Traveling to Georgia gives you a chance to explore its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and cities. For international visitors, renting a car is the best way to experience all Georgia has to offer. But before you start driving in Georgia, you need to get familiar with local driving rules, speed limits, car insurance requirements, and other important information.
This guide will give you valuable tips to make driving safe, legal, and enjoyable in Georgia.
Driving in Georgia
When driving in Georgia, you need to familiarize yourself with local driving regulations to ensure a safe and smooth ride. Let’s dive into the following:
During your drive in Georgia, you will find out that Georgia has its own general rules and regulations to ensure the safety of all road and vehicle users. As an international visitor, you must get familiar with these rules to avoid accidents and stay legal.
Driving on the Right Side of the Road
In Georgia, as in most European countries, drivers drive on the right side of the road. This rule applies to all types of roads – city streets, rural areas, and highways. If you are coming from a country where you drive on the left side, be extra careful to get used to this change.
When turning, especially when turning left, always remember that oncoming traffic will be on your left, and you need to yield to the motorcars already on the road you are entering.
When passing another driver’s vehicle, always do it on the left lane and do it safely, within the limits.
Speed Limit in Georgia
Speed limitations in Georgia vary depending on the road and area you are driving on. For example:
- City Limits and Built-Up Areas: the limit is 60 km/h (37 mph). This limit is strictly enforced, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic, near schools, and in residential areas.
- Countryside: the limit is 90 km/h (56 mph). These roads are less congested, but you need to be alert for sharp curves, unexpected obstacles, and varying road conditions.
- Highways and Toll Roads: the speed limit is 110 km/h (68 mph). These roads are designed for high speed, but you still need to follow the speed limit, especially when passing through tunnels or near exits.
Please note that speed limits can be lower in some areas due to road states or construction zones.
Always pay attention to road signs with changed speed limits and adjust your driving accordingly.
Road Conditions and Driving Tips
Roads in Georgia are in different conditions. Some highways and city streets are in good condition, while roads in remote areas are less maintained.
When planning a road trip, especially in rural or mountainous areas, renting a car in Georgia suitable for the terrain is better.
Use navigation tools like Google Maps to avoid difficult roads and better plan your trip.
Road Signals and Signs
Knowing road signals and signs is important for a safe journey in Georgia. Georgian road signs are mostly international standards, so it’s easier for foreign drivers to understand.
Road signs in Georgia are clear and informative. Most of them have Georgian and English text. But it’s good to know the most common signs you will encounter:
- Speed Limit Signs: Indicate the maximum speed on the road. Always adjust your speed to the posted limit.
- Stop Signs: You must stop at the intersection. Before moving, give way to all other Georgia drivers and pedestrians.
- Yield Signs: You must slow down and give way to others. Proceed only when the road is clear.
- No Entry Signs: Roads closed to all motorcars. Ignoring these signs will result in fines and danger.
- Pedestrian Crossings: Marked by white stripes and signs on the road. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at these crossings, especially in built-up areas.
Stoplights and Pedestrian Crossings
Georgia stoplights follow the standard red, yellow, and green sequence. Be careful when using stoplights, as running a red light is a serious offense that can result in heavy fines.
- Georgian drivers respect traffic signals, and you should, too, to avoid accidents.
- Pedestrian crossings are common in cities and are often accompanied by stoplights or pedestrian signals.
- When approaching a pedestrian crossing, slow down and be prepared to stop if pedestrians are waiting to cross.
- In some cases, you will encounter pedestrian crossings without stoplights. In these cases, it’s the driver’s responsibility to stop and let pedestrians cross safely.
Emergency Vehicles
When driving, always yield to emergency vehicles like ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks when you hear their sirens or see their flashing lights. Move to the right flank of the road to let them pass quickly and safely. Failure to yield to emergency vehicles will result in heavy penalties.
Driving at Night and in Bad Weather
Georgia’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. Heavy rain can cause poor visibility and slippery roads, so it’s better to avoid driving in such conditions whenever possible.
If you must drive at night or in bad weather, reduce your speed and increase the distance to your following car to account for reduced visibility and longer stopping distance.
Zero Tolerance Policy for Alcohol
Georgia law has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. The legal blood alcohol limit is very low, and even a small amount of spirits will result in heavy fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and even imprisonment.
If you will drink, make arrangements for alternative transportation like a taxi or designated driver.
International Driving Permits and Licensing in Georgia
When you are using a motor vehicle in Georgia, whether you’re renting a car from car rental companies or bringing your own motor vehicle into the country, knowing the licensing rules will make your time on our roads much smoother.
Who Needs an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP is a document that translates your home country’s driver’s license into multiple languages, including Georgian, and is recognized in over 150 countries. While driving in Georgia, do you need an IDP, depending on the country that issued your driver’s license and the length of your stay?
If your driver’s license is issued in a country that uses a non-Roman alphabet (e.g., Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese), you will need an IDP to legally drive in Georgia. Even if your license is in English or another Roman alphabet, an IDP can still be useful when dealing with local police or car rental companies.
Countries Whose Driving Licenses Are Accepted Without an IDP
Georgia has agreements with some countries where their citizens can drive in Georgia with just their national driver’s licenses without needing an IDP. This includes:
- European Union
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Turkey
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Israel
- Kazakhstan
- Belarus
- Uzbekistan
But please check with local authorities or your auto insurance company before you visit Georgia and start driving.
How to Get an IDP
If you decide you need an IDP for your trip to Georgia, getting one is a simple process. The steps are the same for all countries:
- Check Eligibility: Make sure you are eligible for an IDP. You must have a valid driver’s license from your home country.
- Find the Issuing Authority: IDPs are issued by automobile associations or national licensing authorities. In the USA, for example, IDPs can be obtained through AAA or AATA.
- Fill out the Application: You will need to fill out the application form, which can usually be found on the issuing authority’s website.
- Submit the Required Documents: Along with the application, you’ll need to provide a photocopy of your valid driver’s license, two passport-size photos, and the application fee.
- Get Your IDP: Once processed, your IDP will be issued and is usually valid for one year. Remember to bring your IDP and original driver’s license when you rent a car in Georgia (country).
Get your IDP as soon as possible to avoid last-minute problems.
What to Do If Your License Is Not in Roman Alphabet
You will need an IDP to drive in Georgia if your license is not in the Roman alphabet, like Georgian, Russian, or Arabic.
IDP is a translation of your license and is required for local authorities to understand the information on your license.
Local Road Rules and Habits
Georgia has its own road rules and habits, which might be different from what you are used to in your home country. Knowing these will help you to drive safely and avoid common mistakes.
Priority and Right of Way
Georgia’s rules prioritize the safety and flow of motorcars on the road, with a clear hierarchy of who has the right of way. Here are the key points:
- Intersections: At intersections without traffic lights, the general rule is that vehicles coming from the right have the right of way.
- Pedestrian Crossings: Pedestrians always have the right of way at marked crosswalks. As a driver, you must slow down and stop to let pedestrians cross safely.
- Roundabouts: In Georgia, cars already in the roundabout have the right of way. When approaching a roundabout, you must yield to automobiles coming from your left unless otherwise indicated by signs.
- Emergency Vehicles: Always give way to emergency vehicles with flashing lights or sirens. Move to the right flank of the road to let them pass quickly.
Follow these regulations, and you will avoid accidents and traffic fines.
Parking in Georgia
Parking in Georgia’s cities, especially in the capital, Tbilisi, can be tricky due to high traffic and limited parking spaces. Here’s what you need to know:
- Designated Parking Areas: In cities like Tbilisi, designated parking zones may require payment. Parking meters or mobile payment apps are common. Check for signs with parking fees and time limits.
- Residential Areas: Parking in residential areas is allowed, but be aware of signs with restrictions. Illegally parked cars will be towed, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Fines for Illegal Parking: Fines for illegal parking can be high, and your car will be towed at your expense. Always look for official parking signs, and don’t park in restricted areas.
- Parking Tips: Use parking garages or lots if available, especially in busy areas. If you are not sure about the parking regulations, ask locals or check Google Maps for parking recommendations.
Roundabouts and Intersections
Roundabouts are common on Georgian roads, especially in urban and suburban areas. They help to manage the traffic flow but can be confusing if you are not familiar with the regulations:
- Entering the Roundabout: When coming to a roundabout, slow down and yield to traffic already in the circle. When it is safe to enter the roundabout, look to the left for traffic.
- Exiting the Roundabout: Use your turn signal to indicate you want to exit the roundabout. Stay in the right lane if you are going to exit at the next turn, and don’t make sudden lane changes.
- Multiple Lanes: In larger roundabouts with multiple lanes, choose your lane according to your exit. The left lane is for left turns or U-turns, and the right lane is for straight or right turns.
Being aware of these rules will help you navigate roundabouts safely and efficiently, avoiding accidents or misunderstandings with other drivers.
Safety Tips for Georgia
Driving in Georgia can be fun, but safety comes first. Here’s a quick guide to get you through Georgian roads safely:
Road Conditions
- Urban:
- Many roads are generally good.
- Traffic is heavy mostly during peak hours from 8 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 7 pm on working days, weekends, and holiday seasons.
- Follow speed limitations and be careful at pedestrian crossings.
- Rural:
- Roads are rough, gravel or dirt.
- 4WD is recommended for remote or mountainous areas.
- Be aware of narrow roads and sharp turns.
- Seasonal:
- Winter: Snow and ice in the mountains, so equip your rented car with winter tires.
- Summer: Flooding and poor visibility due to heavy rain, so be prepared with the right wheels and equipment.
- Fog: Slow down in the early morning/late evening and use fog lights.
- In case of an accident, having the right insurance and knowing the local procedures will help you manage the situation both within and outside the city.
Traffic Enforcement
- Police Stops:
- Always carry your driver’s license, international driving licence and car insurance.
- Wear seat belts and expect checks with zero tolerance for alcohol.
- Common Fines:
- Speeding, running a red light, and not wearing a seat belt are common infractions.
- Pay fines at banks or designated systems to avoid extra charges.
Georgia drivers also need to make sure their vehicles are in good condition and insured, as the police are very strict with traffic rules nationwide.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Local Driving Habits:
- Aggressive driving and frequent overtaking. Be vigilant and attentive to avoid an accident.
- Drive defensively and be prepared for other drivers to do the unexpected.
- Safety Tips:
- Night Driving: Avoid night driving in rural areas due to poor visibility and road conditions.
- Seat Belts: Wearing a seat belt is mandatory for all passengers, including rear seats.
- Navigation: Use online and offline maps or GPS, especially in remote areas.
- Parking: Use designated areas to avoid fines/towing. Rural parking is generally easier to find.
- Children Safeness:
- In Georgia country, you must follow local rules and regulations to keep everyone safe, especially children.
- Georgia law requires child safety seats for young children, and the minimum age for riding without a seat is determined by their height and weight.
Driving in Georgia is a great way to see the country’s scenery and sights, but it also requires knowledge of the road and the rules. Stay informed, respect the traffic police, and be aware of local driving habits, and you will have a safe and enjoyable drive.