Georgia is the sort of nation in which all roads are journeys. The serpent-like highways slicing through the Caucasus mountains, the village roads lined with vineyards, and the Black Sea coastal road each with their own rhythm. Renting a car is one of the best activities to experience it all — but you first need to learn about the country’s traffic laws, driving culture, and the challenges that you may encounter.
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The Basics Every Driver Should Know
Like most of Europe, Georgia drives on the right-hand side of the road. Most vehicles are left-hand drive, though you’ll occasionally spot right-hand drive imports, which can make overtaking a little tricky.
Speed limits are reasonably standardized: sixty kilometers an hour in urban areas and towns, eighty to ninety on rural roads, and one hundred and ten on motorways. Speed cameras sweep the network with vigorous enforcement. Even if it appears to be deserted on the road, speeding by a few kilometers per hour over the limit will attract an automatic fine.
Seatbelts are compulsory for drivers and front seat occupants, and children under the age of twelve must ride in the back. Obligatory child safety seats are available for the youngest travelers. Drink is another concern: the alcohol content on the road is 0.03%, so one glass of Georgian wine will see you over the limit. The best thing to do is not drink at all if you’re driving.
Driving Culture in Georgia
Paper regulations are one thing, but real driving by individuals is another. Georgian drivers are forceful, sometimes impolite, and won’t hesitate to pass in awkward spots for visitors. On country roads, the road itself holds things up for you. Cows and sheep graze on roads as if they own them, dogs sleep peacefully on baking asphalt, and it’s not unusual to turn around a bend and be faced with a herd in the middle of the road.
Traffic can be heavy in towns. Tbilisi, indeed, has narrow streets, limited parking, and a plethora of one-way streets. Drivers may pull up abruptly to pick up passengers or squeeze into a parking spot that only exists in name. It’s all in the timing — the trick is to keep your head, drive cautiously, and expect the unexpected.
Road Conditions and Terrain
The state of the roads is slowly improving year by year. The main road between Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi (visit Batumi car rental page) is modern, well-marked, and primarily flat. But as soon as you leave the main roads behind, things are immediately different. Rural roads may be scattered with potholes, faded signs, or hairpin bends without guardrails. In the mountains it is even more dramatic: gravel roads, windy roads carved into hill sides, rock slides, and volatile weather.”.
Some routes — like the road to Tusheti or Shatili — are only open a few months a year due to snow. If you’re planning to drive in high-altitude regions, always check conditions in advance and consider renting a 4×4.
Documents and Requirements
In order to drive lawfully in Georgia, you will need a valid driving license. If your license is issued in a language other than English or Latin script, you must also have an International Driving Permit. Our representatives will provide you with insurance papers and contracts, which you should keep on you, as well as your passport. Police patrols and document checks are routine, so it will save you time and stress to be ready.
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Keeping Safe on the Road
One of the golden rules for driving in Georgia is to avoid long-distance night driving. Many rural roads have little to no lighting, and animals or pedestrians can be hard to spot after dark. If you’re heading into the mountains, plan your trip so that you’re back before nightfall.
Gas stations are easily found in big cities and highways but few in small towns and countryside. Refueling whenever your gas level is half or less full is prudent. Mobile network is very good except that signal may disappear in mountain ranges. Downloading maps offline before traveling is highly recommended.
Winter driving is worth a special mention. Ice and snow are prevalent in mountain passes, and chains might be necessary. When renting, check with the company if they stock them. Even with the right gear, drive carefully — Georgian winters are lovely but sometimes merciless.
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Emergencies and Fines
If you happen to be in a jam, the 112 is Georgia’s emergency number. It reaches the police, ambulance, and fire services. If you experience an accident, keep your location, call the police, and photograph the scene for evidence.
Traffic fines are a reality to most visitors, especially on overspeeding. Fortunately, they can be paid online or at the banks, but it is best to stay within the law to avoid inconvenience, especially when leaving the country.
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So, traveling in Georgia isn’t just travel — it’s a journey in itself. With the freedom to stop at a vineyard, hike up into a mountain town, or take a shortcut to a hidden monastery, each journey is part of your own adventure.