kg (0.3‰). A zero-alcohol limit applies to several categories, including drivers under 21, drivers with less than three years of driving experience, learner drivers and certain professional drivers.

🔗 parlament.ba • Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament, consolidated Road Traffic Safety Law, Articles 33–34, 44, 90, 102 and 174

What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Built-up areas: The general maximum speed is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.

Outside built-up areas: On ordinary roads outside built-up areas, the general maximum speed for cars is 80 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.

Roads reserved for motor vehicles: The general maximum speed is 100 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.

Motorways: For cars, the general maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h, unless a lower limit is indicated.

🔗 parlament.ba • Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament, consolidated Road Traffic Safety Law, Articles 33–34, 44, 90, 102 and 174

Are seat belts mandatory in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers while travelling in a vehicle equipped with them.

🔗 parlament.ba • Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament, consolidated Road Traffic Safety Law, Articles 33–34, 44, 90, 102 and 174

Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

A driver may not use a handheld mobile phone or other communication device while driving. Hands-free use is permitted with suitable equipment.

🔗 parlament.ba • Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament, consolidated Road Traffic Safety Law, Articles 33–34, 44, 90, 102 and 174

Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Yes. Motorcycle riders and their passengers must wear a protective helmet while riding. Use an appropriate helmet and secure it correctly before setting off.

🔗 parlament.ba • Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament, consolidated Road Traffic Safety Law, Articles 33–34, 44, 90, 102 and 174

Must cars use lights during the day in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Yes. During daytime driving, motor vehicles must use dipped headlights or daytime running lights. At night or in reduced visibility, use the lighting required for those conditions; daytime running lights alone do not replace the necessary road and rear lighting.

🔗 parlament.ba • Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament, consolidated Road Traffic Safety Law, Articles 33–34, 44, 90, 102 and 174

1 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 Motorway 3 Quay 4 Give way 5 Roundabout 6 Railway crossing 7 Traffic lights 8 International border 9 Reversing 10 City limit 11 Tourist attraction 12 Bus 13 Police 14 Ambulance 15 Taxi 16 European emission standard 17 Pothole 18 Path 19 Particulates 20 Air pollution 21 Rush hour 22 Road code 23 Street gutter 24 Cargo bike 25 Forestry vehicle 26 Construction vehicle 27 Semi-trailer truck 28 Trolleybus 29 Speed pedelec 30 Delivery vehicle 31 Idling 32 Tow truck 33 Four-wheel drive 34 Bicycle 35 Motorcycle equipment 36 Rail track 37 Caravan 38 Trailer 39 Tow hitch 40 Fire truck 41 Siren 42 Convoy 43 Emergency vehicle lighting 44 Agricultural machinery 45 Electric bicycle 46 Electric vehicle 47 Pedelec 48 Quadricycle 49 Microcar 50 All-terrain vehicle 51 Van 52 Recreational vehicle 53 Scooter 54 Trikke 55 Personal mobility device 56 Skateboard 57 Segway 58 Kick scooter 59 Roller skates 60 Mailman 61 Hitchhiker 62 Toddler 63 Child 64 Disability 65 Motorail 66 km/h 67 mph 68 Speedometer 69 Ride height 70 Dirt road 71 Driving 72 Start-stop system 73 Manual transmission 74 Automatic transmission 75 Throttle 76 Tachometer 77 Steering wheel 78 Power steering 79 Visual scanning 80 Mirror 81 Fuel 82 Fuel gauge 83 Petrol 84 Diesel 85 Diesel exhaust fluid 86 Car insurance 87 First aid kit 88 Fire extinguisher 89 High-visibility clothing 90 First aid 91 Concrete step barrier 92 Barriers 93 Vehicle lights 94 Street lights 95 Dipped beam 96 High beam 97 Fog lights 98 Front fog lights 99 Rear fog lights 100 Side lights ...