Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Montenegro, you may encounter road conditions and driving styles that differ significantly from those in the United States. Roads in Montenegro are often poorly maintained, especially in rural areas. Dangerous areas for road travel include a road through the Moraca Canyon, north of Podgorica. This twisting, two-lane road is especially overcrowded in the summer, and is the site of frequent rockslides. In the winter, the Moraca Canyon and northern parts of Montenegro are covered with snow, which may slow traffic and make the road hazardous. Roads leading to Montenegro’s coastal areas are in better condition, but are overcrowded during summer season. Drivers should exercise extreme caution, as it is common for Montenegrin drivers to attempt to pass on winding roads and hills. Local drivers can be reckless and aggressive, and accidents are frequent. 

The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers and cell-phone usage while driving is prohibited. Traffic law requires that vehicle lights must be switched on at all times while driving. Right turns on red lights are strictly forbidden unless a distinct green arrow is seen. At unmarked intersections, the right of way is always given to the vehicle entering from the right. Each vehicle must have a reflective fluorescent vest to be used in the event of an emergency road stop, as well as a European car accident report form. Children under 5 years old must be transported in a safety seat that is attached to a vehicle safety belt. Vehicles must have winter tires and carry snow chains between November 15 and March 30.

Additionally, pedestrians crossing streets in designated crosswalks have the right of way. Drivers must stop to allow these pedestrians to cross, although you will find that many pedestrians cross where there is no crosswalk.

Police in Montenegro will test a driver’s blood alcohol level on site and arrest any driver if the concentration of alcohol in the blood is greater than 0.03 percent, a very strict standard, significantly lower than the U.S. limit of 0.08 percent.

Metered taxi service is safe and reasonably priced, although foreigners are sometimes charged higher rates. Although there are some taxi stands in each of the cities, taxis generally do not pick up passengers on the street and must be ordered by phone or SMS. We recommend negotiating a price prior to traveling by taxi between cities, although some taxi companies have a price list of most intercity destinations on a control board. 

Travelers in the region may wish to consider the safety of public transportation, including trains, buses, and ferries, in view of aging and poorly maintained equipment.

Roadside assistance is available by dialing 19807, 382 (0)20 234 467 or 382 (0)20 234 999. Other emergency numbers are police: 122; fire department: 123; and ambulance: 124. 

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Montenegro’s National Tourism Organization and the Auto-moto Association of Montenegro, the national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Montenegro, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Montenegro’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.