GENERAL INFORMATION

When going to Albania, it is worth remembering that one of the lowest speed limits is in force. However, given the condition of the roads, they are not unfounded. Even if we move the road with renewed paving, which in Albania is more and more, unexpected surprises, such as unprotected sewage wells, may be waiting for us.

Speed

• Built-in areas for all types of vehicles are limited to 40 km / h.
• Outside the built-up area, passenger cars can travel at speeds of up to 80-90 km / h, cars with trailers and those above 3,5 tonnes up to 70km / h.
• On motorways for passenger cars the limit is 110 km / h, and for cars with trailers and trucks - 80 km / h.

Belts

Safety belts are compulsory. This applies to all vehicle occupants.

Light

Use of dipped-beam headlamps is mandatory in case of visibility limitations due to weather conditions and in tunnels.

Additional requirements.

Mandatory equipment includes:

• seatbelts,
• first aid kit,
• triangle warning.

The recommended but not mandatory elements include a fire extinguisher and a tow rope. In addition, because of the rare car service, it is recommended to carry basic tools and replaceable parts.

Required Documents / Insurance

• at the entrance to Albania you will need:Proof of identity: Passport valid for at least 3 months from the planned date of leaving Albania (stay or transit is also possible on the basis of ID card)
• driving license,
• vehicle registration certificate with valid technical review,
• car liability insurance - Green Card,
• where the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, written consent will be required to use the vehicle outside the EU, written in English.

It is also worth remembering about insurance from NNW and additional health insurance.

Motorways, toll roads

From EU citizens, no entry tolls or tolls for local roads are charged.

Safety / Driving culture

Alcohol

In the event of a police stop, the blood alcohol limit is 0.01 primes. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a mandate of between 10,000 and 40,000 ALL and / or stopping a driving license for a period of 6 to 12 months, and for a repeat offense of up to 2 years.

Phone

During a call during a call, use a handsfree or a special handset.

Children

Children up to 12 years of age must carry a security device suitable for their size in the front seat.

Drive with trailer and carry bigger dimensions

Riding a trailer involves some additional protection. This applies in particular to the permissible driving speed (see General Information).

Additional Information / Trivia

In Albania, great caution and limited trust in traffic lights are recommended, which local drivers rarely pay attention to. Most often the horn is a signaling tool for the driver's planned maneuver. It also serves to salute and express the frustration of the behavior of other drivers. Because of the poor technical condition of Albanian vehicles and frequent lack of lighting, we recommend special attention during night driving. Especially because cyclists - like vehicles - are also unseen on the road.

Summary

Moving on Albanian roads, it is important to be as focused and careful as possible. First, because of the state of the roads. Second, because of the unpredictable behavior of drivers. The initial surprise is quite fast, however, and the local way of driving and using the horn is easy to get used to. Road improvements and hotel infrastructure are also becoming increasingly noticeable. Albania is becoming an open and tourist-friendly country, but at the same time - and it is the most beautiful in it - it is still a place of unspoilt and rarely visited.

Important telephones

• 355 66 40 01 222, 355 69 40 01 222 lub 355 67 20 21 222 -Albanian Motorcycle Road Assistance (ACA), 24h,

• 129 - police,

• 128 -  fire brigade,

• 127 - ambulance.