An international driving permit is recommended by the AA for Serbia and Montenegro along with your UK licence though you may find a photocard licence is accepted - check the terms of your chosen car rental.
You must use dipped headlights or daytime running lights during the day.
Most motorways in Serbia have tolls, Montenegro just has tolls on the Sozina tunnel.
Traffic entering a roundabout has priority over vehicles already on it.
You may not overtake a bus when it has stopped for passengers to get on or off.
It is recommended in Serbia to carry a European Accident claim form as, if you are in collision with a Serbian registered vehicle, one must be completed.
Winter tyres are compulsory during the winter months of November to March (inclusive) and the period can be extended if there is snow or ice on the road. Sadly, some car hire companies don't incorporate this into their pricing and add €4-5 per day as a compulsory additional charge. Likewise snow chains must be carried in the car by law (in Serbia) but may be an extra cost item. Bear these additional costs in mind when comparing prices for winter driving.
Cars will usually come complete with collision damage and theft waivers and full third party insurance. The collision and theft waivers will usually carry an excess and although these are fairly low by European standards they can still be €700 for a modest compact car (Focus/Golf/Astra size) and easily damaged items like tyres, windscreen and underside of the car will be excluded. The car hire companies will be very happy to sell you additional insurance at the desk but you can save 80-90% by using the MoneyMaxim car hire insurance comparison service.
Although not (yet) part of the EU, most car hire insurance companies include Serbia and Montenegro within their territorial definitions of European policies.
Most car hire companies in Serbia and Montenegro run fair fuel full to full fuel policies rather than full to empty. Do check the specific terms of your chosen car hire as it's very easy to leave £15-20 worth of fuel in the tank on a full to empty policy.
This content was last reviewed on 11/09/2019