Driving in Croatia (Renting a Car) — Know Before You Go

Essentials & Legal

• License: A valid U.S. driver’s license is sufficient to legally drive in Croatia.

• Right on red: Not allowed. You may turn right only on a green light or a green right-arrow.

• Speed limits (km/h unless posted otherwise):

  • Built-up areas: 50 km/h

  • Open roads: 90–110 km/h

  • Motorways: 130 km/h

• Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC. Police perform random checks and post-accident tests. Do not drink and drive.

Motorways, Tolls & Emergencies

• Tolls: Croatian highways are toll roads. Pay when you exit (euros, debit, or credit).

• Emergency help: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU for emergencies.

• Call boxes: Located about every 2 km along motorways and connected to the SOS network.

Driving Style & Safety

• Local driving can be assertive, especially on smaller roads. Drive defensively and let faster traffic pass.

• City centers (e.g., parts of Rovinj and Split) have pedestrian-only zones. Plan to park and walk.

• On islands and rural routes, expect narrow two-way roads, occasional potholes, windy sections, and limited guardrails. Slow down to conditions.

Parking

• Expect limited street parking in major towns and tourist areas. Use garages or larger car parks at city entrances.

• Pay at multilingual meters (cash or card) or use the Bmove mobile app, which works in many Croatian cities.

Fuel & Service Stations

• Many motorway stations include a shop, café/bar, restrooms, and sometimes a restaurant—great for a stretch break.

• Prices at service-station shops are higher than supermarkets; fuel is typically more expensive on highways than local roads.

• How to pay: After fueling, go inside, give your pump number, and pay (cash or card).

• Fuel types: Petrol (gasoline) and diesel are common; double-check your rental’s fuel type in the vehicle documents.

  • Typical nozzle colors: petrol = green, diesel = black.

  • Using the wrong fuel can cause severe engine damage and costly fees—please confirm before fueling.

Border Crossings & Vignettes

• You can drive a rental car from Croatia to Montenegro or other European countries, but there may be a border-crossing fee.

• For certain neighboring countries (e.g., Slovenia), you must purchase a vignette (toll pass) for their motorways. Ask your rental company for specifics.

Traffic Information

• Radio: HRT 2 (98.5 MHz) shares traffic updates, often in Croatian, English, and German.

• Road conditions: The Croatian Auto Club (HAK) provides road, weather, and traffic updates via its website/app.

Pickup & Return Checklist

• At pickup: Walk around the vehicle and photograph any existing damage (close-ups + each side), plus the dashboard fuel level. Ensure all noted on the paperwork.

• At return: If dropping after hours, your photos can help resolve any questions.

City Tips

• Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and other larger cities can be congested with limited parking. Consider parking once and exploring on foot or by local transport.

• In historic centers, follow signage for public garages—it’s usually faster than circling for street spaces.

Quick Recap

• U.S. license OK • No right on red • Tolls at exit (pay in € or card)

• 112 for emergencies • Defensive driving on rural/island roads

• Use garages/Bmove for parking • Confirm fuel type before pumping

• Check border fees/vignettes if leaving Croatia

Information can change; always follow local signage and your rental company’s guidance. If you need help on the ground, your Tenon Travel Coordinator is just a message away.