Speed Limits
| Road type | Limit | Fine for speeding |
|---|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 60 km/h | from 50 BAM (~25 EUR) |
| Outside built-up areas | 80 km/h | from 50 BAM |
| Expressways | 100 km/h | from 100 BAM |
| Motorways | 130 km/h | from 100 BAM |
| Speeding 30+ km/h over | — | 200–400 BAM + 2 penalty points + possible driving ban |
1 BAM (Convertible Mark) ≈ 0.51 EUR. The exchange rate is fixed.
Key Rules You Must Know
- Alcohol limit: 0.3 g/kg (0.03%). This is stricter than most EU countries. Zero tolerance for novice drivers (first 2 years).
- Mobile phone: Using a phone while driving is prohibited. Fine: 100 BAM. Hands-free devices are allowed.
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers in all seats. Fine: 100 BAM per person.
- Headlights: Dipped headlights are mandatory at all times, day and night, year-round.
- Children: Children under 5 must use an appropriate child seat. Fine: 100 BAM.
- Winter equipment: Winter tyres are mandatory from November 15 to April 15. Minimum tread depth: 4 mm.
- Right-hand traffic: Bosnia drives on the right side of the road.
Required Vehicle Equipment
Every vehicle in Bosnia must carry the following items. Police may check during routine stops.
Documents You Need
- Driving license: EU/EEA licenses are accepted. For other countries, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national license.
- Vehicle registration: Original vehicle registration document must be in the vehicle at all times.
- Green card: International motor insurance certificate — mandatory for all foreign-registered vehicles. Get it from your insurer before travel.
- Passport/ID: Carry valid identification. EU citizens can use a national ID card.
Common Traffic Fines
| Offence | Fine (BAM) | ~ EUR | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using phone while driving | 100 | ~51 | 1 |
| Not wearing seatbelt | 100 | ~51 | 1 |
| Speeding 10–20 km/h | 100 | ~51 | — |
| Speeding 20–30 km/h | 100–300 | ~51–153 | 1 |
| Speeding 30+ km/h | 200–400 | ~102–204 | 2 |
| Running a red light | 150–300 | ~77–153 | 2 |
| Alcohol 0.3–0.5 g/kg | 100–300 | ~51–153 | 1 |
| Alcohol 0.5–0.8 g/kg | 150–300 | ~77–153 | 1 |
| Alcohol 0.8–1.5 g/kg | 200–400 | ~102–204 | 2 |
| Alcohol over 1.5 g/kg | 400–1,000 | ~204–511 | 2 + ban |
| Refusing breathalyser | 500–1,500 | ~255–767 | 3 + ban |
| Child without car seat | 100 | ~51 | 1 |
| Illegal parking | 40–80 | ~20–41 | — |
How to Pay a Traffic Fine
- 1On the spot: You can pay the police officer directly in cash (BAM only). Ask for a receipt. This is common for minor offences.
- 2At a bank: If you receive a written fine notice (prekrsajni nalog), take it to any bank in Bosnia. The bank account number is printed on the notice.
- 350% early payment discount: If you pay within 8 days of receiving the fine, you only pay half the amount. This is a significant saving.
- 4What if you don't pay?: Unpaid fines are registered in the central system. This may cause issues at border crossings or if you return to BiH.
Motorways & Tolls
Bosnia has a growing motorway network. The main corridor is the A1 (Corridor Vc) running north–south through the country.
- Tolls are paid at toll booths — no vignette system
- Prices are low compared to EU countries (e.g., Sarajevo–Zenica ~3 BAM / ~1.50 EUR)
- Cash (BAM) and credit cards are accepted at most toll booths
- Speed limit on motorways: 130 km/h
- Emergency phone boxes are available along the A1
Practical Tips for Driving in Bosnia
- Currency: Bosnia uses the Convertible Mark (BAM/KM). 1 EUR = 1.95583 BAM (fixed rate). ATMs are widely available.
- Road quality: Motorways are excellent. Secondary roads can be narrow and winding, especially in mountainous areas.
- Fuel: Petrol stations are common along main routes. Fuel is cheaper than in most EU countries (~2.50 BAM/litre for diesel).
- Roadside assistance: BIHAMK (auto-moto club) provides 24/7 roadside assistance. Emergency number: 1282 or 1285.
- General emergency number: 112 (works throughout BiH).
- Police are generally helpful with foreign drivers. A polite attitude goes a long way.
- Speed cameras and radar controls are common, especially on the A1 motorway and main roads entering cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Bosnia with my foreign driving license?
Yes. EU/EEA driving licenses are valid. For other nationalities, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national license.
What is the alcohol limit in Bosnia?
0.3 g/kg (0.03%) — stricter than most EU countries (typically 0.5). For novice drivers, it's zero. Penalties for drink-driving are severe: up to 1,500 BAM fine and driving ban.
Do I need winter tyres in Bosnia?
Yes, from November 15 to April 15. All four tyres must be winter or all-season (M+S marked) with minimum 4 mm tread depth. Fine for non-compliance: 100–200 BAM.
Are motorways free in Bosnia?
No. Motorways have toll booths where you pay per section. Prices are modest compared to EU countries.
What currency do I need to pay fines?
Fines are in BAM (Convertible Marks). On-the-spot payments are in cash (BAM). ATMs are widely available if you need to withdraw local currency.
What happens if I get a speeding ticket from a camera?
Speed camera fines are sent to the registered vehicle owner. For foreign vehicles, the fine may be collected at the border or sent internationally depending on bilateral agreements.
Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Kazne.ba accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this website. For official and legally binding information, contact the relevant authorities or consult the official legal texts in the Službeni glasnik BiH. Fines and rules may change — always verify before your trip.