What Is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?
An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.
On the other hand, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.
How does an International Driving Permit work in Montenegro?
You can use your foreign driver’s license alongside your IDP, irrespective of the country you are coming from. International Driving Permits are valid for a year after the issue date. You may also use your IDP as an identification document while traveling. If your driver’s license is in a foreign language, an IDP can be used as a translation of your license.
The only exception to the rule is tourists who hold a valid UK License can drive without an IDP for 3 months.Gettingt a driver’s license in Montenegrois not mandatory if you hold a valid IDP.
Getting a green card
A green card is an international motor insurance card and is mandatory for all international drivers to have when driving in Montenegro. A green card is a certificate to state that the vehicle you are driving, whether it is rented or privately owned, is adequately insured. You can purchase a green card in Montenegro for around 15.00 euros for 15 days.
How do I get an International Driving Permit for Montenegro?
You can do the application process for an International driving permit through our website. It is a quick and easy process, only taking a few minutes to fill out the application form. You will need to upload the relevant documents:
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A passport
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Domestic Driver’s license
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A Debit or credit card for payment
How much does an IDP cost?
For prices, see our pricing page.
How long does it take to get an IDP?
A digital IDP takes up to 2 hours to land in your inbox. Alternatively, if you want a faster processing time, you can choose an Express Order, in which you will receive your IDP in 20 minutes.
A printed IDP can be delivered to your doorstep, with the estimated delivery date varying between 2-30 days, depending on the selected delivery method.
United Nations agreement on road traffic
The United Nations Road Traffic agreement is an agreement between UN countries to implement the usage of IDPs in 150 countries worldwide. This agreement also ensures that athe UN legally accepts all IDPs that are issued
So far, 3 automotive conventions have been held. The first was held in 1926 in Geneva, the next was held in 1949 in Paris, and the most recent convention was held in 1968 in Vienna. The UN road traffic agreement also allows other countries to authorize other automotive associations to issue IDPs on behalf of the government.
Benefits Of Carrying An IDP In Montenegro
Legal requirement
It is a legal requirement for anybody not holding a valid UK driver’s license to have an IDP if they want to drive a car while visiting Montenegro.
Functionality as an ID
If you have security concerns and want to keep your passport under lock and key, your IDP can serve as an identification document. Most countries will allow you to use your IDP instead of your national ID card during traffic stops. This is useful if your ID card is in a language not recognized by the country you have traveled to.
Quicker traffic authority stops
Due to language or formatting differences, some processing issues may arise when deciphering the information on your driving license. An IDP allows traffic authorities to identify your details quickly. This is especially useful during emergencies.
Car rental companies
Most car rental companies, irrespective of the country they operate in, require you to have an International Driving Permit and a valid driving license to rent a car. This is because the United Nations recognizes IDPs as valid driving permits. Having an IDP will ensure that your valuable vacation time isn’t wasted on trying to convince a conservative car rental agency of the validity of your foreign driver’s license.
Driving Requirements For Non-citizens
Short-term visitors vs long-term stay
A tourist who is staying in Montenegro can drive with an IDP for the duration of the stay. The exception to this is drivers with a UK license. A person with a UK driving license can drive for 3 months before they will need to obtain an IDP or a Montenegro driver’s license.
When Do I Need To Get A Driver’s License in Montenegro
A tourist can drive in Montenegro with an IDP for the duration of the stay. If the driver holds a UK license, they will need to either obtain an IDP or a valid Montenegro driving license after 3 months. If a tourist decides to get a Montenegro driver’s license, the driver would need to complete the following steps to obtain a Montenegro driver’s license:
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The first thing that is required is getting a health certificate. You can get this cert at any municipality’s health centre. It is valid for one year and costs 40.00 euros.
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You will then be required to sit a theory examination.
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You will need to complete around 30 hours of practical driving lessons and can then sit for your practical driving exam.
Renewing your IDP or original driving license in Montenegro
Depending on what validity period driving license you originally ordered, you may need to renew your IDP if you wish to continue driving in Montenegro. You can reapply for your IDP from your original issuer and have it delivered to your address in Montenegro.
If you need to renew your driving license you will need to contact your original driving license issuer from your original country of license issuing.
Vehicle Rental In Montenegro
Renting a car in Montenegro is a fantastic way to explore all the beautiful scenery this country has. Although public transport such as buses and trains do run regularly, the freedom to travel is hugely increased by getting a rental car.
Vehicle rental is considered relatively affordable for most tourists in Montenegro. With plenty of rental agencies to choose from and plenty of cars to suit everyone’s needs, renting a car in Montenegro is an easy and convenient choice.
Renting vehicles in Montenegro
Before heading off on your trip, it is a good idea to browse around online at different vehicle companies to compare prices and vehicle options. Reserve your chosen vehicle if possible to help avoid any disappointment when you arrive in Montenegro.
The minimum driving age in Montenegro is 18, but car rental companies will require a driver to be a minimum age of 20. Leasing a car between 20 – 25 can be difficult in any country, with most car rental agencies charging a young driver’s fee due to the increased risk with inexperienced drivers.
Documents required
All vehicle rental companies will request legal documents before renting a car. You must have the following documents to obtain a rental car:
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Your home country driver’s license
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An International Driving Permit
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Identification, such as a passport
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Debit or credit card for payment
Rental costs
The cost of rent for your vehicle of choice will vary from company to company (and young driver’s fee), plus any car add-ons you want such as GPS, wifi or car seats, and any insurance costs required with the vehicle.
In general, renting a vehicle is considered affordable for most drivers, with car rental prices starting from around $40 per day and working up to $119 per day, depending on the abovementioned factors.
Vehicle insurance
Car insurance in Montenegro is legally enforced, and all Non-EU or EU visitors must carry a green card while driving. A green card acts as a proof of insurance document and is not the insurance itself.
There are two main types of insurance in Montenegro, and all drivers must have at least the minimum insurance a person can have when intending to drive.
Compulsory third-party liability insurance is the minimum legally required car insurance a driver can have on a car. This will cover all rental car damage as long as the damage wasn’t the driver’s fault, and will also cover the third-party liabilities where an accident has occurred
Fully comprehensive insurance covers all rental car damage, third-party liability and damages even if the accident was the driver’s fault. Some car rental agencies may require fully comprehensive insurance, especially if you have minimum driving experience.
Driving And Safety In Montenegro
Driving in Montenegro is considered safe, with Montenegro being the 3rd safest European country for driving. It has an accident rate of only 0.4% per 100’000, driving laws are strictly enforced by local authorities.
Montenegro has a complex network of roads, particularly in the urban areas, but road maintenance is generally poor, especially in the rural areas. Although Montenegro has a low accident rate, road conditions are not considered the best, but road users follow the law in place by local authorities.
As with when travelling in any foreign country, a person visiting Montenegro is recommended to exercise sensible caution. Be aware of your surroundings avoid carrying large amounts of cash or jewellery on your person, and avoid taking out large amounts of cash at ATMs.
Road rules in Montenegro
It is very important for all road users to strictly follow the road law to avoid any issues with the local authorities. Tourists should make themselves familiar with the local road and traffic laws.
Local authorities enforce road rules quite strictly, and failure to comply with them can result in police issues, needing to pay fines or driving bans. Other things to keep in mind are:
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Driving while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited
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The speed limit in a city or town is a maximum of 50km/h applies, while on highways a limit of 80km/h is allowed
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Driving is done on the right-hand-side
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It is not permitted to use your mobile phone while driving
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Every person in a vehicle whether must wear a seat belt
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It is advised to book your parking in advance, as parking is not always available
Top 3 Places to Visit in Montenegro
Montenegro is a beautiful country located in Europe and is called a Balkan country. Full of rugged mountains, beaches along its Adriatic coastline, and medieval villages, Montenegro is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination.
Montenegro has 2 different climates. On its south coast, where beaches are located, it has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot summers and dry winters. The rest of the country has a sub-alpine climate, causing warm summers and freezing winters.
Kotor old town
One of the most popular spots in Montenegro to visit is Kotor Old Town. It is a medieval town located on the seaside and is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Full of old churches, cathedrals, and fortresses, Kotor old town is a great place to visit especially for a history buff.
Budva
Budva is a town that sits on the strip of beaches surrounding the Adriatic Coast. Budva is a much more family-friendly or beach holiday visit than Kotor. There are plenty of high street stores, restaurants, bars and water parks, Budva is an amazing seaside holiday.
Drive to Dubrovnik
Another popular option many tourists and people from Montenegro do is drive to Dubrovnik for a few days or a weekend trip away. This Croatian city has spectacular beaches and is full of its history and medieval buildings to explore.
Depending on where you are staying in Montenegro, it will only take a few hours to get to Dubrovnik. For example, Driving from Kotor to Dubrovnik only takes 1 hr 45 mins, and from Montenegro’s capital Podgorica it will take 2 hr 32 mins to drive. This makes it a great seaside day out during your trip to Montenegro.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What should I do if I lose my IDP in Montenegro?
If you lose your IDP in Montenegro you will not be permitted to drive until you have replaced it. If you need to order a replacement IDP, simply contact us and we will issue a new print.
Is it safe to drive in winter?
Driving in Winter in Montenegro, aside from the Mediterranian costs, can pose risk to a person unfamiliar with the roads or driving in snow and ice. You must be equipped with snow chains and winter tires if you wish to drive in Winter in Montenegro.
REF: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro/safety-and-security
https://internationaldriversassociation.com/international-drivers-license-montenegro/