Driving in Albania
The total length of roadways is 18,000 km. Paved roads - 12,920 km and unpaved roads - 5,080 км.
There is a dual carriageway connecting the port city of Durrës with Tirana, Vlorë, and partially Kukës. There are three official motorway segments in Albania: Durrës-Kukës (A1), Fier-Vlorë (A2), and partly Tirane-Elbasan (A3).
ContentsToll roads
In Albania, the only toll motorway is A1 Durres - Kosovo with a length of 114 km. The motorway starts from the port city of Durres and ends at the border with Kosovo. In Kosovo, the continuation of this motorway is the R7 motorway.
There is only one toll booth on the motorway, located next to the Kalimaş Tunnel, 34 km from the border with Kosovo. You can pay in cash or by credit card.
Map of toll motorways in Albania
Toll rates on motorways in Albania
Toll rates at 2023 (EUR):| Motorway | Motorcycle | Car |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Durrës - Kosovo | € 2.50 | € 5.00 |
Map of Albanian roads
Buy an Albania Road Map on Amazon
Road rules in Albania
Speed limits
Standard speed limits in Albania (unless otherwise indicated on the signs).
Cars (to 3.5 tons) and motorcycles :- built-up areas - 40 km/h
- outside built-up areas - 80 km/h
- expressways - 90 km/h
- motorways - 110 km/h
- built-up areas - 40 km/h
- outside built-up areas - 60 km/h
- expressways - 70 km/h
- motorways - 80 km/h
The current maximum speed limits on the roads of European countries for cars.
Alcohol
The maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.1 ‰.
If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream exceeds the allowable, a fine will be imposed from ALL 2,500 to 10,000 (€ 25 - 101) and suspend driving license from 6 to 12 months.
If the driver refuses to take a test for the presence of alcohol in the blood, a fine will be imposed from ALL 5,000 to 20,000 (€ 51 - 203) and suspend driving license from 6 to 12 months.
The maximum permitted alcohol limit for drivers in European countries.
Dipped headlights
Dipped headlights are not mandatory for daytime driving and are mandatory when driving at night. Dipped headlights should be switched on when visibility is poor due to bad weather conditions.
For non-compliance, you could be fined from ALL 250 to 1,000 (€ 3 - 10).
In which European countries is the use dipped headlights in daytime mandatory?
Children in cars
Children under 12 and less than 1.5m tall cannot travel as a front or rear seat passenger unless using an appropriate child restraint.
A child under four can not be transported in a vehicle without a child seat/restraint.
For non-compliance, you could be fined from ALL 250 to 1,000 (€ 3 - 10).
Seat belts
Seat belts is mandatory for both front and rear passengers, if fitted.
For non-compliance, you could be fined from ALL 250 to 1,000 (€ 3 - 10).
Mobile phone
The use of a mobile phone while driving is restricted to the use of a hands-free device.
A hands-free phone may be either a selfcontained or a hand-held unit allowing hands-free use, provided that in either case the user does not have to hold the phone in the hand.
For non-compliance, you could be fined from ALL 250 to 1,000 (€ 3 - 10).
Mobile phone while drivig in Europe
Penalties for using mobile phone while driving in Europian countries.
Penalties
If a car is detained by a police officer, he must explain the reason for the stop.
Traffic fines in Albania:| Violation | Fine (on the spot) (ALL) |
|---|---|
| Failing to comply to give a signal before driving | 500 - 2,000 (€ 5 - 20) |
| Overtaking dangerously | 500 - 2,000 (€ 5 - 20) |
| Violation of passage through the level crossing | 500 - 2,000 (€ 5 - 20) |
| Failing to comply to give way to the car, which takes advantage in motion | 500 - 2,000 (€ 5 - 20) |
| Driving in the left lane with the free right lane (when two lanes in the same direction) | 500 - 2,000 (€ 5 - 20) |
| Not enough distance to the car in front of you (Tailgating) | 500 - 2,000 (€ 5 - 20) |
If you pay a fine in the first 5 days after it is imposed, the amount of the fine is reduced by 20%.
Speeding fines in Albania| Violation | Fine (ALL) |
|---|---|
| 1 - 10 km/h | 500 - 2,000 (€ 5 - 20) |
| 11 - 20 km/h | 1,000 - 4,000 (€ 10 - 41) |
| above 20 km/h | 2,500 - 10,000 (€ 25 - 101) and license withdrawal from 1 to 3 months |
Road rules Republic of Albania in Albanian (504 Kb).
Useful information
Fuel prices
Fuel prices are regulated by the goverment.
The quality of fuel at small gas stations, especially away from cities, may cause problems. Therefore, it is recommended to refuel only at large gas stations.
Average prices for all types of fuel at 2024-10-07 :
- Benzine 95 — ALL 177 (€ 1.791)
- Diezel — ALL 177 (€ 1.791)
- LPG — ALL 57 (€ 0.577)
Trends gasoline prices in Albania for last years.
Changes from the previous period are shown. Update every two weeks.
Emergency phone numbers
- European emergency number – 112
- Police - 129
- Ambulance - 127
- Fire - 128
- Road police - 126
Compulsory to carry in car
- Warning triangle
- Reflective jacket
Winter equipment
Winter tires
The using of winter tires in Albania is optional.
Spiked tires
Studded tires are permitted.
Snow chains
Snow chains are allowed in conjunction with summer tires from November 1 to April 30. They must be worn at least on 2 driving wheels. Snow chains are only allowed if the road is completely covered with snow or ice.
Winter equipment for car in Europe
Requirements for using of winter and studded tires in different countries of Europe.
On the video you can see a trip across Albania from Elbasan, along the coastline and to the border crossing at Kakaviya (border with Greece) (more video at our YouTube).