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 2025 update with everything from speed limits and police fines to EV charging stations and winter gear.

Quick 2025 Changes at a Glance

• 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 2025)

  • 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.

  2. 24/7 Headlight Law

  As of November 2024, rentals and all vehicles…

  3. Seat Belts & Child-Restraint Rules

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

  4. 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)
    
    
  5. Cellphones and Driving Technology

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

  6. Paying Your Fines: 2025 Update
  • e-Albania app works
    
    
  • Post and paper still valid
    
    
  • Rental car = admin fee on fines
    
    
  7. The Cost of Driving and Paying for Toll Roads (Update 2025)

  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 2025

  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
    
    
  
  
  11. 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
    
    
  12. Local Driving Style & Safety Tips
  • Expect double parking, U-turns, no signals
    
    
  • Drive patiently = fewer issues
    
    
  • Dash-cam recommended for insurance disputes
    
    
  13. Emergency Numbers
  • 112 – EU emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
    
    
  • 126 – Road police
    
    
  • Keep roadside card handy; tow trucks often charge cash only
    
    
  14. FAQ (2025 Edition)

  Is Israeli or UK insurance accepted?

  Yes, if it covers Balkans. Else, buy local insurance.

  Can I use Apple Pay on tolls?

  Yes, at A1 booths. Thumanë–Kashar being updated.

  Are dash-cams legal?

  Yes, if they don’t obstruct view.

  15. Key Takeaways
  • 24/7 headlight law is active
    
    
  • Toll roads support contactless
    
    
  • Fines have a 15-day 50% discount window
    
    
  • EV drivers should plan rural routes
    
    
  • Drive calmly, avoid fines

  Meta : Manual vs. Automatic in Albania 2025 – Find out which car transmission suits your trip best, plus local tips for rentals, roads & driving comfort.