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Driving in Albania 2026: Updated Rules, Fines & Tolls

Driving in Albania 2025: Updated Rules, Fines & Tolls

Thinking about a road-trip to the Balkans with a stop in Tirana, the Albanian Riviera, or Valbona Valley? Great choice. Albania’s highways are continuously being improved, and the mountainous roads are a sight to behold. However, changes to the Road Code, implemented in 2023, including a new tolled area, a “headlights-on-all-day” rule, and a “drive with your lights on 24/7” law mean advice from 2022 is now dated.

Below you will find a comprehensive guide to the 2026 update with everything from speed limits and police fines to EV charging stations and winter gear.

Quick 2026 Changes at a Glance

What’s new?In force sinceWhy it matters
Daytime running lights mandatory all yearNov 2024Headlights must stay on 24/7—even in sunshine.
Thumanë–Kashar expressway now tolledJan 2025Second toll road after A1; passenger cars pay 250 Lek (€2.5).
Phone-while-driving repeat-offender licence suspensionsJul 2024Three strikes in 12 months = 3-month ban.
DigitalPass OBU discounts on A1 tollFeb 2025Up to 40 % off for regular users.
EV charging network triples2023-25120 public chargers nationwide, led by VEGA & DAB.
 
    1. Poland

    1.2 Poland or Albania just like the rest of Europe

    Poland shows an able of driving over the right side…

    1.2 Driving Regulations (unchanged in 2026)

    • Completed motorways (A1, A2, A3 segments): 130 km/h
    • Primary inter-city roads: 90 km/h
    • Secondary minor inter-city roads: 80 km/h
    • Built-up areas: 40 km/h

    Tip: Fixed radars on Tirana–Durrës + SH1 mobile radars issue e-tickets.

    1. 24/7 Headlight Law

    As of November 2024, rentals and all vehicles…

    1. Seat Belts & Child-Restraint Rules

    Seat belts required for all. Offences = 1,000–3,000 Lek…

    1. Alcohol and Drugs while Driving

    Legal Blood Alcohol Limit

    • 0–0.3 ‰: 5,000–15,000 Lek, no suspension
    • 0.3–0.5 ‰: 10,000–20,000 Lek, 3–6 months suspension
    • 0.5–0.8 ‰: 20,000–40,000 Lek, 1–2 year suspension
    • 22% surcharge for night driving (22:00–07:00)
    1. Cellphones and Driving Technology

    Must be hands-free. Violations = 5,000–15,000 Lek…

    1. Paying Your Fines: 2026 Update
    • e-Albania app works
    • Post and paper still valid
    • Rental car = admin fee on fines
    1. The Cost of Driving and Paying for Toll Roads (Update 2026)

    Corridor Toll Rates

    Road

    Length

    Driver Fee

    How to Pay

    A1 Rruga e Kombit

    114 km

    660 Lek (€6.3)

    Cash, card, OBU (40% off)

    Thumanë-Kashar

    21 km

    250 Lek (€2.5)

    Cash, card

    A2 & A3 still toll-free (contracts pending)

    8. Tirana has Low Emission Zones

    Paid parking expanded into LEZ. TPay app accepted.

    9. Driving In The Mountains and In Winter

    Winter Zone Rules

    • Chains required Nov–Apr in certain zones
    • Sparse fuel stations SH36/SH21 — fuel up early
    • Must carry: reflective vest, 2 triangles, first aid kit, spare bulb set
      10. EV Travel in 2026

    Fast Charging Network

    • 120 units across Tirana, Durrës, Saranda
    • 30–100 kW DC chargers
    • €0.40 per kW (~€7.50 for 200 km)
    • Use PlugShare, Electromaps, iChargeAL
    1. Required Documents and Renting a Vehicle
    • Passport + national driving license
    • Credit card
    • Green Card

    Notes on Rentals

    • Min. age: 21–23 depending on agency
    • IDP strongly recommended
    • 10,000 Lek fine for driving without proper documents
    1. Local Driving Style & Safety Tips
    • Expect double parking, U-turns, no signals
    • Drive patiently = fewer issues
    • Dash-cam recommended for insurance disputes
    1. Emergency Numbers
    • 112 – EU emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
    • 126 – Road police
    • Keep roadside card handy; tow trucks often charge cash only