How much alcohol can you drink before driving in Montenegro? Find out about the legal blood alcohol limit, fines, arrest, and what to do if you are stopped by the police. A practical guide for tourists and car rental customers
How much alcohol can you drink before driving in Montenegro? Find out about the legal blood alcohol limit, fines, arrest, and what to do if you are stopped by the police. A practical guide for tourists and car rental customers.
Can You Drink Alcohol Before Driving in Montenegro?
In short: the safe limit in Montenegro is no more than 0.3‰ (0.3 grams of alcohol per litre of blood). In practice, this is very little: even one glass of beer or wine can push your breathalyser reading over the legal limit. The best option for tourists is not to drink at all if they are going to drive.
Stricter rules, with a limit close to zero, apply to professional drivers, public transport drivers, and novice drivers.
Blood Alcohol Limits and Fines: A Guide
| Blood alcohol concentration | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Up to 0.3‰ | No offence |
| 0.3–0.5‰ | Fine of €70–€200 |
| From 0.5‰ | Fine of €300–€2,000 or imprisonment for up to 60 days |
| From 1.0‰ | High risk of arrest and suspension of driving privileges |
| Refusal to take a test | Treated as driving under the influence of alcohol |
The amount of the fine depends on the decision of the Misdemeanour Court judge. The figures above are indicative and should not be regarded as a fixed tariff.
How Much Alcohol Does It Take to Exceed the Limit?
It is impossible to calculate this precisely: the result depends on your weight, sex, food intake, and metabolic rate. The following are general guidelines:
- A glass of wine or a mug of beer can already put you at risk of exceeding the limit.
- A shot of rakija (traditional Balkan fruit brandy) can easily push your blood alcohol concentration over the legal threshold.
- Alcohol consumed the previous evening: even after an evening meal and drinks, alcohol may still be present in your bloodstream the following morning.
If you had wine with dinner the previous evening, it is best not to drive the next morning without allowing sufficient time for the alcohol to leave your system.
What Happens During a Roadside Check?
Montenegrin traffic police regularly set up checkpoints, particularly on weekends, public holidays, and during the tourist season. You may be stopped even if you have not committed a traffic offence and asked to take a breathalyser test.
If the test result is positive, the police officer draws up an official report and confiscates your documents. In serious cases, the matter is referred to a judge. You cannot pay a fine in cash directly to a police officer at the roadside: payment must be made through a bank using an official payment slip. Bribery is illegal and will only make the situation worse.
What to Do If You Are Stopped by the Police
- Pull over in a safe place and remain calm.
- Present your driving licence, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance.
- Do not refuse a breathalyser test: refusal is itself punishable.
- Ask for a copy of the official report and a payment slip for the fine.
- If you are driving a rental car, notify the car rental company.
Important Information for Tourists and Car Rental Customers
- An unpaid fine may prevent you from leaving the country until it has been settled.
- Car rental companies may charge your card for the fine and an additional administrative fee.
- Rental car insurance does not cover accidents caused while driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Your driving licence issued in your home country must be valid. Where required, you must also carry an International Driving Permit.
Why Are the Rules Strict, and Why Does It Make Sense?
Montenegro's roads include mountain passes, winding hairpin bends, narrow sections, and tunnels. A driver's reaction time is critical in these conditions. Strict limits help protect you, your passengers, and the family travelling in the vehicle next to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much alcohol can you drink before driving in Montenegro?
Practically none. The stated legal limit is up to 0.3‰, which is less than the amount associated with a single standard serving of alcohol. However, even one drink can affect your reading, so the safest choice is not to drink at all before driving.
What is the fine for drink-driving in Montenegro?
Fines range from approximately €70–€200 for a lower-level offence to €2,000 or imprisonment for up to 60 days for more serious cases.
Can you drive after one mug of beer?
It is risky. Your blood alcohol concentration may exceed the legal limit. Choosing a taxi or a sober driver is the safer option.
Can tourists be arrested for drink-driving in Montenegro?
Yes. Foreign visitors are subject to the same laws, and there are no general exemptions for tourists.
How can you get your documents back after receiving a fine?
Pay the fine at a bank using the official payment slip, then follow the instructions given by the judge or police regarding the return of your documents.
The rule in Montenegro is simple: if you are driving, do not drink any alcohol. Call a taxi, arrange a transfer, or choose a sober driver, and enjoy your holiday without fines or unnecessary stress.
Read more useful articles about road rules and car rental in Montenegro on MotorBOOM.