Driving in Albania 2025: Updated Rules, Fines & Tolls
Planning a Balkan road-trip that swings through Tirana, the Albanian Riviera or the Valbona Valley? Good call—Albania’s highways keep improving and its mountain routes are as photogenic as ever. But the Road Code has tightened since 2023, and a new toll corridor plus the “headlights-on-all-day” rule mean yesterday’s advice is already outdated. Below you’ll find the 2025-ready playbook: everything from speed limits and police fines to EV chargers and winter gear.
Quick 2025 Changes at a Glance
| What’s new? | In force since | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime running lights mandatory all year | Nov 2024 | Headlights must stay on 24/7—even in sunshine. |
| Thumanë–Kashar expressway now tolled | Jan 2025 | Second toll road after A1; passenger cars pay 250 Lek (€2.5). |
| Phone-while-driving repeat-offender licence suspensions | Jul 2024 | Three strikes in 12 months = 3-month ban. |
| DigitalPass OBU discounts on A1 toll | Feb 2025 | Up to 40 % off for regular users. |
| EV charging network triples | 2023-25 | 120 public chargers nationwide, led by VEGA & DAB. |
1. General Road Rules
1.1 Right-Hand Traffic
Albania drives on the right like the rest of continental Europe. Overtake on the left—but expect locals to improvise.
1.2 Speed Limits (unchanged in 2025)
130 km/h on completed motorways (A1, A2, A3 segments)
90 km/h on primary inter-city roads
80 km/h on minor inter-city roads
40 km/h inside built-up areas (look for sudden 40 km/h signs on bypasses)
Tip: Fixed cameras on the Tirana–Durrës corridor and new mobile radar vans on SH1 generate on-the-spot e-tickets.
2. Mandatory Lights – The 24/7 Headlight Law
Since November 2024 every vehicle—including rentals—must keep headlights or daytime running lights on at all times, regardless of weather or daylight. The fine ranges 5 000–15 000 Lek (€47–€141).
3. Seat Belts & Child-Restraint Rules
Belts are compulsory front and rear; fines 1 000–3 000 Lek for first offence; up to 15 000 Lek for repeat offenders.
Children under 3 yrs must ride in an approved CRS; from 3 yrs to 12 yrs (or under 150 cm) the back seat is mandatory.
4. Drink & Drug Driving
Albania’s legal blood-alcohol concentration is 0.01 % (effectively zero-tolerance). Penalties escalate quickly:
| BAC | Fine | Licence Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| 0–0.3 ‰ | 5 000–15 000 Lek | — |
| 0.3–0.5 ‰ | 10 000–20 000 Lek | 3–6 months |
| 0.5–0.8 ‰ | 20 000–40 000 Lek | 1–2 years |
Night-time offences (22:00-07:00) attract a 66 % surcharge.
5. Mobile Phones & In-Car Tech
Hands-free only. Using a handheld device while driving costs 5 000–15 000 Lek; three tickets in a year trigger a 90-day suspension.
6. Fines: How to Pay in 2025
Roadside ticket – pay at any police station, post office, bank or Western Union.
Camera fine – delivered to your e-Albania account; pay online with a 50 % discount inside 15 days.
Rental agencies will pass the charge plus an admin fee if you ignore it, so clear debts before departure.
7. Toll Roads & Costs (Updated 2025)
| Corridor | Length | 2025 Car Tariff | How to Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 “Rruga e Kombit” (Milot–Kukës) | 114 km | 660 Lek (€6.3) | Cash, card, DigitalPass OBU (-40 %) |
| Thumanë–Kashar (Blue Corridor phase 1) | 21 km | 250 Lek (€2.5) | Cash, card – contactless fastest lane |
The A2 Fier–Vlorë and A3 Tirana–Elbasan are still toll-free in mid-2025 but concession contracts have been signed—expect fees by 2026.
8. Parking & Low-Emission Zones
Tirana extended its paid-parking zones in 2024; machines accept coins or the TPay app. No low-emission zone (LEZ) yet, but an e-vignette for city-centre deliveries is under public consultation.
9. Winter & Mountain Driving
Winter tyres: not compulsory, but chains must be carried 1 Nov–30 Apr when signs demand.
Mountain roads: many are single-lane with unguarded drops; fuel up before SH36 or SH21—long gaps between petrol stations.
Emergency kit: triangles, reflective vest, first-aid kit and spare bulb set are obligatory in all rentals.
10. Electric-Vehicle (EV) Travel in 2025
Albania counted barely 30 public chargers in 2022; by June 2025 that number passed 120. Tirana, Durrës, Vlora and Saranda now host 30 kW–100 kW DC fast chargers by VEGA Charging, DAB Energy and eMobility Albania. Average cost: €0.40 / kWh, or around €7.50 for a 200-km top-up.
Apps: PlugShare, Electromaps, iChargeAL.
Tip: Remote northern routes (Theth, Vermosh) still lack infrastructure—plan chargers in Shkodër or bring a type 2 cable for guest-house sockets.
11. Documents & Rental Requirements
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport + national licence | Minimum age 21 (some agencies 23). |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | Strongly advised; police may fine 10 000 Lek without one. |
| Credit card | For security deposit (often €200–€900). |
| Green Card | Mandatory if you plan to cross into Kosovo, Montenegro or Greece. |
12. Local Driving Style & Safety Tips
Albanian drivers can appear impatient—double-parking, indicator-free lane changes and surprise U-turns are common. Defensive driving, a generous following distance and a good dash-cam (for insurance disputes) are your best friends. Expect livestock and pedestrians on rural roads after dusk.
13. Emergency Numbers
112 – EU standard emergency line (police, ambulance, fire)
126 – Road police direct
Keep your rental’s yellow roadside-assistance card handy; tow trucks often quote prices in cash.
14. FAQ (2025 edition)
Is Israeli or UK insurance accepted?
Yes, as long as your policy covers the Balkans; otherwise buy local border insurance at the checkpoint.
Can I use Apple Pay on tolls?
A1 booths accept contactless in 2025; Thumanë–Kashar roll-out is ongoing.
Are dash-cams legal?
Yes, provided they don’t obstruct the driver’s view.
15. Key Takeaways
Lights on, always—new rule catches tourists.
Two toll roads operational; more coming.
Fines digitised—pay within 15 days for 50 % off.
Carry snow chains, plan fuel stops in the Alps, and book EV-compatible hotels when road-tripping electric.
Defensive driving is essential; patience keeps you safe and avoids police attention.
Safe travels—see you on Albania’s bright blue coastal highways!