Road network

Croatia's motorway network is one of the best in Southeast Europe. The A1 from Zagreb to Split and onward toward Dubrovnik cuts through the Dinaric Alps via tunnels and viaducts before reaching the coast. The A3 runs east to the Serbian border. Since January 2023 Croatia is in the Schengen zone, so border stops with Slovenia and Hungary are gone. The Peljesac Bridge, opened in 2022, connects the Dubrovnik exclave to the rest of Croatia without a detour through Bosnia. Motorways use a per-kilometer toll system operated by HAC, with payment by cash, card, or ENC tag at exit booths. Toll fees change over time, so check current rates before travel. The coastal D8 highway is a dramatic drive above the Adriatic but gets heavily congested in July and August.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Headlights are required at all times. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. The minimum driving age is 18. Winter tires are mandatory from November 15 to April 15 when conditions warrant, and chains must be carried during those months. Speed cameras are common on motorway approaches. The emergency number is 112. On the islands, fuel is limited, so fill the tank before boarding a ferry. The A1 passes through mountain tunnels where snow lingers well into spring, making the winter tire rule a practical necessity rather than a formality.