Driving Rules in Georgia: Fines, Speed Cameras, Parking – A No-BS Guide

Georgia has right-hand traffic, speed cameras on virtually every stretch of highway, and a parking system in Tbilisi that will fine you 50 GEL if you forget to activate the app. Whether you're renting a car or driving your own – this guide covers the rules that actually matter and the fines you'll want to avoid.

• Right-hand traffic, European-standard signs and road markings.
• Speed limits: urban – 60 km/h, rural – 90 km/h, highway – 110 km/h.
• Legal BAC limit – 0.03% (0.3‰). In practice: don't drink at all before driving.
• ~3,000 cameras across the country, including average-speed zones.
• Pay within 10 days for a 20% discount on camera fines.
• Unpaid fines double after 30 days and keep growing. You won't be allowed into the country next time until they're paid.
• Parking in Tbilisi requires the Parking Tbilisi app – no activation means a 50 GEL fine.

Georgian roads use several types of enforcement: point radars, section-control cameras (measuring average speed over 300 m to 5 km stretches), bus-lane cameras, and red-light cameras. There are also cameras that catch solid-line crossings – one wheel over the line is enough.

A single bus lane can have multiple cameras in sequence. Each one records a separate violation – and each fine must be paid individually.

Waze shows most cameras but not all. Police also use mobile radars from patrol cars (often unmarked).

(Updated: March 2026)

Exchange rate: $1 ≈ 2.8 GEL (March 2026).

As of July 2025, pedestrian fines were increased: jaywalking – 50 GEL (up from 10). Walking on a highway – 100 GEL. Installing illegal emergency lights – 2,000 GEL with confiscation.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. That's roughly one glass of wine for an average adult. Given Georgia's legendary wine and chacha culture, it's easy to fall into the trap: evening feast, morning drive, alcohol still in your system.

First offense: from 700 GEL, repeat: up to 2,500 GEL plus license suspension for 6 months. Since 2025, police have been actively testing for drugs as well – some substances remain detectable for up to a month.

Practical advice: if you had drinks the night before, take a taxi. A ride across Tbilisi costs 5–15 GEL – incomparable to a 700+ GEL fine.

Paid municipal parking exists in three cities: Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. Everywhere else, parking is free (unless a sign says otherwise).

Managed by City Parking. The city center is divided into hourly zones (1–3 GEL/hour); the rest uses a subscription system.

Payment is through the Parking Tbilisi app (App Store / Google Play). Register with your passport number and license plate in Latin letters, format "AA777BB". Alternatives: TBC Pay and BOG Pay terminals.

When renting through Localrent, ask if the car includes an unlimited parking pass – some do. It saves both time and money.

Free parking: near the Bridge of Peace and Rike Park, near the Rezo Gabriadze Theater.

Managed by Batumi Autotransport. Paid parking applies across the city.

Payment via terminals, banks, or TBC Pay online. The tourist center is compact – 15 minutes on foot. Easier to park in residential areas outside the center.

Managed by Parking Service. Similar system – pay at terminals or banks. Avoid "parking attendants" in green vests – they'll take your money, but the spot won't be officially registered.

Tbilisi Airport has three paid parking lots. Free stop: 5 minutes at the terminal, 10 minutes at the train station. Kutaisi Airport charges 1 GEL/hour.

Camera fines are sent via SMS to the vehicle owner (or rental company). To check yourself:

Traffic fines – video.police.ge (enter license plate and vehicle ID number).

Parking fines – parking.tbilisi.gov.ge (Tbilisi), batumitransport.ge (Batumi).

Payment methods: TBC Pay / BOG Pay terminals, online banking, any Georgian bank branch.

Timing matters:

• First 10 days – 20% discount (camera fines only)
• Up to 30 days – standard amount
• After 30 days – fine doubles and keeps increasing
• Leaving Georgia with unpaid fines won't cause immediate problems. But next time you enter, the fine will have multiplied 8–10 times, your license will be confiscated, and you'll need to travel to Mtskheta to pay everything plus a 500 GEL license restoration fee

Never attempt to pay a fine directly to a police officer. Georgian police are not corrupt, and attempting to bribe one may result in criminal charges.

If pulled over, stay in the car. Keep your hands on the steering wheel, be polite, and show your documents. Everything is recorded on body cameras. The officer will explain the violation and issue a citation – payment always goes through official channels, never on the spot.

For minor infractions, politeness can work in your favor – officers sometimes issue verbal warnings. But don't count on it.

A valid national driving license with Latin characters is sufficient. An International Driving Permit is not legally required but some rental agencies request one for insurance purposes.

Always carry: driving license, passport, rental agreement (if applicable), insurance documents.

Foreign-registered vehicles must have valid car insurance. Without it – 100 GEL fine.

Fuel in Georgia is cheaper than most European countries. Three grades of petrol are available: Regular (92), Premium (95), and Super (98). Diesel and LPG are widely available.

Major chains (SOCAR, Wissol, Gulf) accept cards and cash. In mountain areas, stations are less frequent – fill up in advance. Check visa/card requirements with your bank before traveling, as not all international cards may work at every terminal.

Georgian drivers are assertive. Unexpected overtakes, tight following distances, and horn honking instead of turn signals are common – especially outside cities. Be prepared for this, but don't imitate it.

Practical notes:

• Mountain roads – narrow, with sharp turns and steep elevation changes. Routes to Kazbegi, Mestia, or Ushguli require an SUV with proper ground clearance.
• Animals on roads – cows, sheep, dogs. Especially in rural areas and near mountain passes.
• Night driving on highways – strongly discouraged. Trucks sometimes drive without lights, occasionally in the wrong lane.
• Road quality – main highways between Tbilisi and Batumi are in good condition. Secondary roads can switch from asphalt to gravel without warning.

The Georgia Road Department publishes updates on closures and construction on their website.

As of January 1, 2026, medical insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Georgia. Minimum coverage: 30,000 GEL. For details: Georgia Travel Insurance – What to Choose and How Much It Costs in 2026

Foreign-registered vehicles also require separate car insurance. Fine for not having it: 100 GEL.

For renting a car, Localrent connects you with local rental companies and often offers better rates than international chains.

Full guide with all the details: Car Rental in Georgia – Guide and Hidden Pitfalls

1. Do I need an International Driving Permit in Georgia? No. A valid national license with Latin characters is legally sufficient. Some rental companies may request an IDP for insurance purposes, so check when booking.

2. What happens if I leave Georgia with unpaid fines? No issues at departure. But on your next visit, the fine will have multiplied 8–10 times. Your license will be confiscated, and to restore it you'll need to visit Mtskheta and pay the accumulated amount plus a 500 GEL restoration fee. Check fines at video.police.ge.

3. How does parking work in Tbilisi? Through the Parking Tbilisi app (App Store / Google Play). Register with your passport number, enter your plate – then activate and deactivate parking sessions. Rates start at 1 GEL/hour in the center. Without an active session in a paid zone – 50 GEL fine.

4. Can I have even one drink before driving? The legal limit is 0.03%, roughly equivalent to one glass of wine. But the practical recommendation is clear: don't drink before driving at all. Fines start at 700 GEL, plus license suspension.

5. Are there toll roads in Georgia? No. Georgia has no toll roads or toll booths. All roads are free to use.

Georgian traffic rules follow European standards, but enforcement is strict and camera coverage is extensive. Fines snowball when left unpaid, Tbilisi parking requires a dedicated app, and the DUI threshold is practically zero tolerance. The most common tourist mistakes – forgetting Parking Tbilisi, not checking fines before departure, and driving after an evening feast – are all avoidable with 10 minutes of preparation.

• Car Rental in Georgia – Guide and Hidden Pitfalls
• First Time in Georgia – What You Need to Know Before Your Trip
• How to Get from Tbilisi to Batumi: Train, Bus, Transfer, Car Rental
• Georgia Travel Insurance – What to Choose and How Much It Costs in 2026

• Parking Tbilisi – municipal parking
• Batumi Autotransport – Batumi parking
• GlobalPetrolPrices – fuel prices in Georgia
• Georgia Road Department – road conditions