In Serbia, the traffic regulations are generally in line with those of member states of the European Union.
The speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h, unless, due to road conditions, traffic signs indicate a speed limit of up to 80 km/h.
Speed limits on roads outside populated areas, unless otherwise indicated by traffic signs, are as follows:
- 120 km/h on motorways
- 100 km/h on major roads
- 80 km/h on other roads
Specific speed limits apply for certain categories of vehicle:
80 km/h – for coaches, coaches with an attached trailer and lorries with a maximum allowed mass of no more than 7.5 tonnes, except on motorways where the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h.
- 80 km/h – for motor vehicles towing a travel trailer (caravan)
- 70 km/h – for coaches transporting children, articulated buses with no standing passengers, lorries whose maximum allowed mass is more than 7.5 tonnes and lorries with trailer, except on motorways, where the maximum speed limit is 90 km/h.
- 50 km/h – for buses with an additional towed vehicle for the transport of people, city buses and buses with standing passengers
A driver may not operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (a blood alcohol level of more than 0.30 mg/ml) or psychoactive substances. Professional drivers (bus drivers, lorry drivers etc.) are prohibited from having any amount of alcohol in their blood.
When stopped by the police, the driver and any passengers are not allowed to exit their vehicle unless given permission to do so by a police officer.
Wearingseat belts is compulsory for drivers and front seat passengers, as well as passengers in the back if there are seat belts.
Dipped headlights must be switched on when driving in the daytime.
Drivers may not use telephones or other communications devices while driving unless using a hands-free kit which allows the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel.
Children under the age of 12 and persons under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances, or who are unable to control their actions, are not allowed to sit in the front seat.
Children up to three years of age must be transported in a child safety seat, which can be installed in the front seat only if it is rear-facing and the airbag is deactivated.
Camping is only permitted in campsites.
Vehicles with foreign number plates must display the international licence code of the country in which they are registered.
Pedestrians may not use mobile phones or wear earphones while crossing streets.
Mandatory equipment to be kept in passenger vehicles:
Spare tyre – unless the vehicle has equipment for quick tyre repairs (spray, foam, quick-repair kit) or run-flat tyres.
- Warning triangl e– used to indicate that a vehicle has stopped on the road due to a breakdown or accident.
- First aid kit
- Spare light bulb kit– enough to replace half of double light sockets and one for each single light socket. Vehicles which are equipped with non-incandescent light bulbs (e.g. halogen, LED) are not required to have spare light bulbs.
- Tow rope or tow bar
- Reflective vestfor each traveller exiting the vehicle on the road during breakdown or an accident. The vest must be kept in the front compartment, not the boot!
- European Accident Statement– an insurance company form which is used by drivers in a traffic accident with little material damage and where the version of events is mutually agreed upon.
- Winter equipment– during the winter months, winter tyres (M+S – mud and snow) must be fitted on the drive wheels. Summer tyres with a tread depth of at least 4 mm, can also be used, but only in conjunction with snow chains. Spiked tyres are prohibited
For certain types of vehicle, the following equipment is compulsory:
- Safety helmet– for motorcycle drivers and passengers
Special equipment– in coaches and lorries, there must be an appropriate number of fire extinguishers in the appropriate places, along with wheel chocks, hammers for breaking glass and a shovel. A fire extinguisher is also compulsory for taxis.
