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Vacations in Croatia have long ceased to be an insider tip – and this year should be very popular, especially with car travelers. As idyllic as the country on the Adriatic coast is, with its Mediterranean towns, beautiful beaches and countless islands, you have to follow certain rules on the way. Blick tells you what to consider when going on holiday by car in Croatia.
What should I have with me in the car?
One warning triangle, first aid kit and high-visibility vest per person in the car are essential for a vacation in Croatia. The CH label must also be affixed to the back, otherwise there is a risk of fines. It is also recommended to take a spare set of bulbs with you in the car. Excludes vehicles equipped with xenon, LED or neon headlights.
How do children ride?
Children under the age of 5 must be seated in a suitable seat. This could be a child seat, baby seat or booster seat. If a child (under 2 years old) is being transported in the front seat, the front passenger airbag must be deactivated. Children aged 5 to 12 are restrained like adults with a three-point belt and, if necessary, a booster seat. But they cannot be carried in the front seat.
Where is the alcohol limit?
The alcohol limit in Croatia is usually 0.5 per thousand. However, anyone under the age of 24 must comply with stricter regulations for professional drivers. For these, 0.0 per thousand applies. Sanctions are based on the blood alcohol level determined in each case. However, at least 405 euros (approximately 430 francs) must be paid.
Charging stations for electric cars?
E-car owners are still having a hard time in Croatia. In the north, the charging network is rapidly concentrating, especially on the main traffic roads, but gaps still exist in the east and south. According to German electronics portal Goingelectric, there are currently around 1,700 public charging stations – but only about 280 are fast-charging thanks to CCS plugs. Until January 2022, charging at public charging stations was free – however, the national energy company Hrvatska Elektroprivreda HEP no longer offers this service. Billing is mostly done through the ELEN top up application. But in some hotels you can still charge for free.
How fast can I drive?
The maximum speed for cars and motorcycles is 50 km/h in residential areas, 90 km/h outside residential areas, 110 km/h on motorways and 130 km/h on highways. The maximum speed on highways when it rains is 110 km/h. The speed limit for vehicles with trailers is 80 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on motorways outside of residential areas.
However, if the drivers are under 25, special traffic rules apply outside the city in Croatia. The maximum allowable speed for each of these drivers is reduced by 10 km/h. This means that the speed limit is 80 km/h outside residential areas, 100 km/h on highways and 120 km/h on motorways.
Cell phone behind the wheel?
A mobile phone should not be used or held in the hand while driving – otherwise there is a risk of a fine of approximately 145 francs. Hands-free phone calls are allowed as long as the driver is in control of the vehicle and pays attention to the traffic.
Special arrangements?
Do not overtake when stopping to get on or off school buses.
Vacationers who travel to Croatia more often should also be aware that there is a point system similar to that in Germany. Points are awarded for violations that lead to a certain number of driving bans. This can also affect vacationers.
Be careful, mines!
Travelers should be careful on the old front lines of the Yugoslav war, especially in eastern Slavonia, western Slavonia, the western and southwestern border areas with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the coastal hinterland between Senj and Split, and the mountains in the southeast. Dubrovnik The mines may still be hidden there. Known minefields are marked with triangular warning signs (“Ne Prilazite”).
National parks are not affected and there is generally no danger when staying and traveling in the immediate vicinity of the coast, on the islands and in the Istrian peninsula and the greater Zagreb region. More information can be obtained from the Croatian Civil Defense Directorate at this link.
tolls?
Driving on Croatian motorways is subject to a fee. The fare varies according to the route and vehicle type. An overview of the different price categories is available in Croatian or English from the HAC motorway operator at www.hac.hr.
At the beginning of the paid section, you will receive a paid ticket when you exit the section. Amounts can also be paid by credit or debit card.
The Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC) provides cashless payment of tolls. The transponder costs about 15 euros (about 14.50 francs), offers a price advantage of about 21 percent, is rechargeable (at least 12.90 euros each) and is valid for an unlimited time. Transponder is available through HAC and at some toll stations listed at www.hac.hr.
Price example: The road from the capital Zagreb in northern Croatia to the famous southernmost port city of Dubrovnik currently costs 30 euros by car.
How’s the camp going?
Park your trailer in the idyllic cove and enjoy the view from your bed. Don’t do that! Wild camping is prohibited in Croatia. Anyone caught should expect a fine of about 425 francs. Also, overnight stays or camping are not allowed in the service areas or parking lots. Even camping on private property is prohibited!
in an emergency
In the case of total property damage, you must complete a European accident report and have it signed by the other party. Every accident must be reported to the police. In case of visible body damage, the driver must have a police report (“potvrda”) in order to be able to operate the vehicle smoothly again.
In case of injury accidents, the police (phone 112 or 192) and ambulance (112 or 194) should be notified.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
