Safe Driving in Georgia: What You Need to Know

Driving in Georgia is an adventure that reveals the country’s landscapes and cultures. Having a car in Georgia at your disposal from the moment you land at the airport allows you to create your itinerary.

Knowing the local rules is key when navigating the city's busy streets or venturing into the countryside. Learn the general rules and have your insurance in order.

Encounters with the police are usually routine but always have your driver's license and rental papers with you, and it will make everything smooth. This Georgian journey promises the thrill of discovery, rest, and comfort of Georgia in your own way.

General Rules and Regulations

Driving in Georgia is an adventure. The country has winding mountain roads, good main highways, historic villages, and ancient cities. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, you must know Georgia's traffic rules.

1. Licensing Requirements

In Georgia, we drive on the right side of the road, and cars have steering wheels on the left. However, you might see cars with the steering wheel on the right due to imported vehicles from different countries. This is more noticeable in the countryside and village roads.

All drivers must have:

Valid passport or ID.

Valid driving licence and rental agreement regardless of the car.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not mandatory but strongly recommended, especially if your driving licence is not in English or doesn’t use the Latin alphabet.

Minimum 21 years old and one year of driving experience.

An IDP is an official translation that will help you with local authorities.

2. Age Restrictions

In Georgia, the driving age is 18. Car rental companies have their own age requirements. For example, at Getmancar, our age policy is to provide rental services for drivers 21 years old and above with a minimum of one year of driving background.

3. Traffic Rules and Regulations

Please follow these speed limits. Speed cameras are common in the country's urban areas and main roads. Fines for speeding range from 50 GEL ($17) for minor violations to 300 GEL ($105) for exceeding 40 km/h.

In case of an accident, it is crucial to inform the police and provide them with your exact location, as the responsiveness of their services can depend on it.

Speed Limits:

Urban Areas: 60 km/h.

Rural Areas: 90 km/h.

Highways: 110 km/h unless otherwise signposted.

Just a note: Georgians often exceed these limits. But it’s best to stick to them, especially when driving on mountain roads or village roads with unexpected turns. Look out for speed signs, especially near schools or construction zones.

Seat Belts:

Drivers and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts.

Georgian police are strict with this rule, and fines apply for noncompliance.

The fine is 40 GEL or $15

Child Safety:

Children under 7 years old must be seated in child safety seats.

Children under 12 must sit in the back seats.

Alcohol Limits:

Georgia has strict drunk driving laws.

The legal BAC limit is 0.03%. Exceeding this limit will result in heavy fines and licence suspension.

If you want to enjoy Georgia’s wine during your trip, we suggest you don't drive and use local taxis or ride-sharing services instead.

The fine of 200 GEL or $70

Mobile Phones:

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited.

Hands-free devices are allowed, but try to minimize distractions and keep your eyes on the road.

The fine is 30 GEL or $10

Vehicle Registration and Insurance

Car insurance is not mandatory for Georgian-registered vehicles but is highly recommended. Minimum vehicle insurance is required for foreign vehicles entering Georgia.

If you rent a car, ensure it has adequate insurance, and consider buying additional travel insurance for full coverage.

Georgian Drivers

Local driving habits may be different from what you’re used to. Georgian drivers are brave and sometimes crazy. Be prepared for reckless drivers who will overtake at any time or ignore a stop sign. Some drivers don’t follow the road rules, so stay alert and drive defensively to avoid accidents.

If you’re driving in the Caucasus Mountains or other tricky places, expect narrow roads, sharp turns, and the occasional cow crossing.

Road Conditions

Driving in Georgia can be an adventure, but being prepared for varying road conditions is essential.

Mostly, Georgia’s roads are:

Main highways: Good condition, especially between big towns like Tbilisi and Batumi.

Rural and Off-Roading: Roads in rural areas can be narrow and winding, with steep inclines, sharp turns, and sudden changes from asphalt to gravel. We recommend renting an SUV or a 4x4 motor vehicle for off-road paths.

Landslides and flooding are common during the rainy season, so it’s crucial to check road conditions and plan your route accordingly.

Some Georgia roads may be closed due to maintenance or weather conditions, so staying informed about any closures or restrictions is essential to ensure a safe journey.

The roads in Georgia's main cities are often busy, especially during peak hours. However, road rules are strictly observed, and drivers treat each other respectfully.

Road Signs and Traffic Lights

Georgia’s road signs are international standards and easy to understand. However, their placement can be confusing, especially in rural locations or near the Russian and Turkish borders.

Traffic lights in most towns and big cities work as expected, but you may find nonfunctioning signals or missing stop signs in some remote areas.

In such cases, Google Maps can be your best friend but always double-check with physical landmarks.

Enforcement and Penalties

If a police officer stops you:

Remain in the Vehicle: Stay seated with hands visible on the steering wheel.

Provide Necessary Documents: Present your driver's licence, passport, and vehicle registration.

Avoid Offering Bribes: Georgia enforces strict anti-corruption laws, and attempting to bribe an officer can result in severe fines.

Fines can be paid at local banks or through designated payment terminals. Pay fines as soon as possible, as unpaid fines will increase over time and may cause problems when exiting and re-entering the country.

Fines should be paid within 30 days to avoid increases. Paying within 10 days may reduce the amount by 20%. Non-payment can lead to doubled fines and potential licence suspension.

Driving in the Mountains

Driving in Georgia means enjoying the beautiful scenery behind the wheel of a car, especially the serpentines, which attract many tourists for their views and highland atmosphere. However, navigating these roads requires preparation and safety measures to ensure your and your passengers' safety.

Whether you are driving your own vehicle or a rental car from our fleet, make sure it is in good condition, especially if you are planning to visit mountain or remote areas this summer.

Always carry a spare tire, first aid kit, and reflective warning triangles.

Also, have an updated GPS device or a reliable navigation app like Google Maps to help with route planning.

Choosing the Right Rental Car or Own Vehicle

When driving Georgia’s serpentines, choose the right rental car. Go for cars with good brakes, responsive handling, and powerful engines.

Such vehicles can be SUVs or cars with higher ground clearance. They are perfect for steep climbs, descents, and rough roads than other cars. At Getmancar, we have a few great options to choose from. Check out the fleet at our website.

Before renting a car in Georgia, check its technical condition. Make sure the front bumper and undercarriage, brakes, steering, and suspension are in order. Also, check for a spare tire and a puncture repair kit.

You can rent a car on the last minute upon arrival, but it’s better to book in advance, especially during peak season. This will ensure availability and might get you a better rate.

Rent a car from a company, not a private person, for a better car rental experience. In case of any problem, you always have the possibility of a car replacement. As for the braking system, you don’t have to worry, as the company is responsible for it.

At Getmancar, a trusted car-sharing and rental company in Georgia, we provide high-quality premium services and regularly check our cars, so the risk of mechanical problems during your trip is extremely low.

Mountain Routes Tips

Speed Limits: Follow the posted speed limits. Slow down before sharp corners to maintain control of the vehicle.

Engine Braking: On steep downhills, don’t brake suddenly. Instead, shift to a lower gear and let the engine brake so you don’t overload the brake system.

Roadway Signs: AttentPay attention to road signs for speed limits, sharp corners, and hazards. These signs are key to anticipating and navigating the twisties.

Weather: The weather in mountain regions in Georgia can change quickly. Ensure your vehicle has the right tires for the season and carry extra clothes and supplies for unexpected weather.

Drivers: On the serpentine roads, watch for oncoming drivers, pedestrians, and wildlife. Pay more attention when necessary and be nice to other drivers.

Additional Considerations

Fuel Management: Always have enough fuel reserves, especially in remote areas with insufficient gas stations. This will buffer you in case of unexpected delays or detours.

Avoid night Driving: Driving serpentines in the dark can be dangerous due to reduced visibility and wildlife crossing. For safety, plan your trip to finish before nightfall.

Seasonal Awareness: Some roads, especially near the Russian border or to high-altitude places like Gergeti Trinity Church, can be very rough during the off-season, especially in late October, when early snow can fall. Please check the road conditions and weather forecast before you go.

Animals and Pedestrians on the Road

When driving in Georgia, be mindful of animals and pedestrians on the side of the road. Cattle, sheep, and goats grazing nearby may wander onto the road unexpectedly. Stray dogs and cats are also common and pose a risk, especially at night.

In rural zones, pedestrians, including children, may be present on the road due to the lack of sidewalks. Drive slowly and cautiously in these areas, and be prepared to stop suddenly to avoid accidents.

Driving at Night

Driving at night in Georgia presents challenges, particularly on rural roads with scarce streetlights. Poorly lit roads can make seeing pedestrians, animals, or other vehicles without headlights difficult.

Additionally, narrow and winding roads can be tricky to navigate in the dark. It’s best to avoid driving at night unless necessary. If you must drive after dark, use high beams to increase visibility and slow down, especially when approaching intersections or curves.

International Driving in Georgia

Driving in Georgia with a foreign license can be rewarding. Many roads offer stunning scenery and a unique cultural adventure. Georgia recognizes international driving permits, but you must check with your embassy or consulate to confirm the requirements.

Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to obtain a local driving permit or license. As Georgia's driving culture can be challenging, purchasing car insurance that covers driving around the country is also advisable.

With the right preparation, insurance, and precautions, you can enjoy a safe and memorable driving experience from the airport.

Emergency Procedures

Driving in the country is a great way to explore Georgia and get new experiences. But be prepared for anything on the road. Here’s a helpful guide to help you in emergencies while driving in Georgia.

Emergency Number: 112

In Georgia, the universal emergency number is 112. Whether you need a police officer, fire, or medical help, dial 112, and you will be connected to the right service. This number is available all over the country, so help is just a call away.

In Case of a Road Accident

Stay Calm and Safe. First, make sure you and your passengers are safe. If possible, move yourself to a safe place away from the road.

Do Not Move the Car: Georgian law requires you to keep your car at the accident scene until police arrive.

112: Call and report the accident, and give your location and any injuries.

Document: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all cars involved. This will be useful for insurance purposes.

Exchange: Share your contacts and insurance details with the other driver(s).

Georgian Border Zones

Georgia has designated areas near its borders as “border zones” and “boundary lines,” with different rules of entry and movement. Some border zones are restricted for crossing.

Areas near the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia are sensitive and may have heightened security measures. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to these areas.

Border Zones and Boundary Lines

Border Zone: This land strip is 5 km deep into Georgian territory from the state border or coastline. In some cases, considering the terrain, this zone can be up to 30 km deep from the state border line. It also includes parts of international airports, railway stations, and seaports where border control is carried out.

Boundary Line: A part of the border area up to 500 meters from the state border.

Driving into Border Zones with Your Vehicle

You need a special permit to drive your vehicle into these border zones. You can get this permit from the Border Police Central Office in Tbilisi or regional divisions and border sectors.

To apply, you must fill out the application form, specify your path, and attach scanned copies of all participants' identification documents. It’s recommended that you have a GPS with you during the journey so you can navigate correctly.

Stay informed about the current situation and avoid restricted areas. Before planning your journey, always check the latest travel warnings.

Rent a car from Getmancar and stay safe on Georgian highways.