Driving in Croatia as a United Kingdom National
Croatia drives on the right with excellent toll motorways and stunning Adriatic coastal roads. EU and US license holders do not need an IDP. Summer brings congestion on the D8 coastal route.
Key Things to Know First
Croatia generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
United Kingdom drives on the left, but Croatia drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but Croatia uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Croatia | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Easy | — |
Speed Limits in Croatia
Speed limits in Croatia are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Croatia
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Croatia before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Croatia
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Croatia Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Croatia.
Read the complete guide