In Montenegro, fines for traffic violations will increase from August 2026.

Since August 7, 2026, changes in the legislation on road safety began to take effect in Montenegro. The new rules provide for higher fines for a number of violations, additional restrictions for young drivers, stricter measures for dangerous behavior on the road and new requirements for road users. The changes are aimed at reducing the number of accidents and improving the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

For those who permanently live in Montenegro, rent a car or come to the country in their own car, knowledge of the new rules is especially important. A violation that previously could have cost a relatively small amount can now, in some cases, lead to a fine of several hundred or even thousands of euros.

What changes have taken place in Montenegro

Amendments have been made to the Law on Road Safety. The Government of Montenegro submitted a corresponding bill back in February 2026, explaining the need for reform with the desire to improve road safety, eliminate existing legislative gaps and bring fines more in line with the nature of specific violations.

After passing the parliamentary procedure, the updated law entered into force on August 7, 2026. From that moment on, the police began to apply new standards for traffic control.

The legislator pays special attention to the most dangerous violations: speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving at a traffic light, ignoring police requirements, dangerous maneuvering and other actions that can lead to serious accidents.

The fines for not wearing a seat belt have become higher

One of the changes concerns the use of seat belts. A fine of 150 to 300 euros is now provided for an unfastened seat belt. Previously, a much smaller fine was applied for a similar violation — from 50 to 90 euros.

The requirement applies not only to the driver, but also to passengers who are required to use a seat belt.

This is especially important for motorists during the tourist season, when the number of cars with foreign license plates is significantly increasing on the roads of Montenegro.

Punishment for using a phone while driving

The penalties for using a mobile phone while driving in violation of the established rules have also been tightened. The fine for such a violation ranges from 150 to 400 euros. The same range of penalties applies for violations of safety belt requirements.

The authorities consider distracting the driver on the phone as one of the serious threats to traffic safety. Therefore, motorists are advised to use only permitted communication methods that do not require holding the phone in their hands while driving.

More serious fines for speeding

Penalties for speeding have been significantly tightened. The amount of punishment depends on the amount of excess and the specific circumstances of the violation.

Particular attention is paid to significant speeding, as they are among the factors that increase the likelihood of severe consequences in an accident.

In addition to a monetary fine, additional measures may be applied for the most serious violations, including a ban on driving a vehicle.

In Montenegro, even before the new regulations came into force, enhanced speed checks were carried out using mobile patrols and special interceptor vehicles. The police reported that such checks are carried out, including on the Princeza Ksenija highway and on the main routes between Podgorica, Bar, Budva, Cetinje and other cities.

Alcohol and drugs: fines can reach 2,000 euros

Violations related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remain one of the most serious.

Fines from 600 to 2,000 euros are provided for failure to pass an alcohol test. For driving under the influence of narcotic or other psychoactive substances, the fine can range from 300 to 2,000 euros.

Depending on the circumstances of the violation, a ban on driving and other legally prescribed measures are also possible.

The Montenegrin police have already strengthened control over such violations. In July 2026, dozens of drivers were detained for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during just one period of enhanced inspections.

Running a red light and ignoring police demands

Strict penalties are provided for the most dangerous actions on the road.

A fine of 300 to 2,000 euros is provided for driving through a traffic light and some other serious violations. For failure to comply with a police officer's request to stop, the fine can range from 500 to 2,000 euros, and in certain cases, the driver's license may also be revoked.

Thus, an attempt to avoid a traffic check can have much more serious consequences for the driver than the usual fine for violating the rules.

Unregistered or technically defective vehicle

The new sanctions affect not only the driving style, but also the technical condition of the vehicle.

Fines from 300 to 1,000 euros are provided for driving an unregistered or technically defective car. Driving without a driver's license can result in a fine of 500 to 2,000 euros.

Before traveling, car owners are advised to check the validity period of the registration, the technical condition of the car and the availability of all necessary documents.

Changes for young drivers

Additional restrictions for young drivers have become one of the important areas of the new version of the law. The new rules provide for special requirements and restrictions aimed at reducing the risk of accidents involving novice motorists.

This is especially true for families who purchase or rent a car in Montenegro and transfer it to young family members. Before traveling, it is necessary to make sure that the driver meets the established requirements and restrictions.

New rules for children and passengers

Increased attention to child safety. Higher fines are provided for transporting a child without an appropriate child safety seat or in violation of established requirements. Depending on the specific violation, they can range from 80 to 250 euros, and for individual violations related to the transportation of children, the penalties can reach 600 euros.

Therefore, when transporting children, it is important to check in advance whether the child restraint device meets the age and legal requirements.

What has changed for electric scooter users

The new regulations do not only affect motorists. Separate regulations regulate the use of light electric vehicles, including electric scooters.

Fines from 60 to 300 euros are provided for violations of the rules of operation of an electric scooter, depending on the nature of the violation.

This is especially true for tourist towns and coastal areas, where electric scooters are widely used to travel short distances.

Police strengthen control on roads

At the same time as the introduction of new regulations in Montenegro, intensified road checks are continuing. The police control speed, the use of seat belts, overtaking rules, driving after drinking alcohol and drugs, as well as other dangerous violations.

It is significant that in just the first 48 hours after the new law came into force, the police registered and sanctioned 1,320 violations. 1,177 fines were issued to drivers, and applications for criminal proceedings were filed against another 143 people. During the same time, 48 drivers were imprisoned.

These figures show that legislative changes are accompanied not only by a formal increase in fines, but also by active police control.

What drivers in Montenegro need to know in 2026

After the new rules come into force, drivers should pay special attention to the basic requirements.:

do not exceed the set speed;

do not drive after drinking alcohol;

do not drive a car under the influence of narcotic and psychoactive substances;

Always use seat belts;

do not use the phone in your hands while driving;

It is correct to transport children;

Do not ignore the demands of police officers;

do not drive an unregistered or technically defective car;

follow traffic rules at intersections and traffic lights;

check the documents and the validity period of the car registration.

Foreigners who permanently reside in Montenegro, owners of cars with foreign registration numbers, and tourists who rent vehicles should be especially attentive to the new rules.

Why changes are important for those who live in Montenegro

The car remains one of the most convenient ways to travel around the country. For property owners, renters, and foreign nationals, a car is often necessary for trips between cities, to beaches, airports, and mountainous areas.

At the same time, Montenegro's roads have a large number of serpentines, tunnels, sections with limited visibility and sudden height differences. During the tourist season, the load on the main routes increases significantly. Therefore, following the rules is important not only because of the size of the fines, but above all because of safety.

New regulations make the responsibility for dangerous driving more tangible. Government agencies expect that increased sanctions and increased controls will help reduce the number of serious accidents and create a more responsible attitude towards traffic rules. It was the improvement of safety and reduction of the number of accidents that were identified among the main goals of the reform.