SerbiaSerbia
Traffic rules
Serbia
1. Serbia
Serbia lies at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, and its position on major north-south routes makes it an important transit country between Central Europe and the southern Balkans. Traffic drives on the right. Motorways carry much of the international traffic, while secondary roads can become considerably more winding through the country's hill and mountain regions. Road signs deserve particular attention: on first-class state roads, place names are normally shown in both Cyrillic and Latin scripts, while Cyrillic may be used alone on second-class state roads, municipal roads and streets.
Serbian motorways use distance-based tolls rather than a vignette. Tolled motorway sections operate as a closed system, with payment at toll stations or electronically using an ENP tag. Winter rules depend on actual road conditions: from 1 November to 1 April, passenger cars must have winter tyres on all four wheels when the road is covered with snow, ice or black ice, with at least 4 mm tread depth. Snow chains or another approved traction device form part of the required winter equipment, while studded tyres are prohibited.
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What is the alcohol limit for driving in Serbia?
For drivers outside the zero-alcohol categories, the statutory blood-alcohol threshold is more than 0.2 g/l (0.2‰). Zero alcohol applies to several categories, including probationary drivers, motorcycle and moped riders and specified professional or special-service drivers. The safest choice is not to drink before driving.
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Traffic Safety Agency, Road Traffic Safety Law
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Traffic Safety Agency, April2026 operative-law citation
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Serbia?
Built-up areas: The general maximum speed in a built-up area is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise. On suitable roads, a higher signed limit of up to 80 km/h may be permitted.
Outside built-up areas: For an ordinary passenger car, the general maximum on roads outside built-up areas other than motorways and motoput roads is 80 km/h, unless another limit is signed.
Expressways: The general maximum on a motoput is 100 km/h for an ordinary passenger car, unless a lower limit is signed.
Motorways: The general motorway maximum for an ordinary passenger car is 130 km/h, unless signs impose a lower limit.
School zones: In a designated school zone, the limit is normally 30 km/h in a built-up area and 50 km/h outside a built-up area between 07:00 and 21:00, unless signs specify a different period.
Lower limits apply to drivers with a Serbian probationary licence and to certain vehicle categories.
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Traffic Safety Agency, Road Traffic Safety Law
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Traffic Safety Agency, April2026 operative-law citation
Are seat belts compulsory in Serbia?
Yes. Drivers and passengers must use seat belts in seats that are equipped with them.
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Safety Agency, current child-seat and seat-belt guidance
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Serbia?
A driver must not use a phone while driving unless using hands-free equipment, and must avoid activities that distract from driving. A driver with a Serbian probationary licence must not use a phone or other communication equipment while driving, including hands-free equipment.
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Traffic Safety Agency, Road Traffic Safety Law
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Traffic Safety Agency, April2026 operative-law citation
When must children use a child restraint in Serbia?
A person shorter than 135 cm must normally be transported in an approved child-restraint system appropriate for the child. The law provides specific conditions for the use of booster seats by older children.
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Safety Agency, current child-seat and seat-belt guidance
Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Serbia?
Yes. Riders and passengers on motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles and quadricycles must wear a properly fastened, approved protective helmet, used as its manufacturer specifies. Article 91 provides an exception where the vehicle has a built-in cabin.
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Traffic Safety Agency, Road Traffic Safety Law
🔗 abs.gov.rs • Serbian Road Traffic Safety Agency, April2026 operative-law citation
