The quick answer
Bring your passport, driving licence and your rental papers. Keep headlights on at all times. Seat belts are mandatory. Child seats are required by age and size. Winter equipment is required in the winter period and whenever conditions call for it. Speed limits are posted and enforced. If you plan to cross borders, you need a Green Card and written approval on your rental.
Documents you need to carry
- Passport or national ID where applicable
- Driving licence for each named driver
- International Driving Permit if your licence is not in Latin script or is a paper licence
- Rental agreement and the vehicle registration card kept in the glove box
- Green Card if you are authorised for Croatia, Montenegro or Serbia
Tip for faster police checks: keep documents together in the handover pouch.
Age and licence rules for hiring
- Minimum age with us is 21 with two full years of driving
- Ages 21 to 24 can rent with a young driver fee
- All drivers must be listed on the contract to be insured
- We accept EU and UK plastic photo licences. If you are unsure, send a photo on WhatsApp and we will confirm before you book
Insurance and your liability
- Third party liability and collision damage waiver are included in the final price
- An excess applies per class. You can reduce your liability to zero with premium cover
- Glass, tyres, keys, underside and interior are not covered under the basic policy. Add-ons are available on request
- If anything happens, make sure everyone is safe, take photos, call the police if a third party is involved, and contact us for guidance
Road rules that matter
- Headlights on day and night. Use dipped beam
- Seat belts are required for everyone
- Mobile phones must be hands free. Do not hold a phone while driving
- Children must use the correct restraint for their size and age. The front seat is not suitable for young children
- Do not drive after drinking. The legal limit is low and checks are frequent, especially on weekends and holidays
- Keep warning triangle, reflective vest and first aid kit in the car. We supply them and check at handover
- Give way at roundabouts unless the sign says otherwise. Follow the lane arrows well in advance in cities
Speed limits and enforcement
Follow posted limits. As a guide, towns are around 50 km per hour, open roads around 80 km per hour, and motorways up to 120 or 130 km per hour depending on the section. Police use both fixed cameras and mobile patrols on the approach to towns, at tunnels and on popular tourist routes.
Winter tyres and equipment
During the legal winter period and whenever conditions require it, cars must have winter equipment. We fit winter tyres in season at no extra cost. Chains are available on request for mountain trips. In bad weather police can stop cars that are not correctly equipped, so plan mountain drives with the forecast in mind.
Tolls, vignettes and fuel
- Bosnia and Herzegovina uses toll booths on motorways. Take a ticket when you enter and pay by card or cash when you exit
- There are no vignettes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Petrol is Eurosuper 95 or 98. Diesel is Eurodiesel. Check the fuel cap label and the key tag before you fill
- If misfuelling happens, do not start the engine. Call us from the forecourt and we will guide you
Parking basics
- In Mostar and other cities there are signed zones with hourly or daily prices
- Read the sign at your exact bay for hours and limits
- Use marked bays. Do not park on pavements or across dropped kerbs
- Accessible bays are reserved. Use your permit and follow the posted rules
Police stops and what to expect
Checks are routine. Slow down, stop safely, and wait in the car unless asked to step out. Hand over your licence, rental agreement and passport when requested. Be polite and brief. If you receive a fine, follow the instructions on the notice. If you are unsure, call us and we will explain your options.
Accidents and roadside help
- For minor bumps without third party injury, take photos and move to a safe place
- For any third party damage or injury, call the police to make a report. Insurance normally requires this
- Call or WhatsApp us once you are safe. Your handover pack includes roadside assistance numbers and next steps
- Never accept cash offers at the scene. Use the formal process so your cover applies
Cross border rules
- Croatia is included by default with us. We provide a Green Card and list it on your agreement
- Montenegro and Serbia are available as add-ons. Ask before you book so we can prepare the papers
- Other countries are by approval only. Tell us your plan and we will confirm what is possible
- Border officers may ask where you are staying and for how long. Keep answers simple and have your papers ready
Ferries and mountain roads
- Some ferry routes allow rental cars. You must ask us first
- In mountains, weather changes quickly. Carry warm clothing, water and a phone charger, and refuel earlier than you think you need to
Our fleet rules that keep things simple
- No smoking in any car. Cleaning fees apply if we detect smoke
- Stick to paved roads unless we give written approval for a specific route
- Pets are welcome in carriers. Tell us in advance so we can prepare the car
- Return full to full unless your contract shows a different fuel policy
Long form questions and answers
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina ?
Most travellers do not if they hold a plastic EU or UK licence. If your licence is not in Latin script, or you have a paper licence, bring an IDP. If you are unsure, send us a photo of your licence before you book and we will confirm.
Can children sit in the front seat ?
Young children should not sit in the front. Use the correct child seat in the rear and follow the seat maker’s instructions for height and weight. We supply infant, child and booster seats that meet current standards.
Are headlights really required during the day ?
Yes. Keep dipped beam on at all times. It helps other drivers see you in tunnels, on mountain roads and in changing light.
What is the alcohol limit ?
The legal limit is low. The safest approach is not to drink at all if you plan to drive. Checks increase on weekends and during holidays.
What happens if I am caught speeding ?
Police can issue on the spot fines or a notice to pay later. Fines vary by speed over the limit and by the road class. If you receive a notice after you return home, the authority may contact us as the vehicle owner. We are required by law to provide your contract details. An admin fee can apply for processing.
Do I need to carry a reflective vest and triangle ?
Yes. The vest should be worn if you exit the car on the roadside. Place the triangle behind the car if you stop in a live lane or on the hard shoulder. We supply both and check them at handover.
What tyres do I need in winter ?
We fit winter tyres during the legal season and when conditions call for them. If heavy snow is forecast for mountain areas, ask us for chains. Drive gently, allow extra distance, and avoid sudden throttle or braking.
How do I pay tolls in Bosnia and Herzegovina ?
Take a ticket on entry to a tolled section and pay at the exit booth by card or cash. Keep the ticket safe. If you lose it, the operator can charge the maximum distance for that section.
Can I drive to Dubrovnik or Split and return the car there ?
Yes. Select one way during booking. The fee shows before you confirm. We meet you at an agreed point and close the contract on the spot.
What if I damage a wheel or puncture a tyre ?
Pull over safely. Many cars carry a repair kit rather than a spare. Call us and we will advise the fastest solution based on where you are and your cover.
Can I use a dashcam ?
Yes for personal use, but do not mount anything where it blocks your view or touches the airbag area. Always follow local privacy laws when filming.
What should I do at a police checkpoint ?
Slow down, stop where directed, lower your window and wait for instructions. Hand over your papers when asked. Do not offer cash. If you do not understand something, call us and we will help translate.
Before you book
If you want a smooth trip, book with your real travel plan in mind. Tell us your ages, planned borders and whether you prefer automatic or manual. We will set up the correct cover, child seats and any cross border papers so you can simply collect the keys and go.
