Driving in Serbia: Rental Car Guide for Visitors

Driving is one of the most flexible ways to explore Serbia. Motorways connect Belgrade with Novi Sad, Niš and other major destinations, while a car makes national parks, monasteries, wineries and smaller towns much easier to reach.

For an international visitor, the main things to understand are documents, parking, tolls, the rental agreement and cross-border restrictions. This practical guide covers each one without replacing the official rules or the conditions of your individual booking.

Can you drive in Serbia with a foreign licence?

The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that a foreign visitor staying temporarily in Serbia may drive using a valid foreign driving licence or an international driving licence while it remains valid. The exact document you should carry can depend on the issuing country and whether the licence clearly shows the permitted vehicle category.

If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, ask whether you should also carry an International Driving Permit or official translation. An International Driving Permit is normally used together with the original licence, not instead of it.

You should have:

your valid driving licence;
passport or national ID;
rental agreement;
vehicle registration and insurance documents supplied with the car;
written cross-border permission if leaving Serbia.

See the official Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance on driving licences and check the ZURO Cars rental requirements before travelling.

Basic rental requirements

ZURO Cars currently requires drivers to be at least 22 years old, have at least two years of driving experience and hold a valid category B licence. Requirements can change for a particular car or route, so send a clear photo of the requested documents only through the agreed booking channel and confirm eligibility before arrival.

Which side of the road do people drive on?

Traffic in Serbia drives on the right-hand side, and vehicles are generally left-hand drive. Road signs use internationally familiar symbols, but destination names can appear in both Latin and Cyrillic scripts.

Follow the posted speed limit rather than relying on a general number from a travel blog. Limits can change near settlements, roadworks, tunnels, schools and junctions. Navigation apps are helpful, but roadside signs take priority.

Parking in Belgrade

Central Belgrade uses colour-coded parking zones with time limits. According to the official Parking Servis information, current central zones include:

Purple zone: 30 minutes;
Red zone: 1 hour;
White zone: 2 hours;
Yellow zone: 2 hours;
Green zone: 3 hours.

Some zones allow a paid extension after the standard period. Rules, prices and operating times can change, so read the sign beside the exact parking space and pay immediately.

Rental vehicles can have local or foreign plates, which affects how the plate is entered in a parking app or message. If you are unsure how to pay, ask the rental team or use a staffed public garage.

Check the latest Parking Servis zone information before parking in central Belgrade.

Motorway tolls in Serbia

Many Serbian motorways use toll stations. On a ticket-based route:

collect the ticket when entering;
keep it until the exit station;
pay the amount calculated for your route and vehicle category.

Some rental vehicles may have an electronic TAG device. Ask whether the selected car has one and how those toll charges are settled.

Do not lose the motorway ticket. Roads of Serbia warns that when the correct entry cannot be determined, the longest route may be charged together with additional procedure costs.

Use the official Roads of Serbia toll calculator and vehicle categories for current prices.

Fuel and service stations

Confirm the fuel type during handover and check the label inside the fuel flap before refuelling. Petrol and diesel are widely available on major routes, but rural stations can be less frequent.

Also confirm the return policy. A vehicle supplied with a particular fuel level is normally expected back at the agreed level unless the contract says otherwise. Keep the final receipt until the car is returned.

Insurance and vehicle inspection

Basic insurance is included in ZURO Cars rentals, with optional extended coverage available under current terms. Before driving away, ask:

what the insurance covers;
whether there is a deductible;
which situations are excluded;
what to do after an accident or breakdown;
who must be contacted before repairs or towing.

Inspect the exterior, wheels, windscreen and interior together with the representative. Make sure existing marks are recorded. If an incident occurs, contact the rental company immediately and follow its instructions; do not make informal agreements or authorise repairs without approval.

Driving outside Serbia

Cross-border travel must be approved before departure. The rental company may need to prepare authorisation, insurance confirmation or other documents, and the deposit or mileage terms may differ from a domestic rental.

Send the complete list of countries—not only the final destination—because transit countries also matter. Do not assume that an open border means the rental contract permits the trip.

City driving in Belgrade

Belgrade traffic can feel busy to a first-time visitor, particularly around bridges, large roundabouts and central one-way streets. A few practical habits help:

set navigation before moving;
stay alert for buses, trams, cyclists and pedestrians;
allow extra space when changing lanes;
avoid stopping in bus lanes or restricted areas;
use a public garage when street parking is unclear;
add extra time during weekday commuting hours.

A compact automatic is often the easiest option for city use. If most of your trip is on motorways, a comfort sedan, estate or SUV may be more relaxing.

Before starting a longer trip

Use this quick checklist:

check fuel and warning lights;
confirm the correct fuel type;
save the rental support contact;
plan toll and rest stops;
check the weather and official road conditions;
secure luggage so it cannot move;
make sure every passenger has a seat belt;
keep enough time for the return journey.

The Roads of Serbia website publishes current road and toll information.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Serbia?

It depends on your licence and issuing country. A valid foreign licence can be accepted for a temporary stay, but an International Driving Permit or translation may be advisable or required in some cases. Confirm before booking.

Are motorways free in Serbia?

Many major motorway sections are tolled. The amount depends on the route and vehicle category.

Is parking free in Belgrade?

Some areas are free, but central streets commonly use paid zones and time limits. Always check the sign at the exact location.

Can I drive a Serbian rental car into another country?

Only with prior approval and the required documents. Tell the rental company every country on your route.

What should I do after an accident?

Stop safely, contact the rental company immediately and follow its instructions and the requirements of local authorities. Do not arrange repairs without authorisation.

Choose a car for driving in Serbia

Browse the ZURO Cars fleet, select your dates and continue to WhatsApp to confirm the car, route, final price and rental conditions.

Driving in Serbia: A Practical Guide for Rental Car Drivers