Driving in Albania

Licence and documents

Most visitors can drive on their national licence for short stays; an International Driving Permit is inexpensive and removes any argument. Carry the vehicle documents and insurance. Rules change — confirm current requirements with an official source or your hire company.

Conditions

• Main corridors (A1, SH2, SH4) are good two- or four-lane roads.
• The SH8 Riviera road is a two-lane mountain road with hairpins and heavy summer traffic.
• Secondary mountain roads vary from adequate to unsealed.
• Street lighting outside towns is limited; night driving is materially riskier.
• Pedestrians, livestock and parked vehicles in the carriageway are routine.

Enforcement and habits

Speed limits are enforced, including with handheld radar at village entries. Seat belts are mandatory. Drink-driving limits are strict. Overtaking practice is more aggressive than in much of western Europe, and defensive driving is the correct posture rather than a cliché.

Fuel, tolls and parking

Fuel stations are frequent on main roads and thin in the mountains. The Kalimash tunnel on the A1 is tolled. Paid parking is normal in towns and at popular beaches in season.