Serbian Driving Licence 2026
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in Serbia — ABS theory test format, auto-škola costs, speed limits, traffic fines under the Law on Road Traffic Safety, and the penalty points system.
514
Road deaths in Serbia (2024)
65% above the EU average per capita — ABS/RTSA
0.02%
BAC limit — strictest in Europe
0.00% for new drivers, professionals, motorcyclists
~€900
Total cost for Category B licence
Auto-škola + exams + medical + first aid
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Key Findings
41 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 35/41 (85%). Computer-based at accredited testing centres. Available in Serbian and recognized minority languages (Albanian, Hungarian).
Approximately 100,000–115,000 RSD (€850–980): auto-škola 85,000–92,000 RSD, theory exam ~5,000 RSD, practical exam ~5,000 RSD, medical certificate ~3,000–6,000 RSD, first aid course 5,000–8,000 RSD, licence issuance 1,985 RSD.
514 fatalities in 2024 (~7.5 per 100K). Serbia’s road death rate is 65% above the EU average. Long-term trend shows 48% reduction from 2010–2019, but progress has stalled since 2020.
0.02% (0.2 g/l) general limit — one of Europe's strictest. Absolute zero (0.00%) for new drivers (first 2 years), professional drivers, and motorcyclists. Criminal threshold at 2.0 g/l with imprisonment.
January 2026 overhaul: minimum fines raised to 10,000–20,000 RSD (from 3,000–5,000), early payment discounts eliminated, 50% surcharge for repeat offenders, stricter penalties when children are in the vehicle.
Serbia has one of Europe's highest road death rates per capita despite strict BAC limits. Licence cost (€900) is moderate compared to Germany (€2,800) but high relative to local income. Mandatory 40-hour practical training.
Serbia Road Safety: 6-Year Trend (2019–2024)
According to ABS and ITF-OECD, road fatalities dropped to a record low of 492 in 2020 due to COVID-19 but rebounded to 553 in 2022. The 2024 figure of 514 deaths represents a slight increase from 503 in 2023.
2019→2020
-7.9%
2020→2021
+5.9%
2021→2022
+6.1%
2022→2023
-9.0%
2023→2024
+2.2%
Deaths per 100,000 Population
Source: WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety, ITF-OECD, ABS. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Serbian Theory Test Format#
The computerized theory test is administered at accredited testing centres across Serbia
The Serbian driving theory test for Category B consists of 41 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 45 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 35 questions correctly (85% pass rate). The test is computer-based and administered at accredited testing centres. Questions cover traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, first aid, and vehicle safety. The test is available in Serbian (Cyrillic and Latin script), Albanian, and Hungarian at select locations. After two failed attempts, candidates must complete 12 additional hours of theory instruction before retaking the exam. A passed theory test is valid for 3 years.
Questions
41 MCQs
Multiple-choice format
Duration
45 Min
~66 sec per question
Pass Mark
35/41
85% correct required
Test Fee
~5,000 RSD
~€43 per attempt
What the Theory Test Covers
- Traffic signs (saobraćajni znakovi) & signals
- Right of way & intersection rules
- Speed limits by road type
- Parking & stopping regulations
- Tram priority rules
- Required vehicle equipment
- Winter tires & chains requirements
- Mandatory daytime running lights
- First aid procedures
- Vehicle maintenance & inspection
- BAC limits & DUI penalties
- Motorway driving rules & tolls
- Probationary period restrictions
- Penalty points system (kazneni poeni)
- Accident reporting procedures
How to Get Your Serbian Driving Licence#
From auto-škola to vozačka dozvola — the complete 6-step process
Medical Examination
Obtain a health certificate (lekarsko uverenje)
Visit an authorized medical facility. Cost: 3,000–6,000 RSD. Certificate must be less than 6 months old.
First Aid Course
Complete the mandatory first aid training
Separate from driving school. Cost: 5,000–8,000 RSD. Certificate required before starting lessons.
Enrol at an Auto-škola
Register at a licensed driving school (auto-škola)
MUP-accredited schools only. Cat B: ~30–40 theory hours + ~40 practical hours. Cost: 85,000–92,000 RSD.
Theory Training & Test
Attend theory classes and pass the computerized theory exam
41 questions, 35 correct to pass, 45 minutes. Fee: ~5,000 RSD. After 2 failures: 12 more theory hours required.
Practical Driving Lessons & Test
Complete mandatory driving lessons and pass the practical exam
~40 practical hours minimum. Practical test fee: ~5,000 RSD. Additional lessons may be required after repeated failures.
Receive Your Licence
Apply at MUP police station for your vozačka dozvola
Licence fee: 1,985 RSD (standard) or 5,000 RSD (expedited). Processing: ~7 days. 2-year probationary period begins.
Costs vary by city and driving school. Belgrade and Novi Sad tend to be more expensive. Additional costs apply if you fail and must retake exams or complete extra training hours. 1 EUR ≈ 117 RSD (April 2026).
Licence Categories & Minimum Age
AM — Mopeds, light quadricycles (≤45 km/h)
16
years
A1 — Motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW
16
years
A2 — Motorcycles up to 35 kW
20
years
B — Cars up to 3,500 kg
Theory exam allowed from age 17, stricter regime until 21
18
years
A — Motorcycles unlimited
24
years
C — Trucks over 3,500 kg
21
years
D — Buses (8+ passengers)
21–24 depending on qualification
24
years
Licence Validity Periods
Renewal without re-testing
Based on medical assessment
Medical exam required for each renewal
Medical + eye test required for renewal
Probationary Period (Probni vozač)
- 2-year probationary period for all new licence holders
- Absolute 0.0% BAC — zero tolerance
- No driving between 23:00–06:00 every night
- P plate (oznaka P) must be displayed at all times
- No trailer towing permitted
- Maximum 9 penalty points during probationary period
Penalty Points System (Kazneni poeni)
- 18 points = licence suspended (regular drivers)
- 9 points = suspension (probationary drivers)
- Points deleted after 2 years without new violations
- After suspension: must retake driving exam
- 2 pts: phone use, seatbelt, minor speeding
- 6 pts: red light, DUI, dangerous overtaking
Serbia has clearly defined speed limits. Urban areas are limited to 50 km/h, with 30 km/h zones near schools. Rural roads are limited to 80 km/h for cars, while expressways allow 100–120 km/h depending on road design. Motorways are limited to 130 km/h for passenger cars — increased from 120 km/h in June 2018. Trucks over 7.5 tonnes are restricted to 70 km/h on rural roads and 90 km/h on motorways. Residential zones (zona smirenog saobraćaja) are limited to 20 km/h.
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks >7.5t | Buses | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Zone | 20 | 20 | 20 | Zona smirenog saobraćaja |
| Urban (built-up area) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 30 km/h zones near schools |
| Rural Roads | 80 | 70 | 80 | Outside built-up areas |
| Expressway | 100–120 | 80 | 100 | With median strip |
| Motorway (Autoput) | 130 | 90 | 100 | Increased from 120 in 2018 |
Residential Zone
20
Cars
20
>7.5t
20
Buses
Zona smirenog saobraćaja
Urban (built-up area)
50
Cars
50
>7.5t
50
Buses
30 km/h zones near schools
Rural Roads
80
Cars
70
>7.5t
80
Buses
Outside built-up areas
Expressway
100–120
Cars
80
>7.5t
100
Buses
With median strip
Motorway (Autoput)
130
Cars
90
>7.5t
100
Buses
Increased from 120 in 2018
The motorway speed limit was raised from 120 to 130 km/h in June 2018. Vehicles towing trailers are limited to 80 km/h on all roads.
Traffic Fines & Penalties#
As per the Law on Road Traffic Safety — fines significantly increased in January 2026
Serbia’s traffic fine system was overhauled in January 2026, with minimum fines raised from 3,000–5,000 RSD to 10,000–20,000 RSD. Early payment discounts were eliminated, and repeat offenders face a 50% surcharge. Seatbelt and phone use fines jumped to 50,000 RSD. Running a red light costs 20,000–40,000 RSD plus 6 penalty points. DUI at 0.2–0.5 g/l incurs 10,000–20,000 RSD plus 6 points. At 2.0+ g/l, the penalty is 120,000–140,000 RSD plus potential imprisonment.
| Violation | Fine (RSD) | Points | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 21–30 km/h over | 10,000 | — | — |
| Speeding 31–50 km/h over | 10,000–20,000 | 4 | — |
| Speeding 51–70 km/h over | 20,000–40,000 | 7 | — |
| Speeding 70+ km/h over (in settlement) | 100,000–120,000 | 14 | Driving ban |
| Running a red light | 20,000–40,000 | 6 | — |
| Mobile phone use while driving | 50,000 | 2 | — |
| No seatbelt | 50,000 | 2 | — |
| DUI (0.2–0.5 g/l) | 10,000–20,000 | 6 | — |
| DUI (0.8–1.2 g/l) | 20,000–40,000 | 8 | — |
| DUI (2.0+ g/l) | 120,000–140,000 | 15 | Imprisonment |
| Driving without a licence | 100,000–120,000 | 14 | Imprisonment |
| No winter tires (when required) | 6,000–20,000 | — | — |
Speeding 21–30 km/h over
Speeding 31–50 km/h over
Speeding 51–70 km/h over
Speeding 70+ km/h over (in settlement)
Running a red light
Mobile phone use while driving
No seatbelt
DUI (0.2–0.5 g/l)
DUI (0.8–1.2 g/l)
DUI (2.0+ g/l)
Driving without a licence
No winter tires (when required)
Fines shown reflect the January 2026 reform. The early payment discount has been eliminated. Repeat offenders face a 50% surcharge on all fines. Stricter penalties apply when children are in the vehicle.
Know These Rules Before Your Theory Test
Traffic fines, speed limits, and BAC rules are heavily tested in the Serbian theory exam. Practice with real exam-style questions.
Start Practicing for FreeImportant Driving Rules in Serbia
Drive on the Right
Serbia follows right-hand traffic. Overtaking is done on the left. At unmarked intersections, the vehicle from the right has priority.
Tram Priority
Trams have absolute right of way in Serbia, including at roundabouts. Never overtake a tram that has stopped to load/unload passengers.
Mandatory Daytime Lights
Dipped headlights or dedicated DRL must be on at all times, day and night, year-round. Fine for non-compliance.
Winter Tires (Nov 1 – Apr 1)
Winter tires with minimum 4mm tread are mandatory from November 1 to April 1 when snow, ice, or frost is present. Carry snow chains for 2 drive wheels.
Required Vehicle Equipment
First aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest (EN471), tow rope (3m min), and spare wheel must be carried at all times. Two warning triangles if towing.
Radar Detectors Prohibited
Possession, use, sale, and promotion of radar detection devices is strictly illegal in Serbia. Even having one in your car is a violation.
Strict BAC Limit (0.02%)
One of Europe's strictest limits. Less than one glass of wine can put you over. Zero tolerance for new drivers, professionals, and motorcyclists.
Phone Use Prohibited
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Fine: 50,000 RSD (raised in 2026 reform). Hands-free systems are permitted.
Motorway Tolls
Major motorways have toll booths (naplatne rampe). Payment by cash or card. Toll from Belgrade to Niš (E-75) costs approximately 1,100 RSD.
Common Road Hazards in Serbia
514 road fatalities in 2024 — know these hazards to stay safe on Serbian roads
Snow & Ice
Winter conditions with heavy snowfall, especially in mountainous regions. Black ice common on bridges and shaded roads.
Dense Fog
Particularly dangerous in river valleys along the Danube, Sava, and Morava, reducing visibility to under 50 metres.
Poorly Maintained Rural Roads
Secondary roads may have potholes, inadequate signage, and limited lighting outside major corridors.
Stray Animals
Stray dogs and livestock on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Watch for wildlife warning signs.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating and risky overtaking, particularly on single-carriageway rural roads. Defensive driving recommended.
Mountain Roads
Winding roads in western Serbia with steep gradients, sharp hairpin turns, and limited guardrails.
Emergency Numbers
All toll-free, available 24/7. {number} is the EU-wide emergency number.
112
General Emergency (EU-wide)
192
Police (Policija)
193
Fire Brigade (Vatrogasci)
194
Ambulance (Hitna pomoć)
1987
AMSS Roadside Assistance
Common Misconceptions About Driving in Serbia#
Myth: Serbian roads are full of potholes and dangerous
Fact: Motorways and main roads (E-75, E-70) are modern and well-maintained. Serbia has invested heavily in road infrastructure. Rural and mountainous roads can be challenging, but the main network is quite good.
Myth: The BAC limit is similar to Western Europe
Fact: Serbia's 0.02% (0.2 g/l) limit is far stricter than the UK (0.08%), Germany (0.05%), or France (0.05%). Less than one small glass of wine can put you over the legal limit. For new drivers, it's absolute zero.
Myth: You can use a radar detector like in many EU countries
Fact: Radar detectors are strictly illegal in Serbia. Unlike some EU countries where they're tolerated, even possession (not just use) of a radar detection device is a violation.
Myth: Winter tires are optional if you drive carefully
Fact: Winter tires are legally mandatory from November 1 to April 1 when conditions require them (snow, ice, frost). Minimum 4mm tread depth. Fines range from 6,000–20,000 RSD for individuals.
Myth: Parking in Serbian cities is simple and free
Fact: Most urban streets use SMS-based parking zones (red, yellow, green). You typically need a Serbian SIM card to pay. Fines for unauthorized parking are approximately 990 RSD (~€10).
Myth: An international driving permit is sufficient for long-term stays
Fact: Foreign residents must exchange their licence within 12 months of obtaining temporary residency in Serbia. After this period, your foreign licence is no longer valid.
Major fine reform takes effect
January 2026 overhaul of the Law on Road Traffic Safety: minimum fines raised to 10,000–20,000 RSD, early payment discounts eliminated, 50% surcharge for repeat offenders, stricter child-in-vehicle penalties.
Law on Road Traffic Safety amendments adopted
Serbian government adopts amendments strengthening penalties for traffic violations and enhancing enforcement mechanisms.
National Road Safety Strategy 2023–2030 adopted
Adopted in September 2023, the strategy sets Vision Zero-inspired targets to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030.
BAC limit reduced & motorway speed increased
BAC limit reduced from 0.3 g/l to 0.2 g/l. Motorway speed limit raised from 120 to 130 km/h. Both changes aimed at aligning with European best practices.
Penalty points system introduced
Introduction of the kazneni poeni (penalty points) system: 18 points for licence suspension (regular drivers), 9 for probationary drivers. Points reset after 2 years without violations.
How Serbia Compares Globally#
Serbia's driving regulations compared to other countries — data compiled from official government sources
| Parameter | Serbia | Germany | UK | USA | Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.02% | 0.05% | 0.08% | 0.08% | 0.03% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 18 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 18 |
| Driving Side | Right | Right | Left | Right | Left |
| Highway Speed | 130 | No limit* | 112 | 105–130 | 100–120 |
| Test Questions | 41 | 30 | 50 | 20–50 | 95 |
| Licence Cost | ~€900 | ~€2,800 | ~£250 | ~$50 | ~¥300K |
| Road Deaths/yr | 514 | 2,770 | 1,695 | 40,901 | 2,547 |
| Deaths/100K | 7.5 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 12.2 | 2.0 |
Strictest in the comparison — stricter than Germany (0.05%), UK (0.08%), and USA (0.08%). Only Japan (0.03%) is close.
Same as Germany and Japan. USA allows from 16, UK from 17.
Same as Germany's advisory speed. Higher than UK (112) and Japan (100–120).
Moderate globally. Much less than Germany (€2,800) but far more than USA ($30–90). High relative to local income.
~7.5 per 100K — 65% above EU average. USA is worse at 12.2, Germany and UK are much safer at 3.3 and 2.6.
Serbia BAC is 0.02% (0.2 g/l) since 2018. Road deaths: Serbia 514 (ABS 2024), Germany 2,770 (Destatis 2024), UK 1,695 (DfT 2023), USA 40,901 (NHTSA 2023), Japan 2,547 (NPA 2025). UK BAC is 0.08% for England/Wales; Scotland is 0.05%.
Sources & Methodology#
Primary Sources
Zakon o bezbednosti saobraćaja na putevima (Law on Road Traffic Safety)
Serbian Government / Official Gazette RS
ABS — Agencija za bezbednost saobraćaja (Road Traffic Safety Agency)
Government of Serbia
MUP — Ministarstvo unutrašnjih poslova (Ministry of Internal Affairs)
Government of Serbia
ITF-OECD — Serbia Road Safety Country Profile
International Transport Forum
WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety
World Health Organization
AMSS — Auto-moto savez Srbije (Automobile Association of Serbia)
AMSS
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- 1Primary data collected from official Serbian legislation and government portals
- 2Cross-verified against ITF-OECD publications, WHO data, and AMSS resources
- 3Regional variations noted where applicable
- 4Page reviewed and fact-checked on {date}
If you find an error, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions#
How much does a driving licence cost in Serbia?
The total cost for a Category B (car) licence is typically 100,000–115,000 RSD (€850–980). This includes: auto-škola training 85,000–92,000 RSD, theory exam ~5,000 RSD, practical exam ~5,000 RSD, medical certificate 3,000–6,000 RSD, first aid course 5,000–8,000 RSD, and licence issuance 1,985 RSD. Costs vary by city.
What is the Serbian theory test format?
The theory test for Category B consists of 41 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 45 minutes. You must answer at least 35 questions correctly (85%) to pass. The test is computer-based and available in Serbian (Cyrillic/Latin), Albanian, and Hungarian. After two failed attempts, 12 additional hours of theory training are required.
What is the blood alcohol limit in Serbia?
Serbia has one of Europe's strictest BAC limits: 0.02% (0.2 g/l) for general drivers, reduced from 0.3 g/l in 2018. Absolute zero tolerance (0.00%) applies to new drivers (first 2 years), professional/commercial drivers, and motorcyclists. DUI penalties range from 10,000 RSD fines to imprisonment for BAC above 2.0 g/l.
What are the speed limits in Serbia?
Speed limits: Residential zones 20 km/h, Urban areas 50 km/h (30 km/h near schools), Rural roads 80 km/h for cars, Expressways 100–120 km/h, Motorways 130 km/h for cars. Trucks over 7.5 tonnes are limited to 70 km/h on rural roads and 90 km/h on motorways. The motorway limit was raised from 120 to 130 km/h in 2018.
What are the traffic fines in Serbia?
Key fines (post-January 2026 reform): Speeding 21–30 km/h over 10,000 RSD, speeding 50+ km/h 100,000–120,000 RSD + driving ban, red light 20,000–40,000 RSD + 6 points, phone use 50,000 RSD, DUI (0.2–0.5 g/l) 10,000–20,000 RSD + 6 points, no winter tires 6,000–20,000 RSD, driving without licence 100,000–120,000 RSD + imprisonment.
What is the probationary period for new drivers?
All new licence holders enter a 2-year probationary period (probni vozač) with strict restrictions: absolute 0.0% BAC, no driving between 23:00–06:00 nightly, cannot tow trailers, must display P plate (oznaka P), maximum 9 penalty points during probationary period. Stricter driving regime applies until age 21 for Category B.
Do I need winter tires in Serbia?
Yes, winter tires are legally mandatory from November 1 to April 1 when snow, ice, or frost is present on roads. Minimum tread depth is 4mm. You must also carry snow chains for at least 2 drive wheels. Fines for non-compliance range from 6,000 to 20,000 RSD for individuals.
What equipment must I carry in my car in Serbia?
Mandatory equipment includes: first aid kit, warning triangle (2 if towing), reflective vest (EN471 standard, for each occupant), tow rope or bar (minimum 3 metres), spare wheel/tire. A fire extinguisher is recommended but not legally required for passenger cars.
What are the emergency numbers in Serbia?
Serbia's emergency numbers: 112 — General emergency (EU-wide, press 1 for police, 2 for ambulance, 3 for fire). 192 — Police (Policija). 193 — Fire brigade (Vatrogasci). 194 — Ambulance (Hitna pomoć). 1987 — AMSS roadside assistance. All numbers are toll-free and available 24/7.
How does the penalty points system work in Serbia?
Serbia uses the kazneni poeni (penalty points) system introduced in 2010. Regular drivers: licence suspended at 18 points. Probationary drivers: suspension at 9 points. Points are deleted after 2 years without new violations. Example points: 2 points for phone use or seatbelt violation, 4 points for moderate speeding, 6 points for red light or DUI, 8+ points for serious DUI. After suspension, you must retake the driving exam.
Can I use a radar detector in Serbia?
No. Radar detectors are strictly illegal in Serbia. Unlike some EU countries where they may be tolerated, in Serbia the possession, use, sale, and promotion of radar detection devices are all prohibited. Having one in your car, even if not in use, is a violation.
How long is a Serbian driving licence valid?
Standard validity: 10 years for drivers under 55. For ages 55–65, the licence is valid until age 65. Over 65, validity is up to 5 years based on medical assessment. Professional categories (C, D) require renewal every 5 years with medical examination. Renewal can be initiated 6 months before expiry via eUprava portal or in person at MUP.
What is the minimum driving age in Serbia?
Minimum ages by category: AM (mopeds) — 16 years, A1 (125cc motorcycles) — 16 years, A2 (35kW motorcycles) — 20 years, B (cars) — 18 years (theory exam allowed from 17), A (unlimited motorcycles) — 24 years, C (trucks) — 21 years, D (buses) — 21–24 years depending on professional qualification.
Can I convert my foreign driving licence to a Serbian one?
Foreign residents must exchange their licence within 12 months of obtaining temporary residency. EU/EEA licences and licences from countries with bilateral agreements may be exchanged without retaking tests. All other foreign licences require passing both theory and practical exams at a Serbian auto-škola. The process is handled through MUP police stations.
Are daytime running lights mandatory in Serbia?
Yes, dipped headlights or dedicated daytime running lights (DRL) must be on at all times while driving in Serbia, regardless of time of day, weather conditions, or season. This is a year-round, 24/7 requirement. Failure to comply results in a fine.
Cite This Page#
Use the following citations when referencing this article in academic papers, journalism, or reports.
APA 7th Edition
AutoviaTest. (2026, April 1). Serbia driving licence facts 2026 — ABS test, fees & rules. https://autoviatest.com/en/driving-test/serbia/facts
MLA 9th Edition
AutoviaTest. "Serbia Driving Licence Facts 2026 — ABS Test, Fees & Rules." AutoviaTest, 1 Apr. 2026, autoviatest.com/en/driving-test/serbia/facts.
Chicago 17th Edition
AutoviaTest. "Serbia Driving Licence Facts 2026 — ABS Test, Fees & Rules." Last modified April 1, 2026. https://autoviatest.com/en/driving-test/serbia/facts.
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Pawan Priyadarshi
Founder & Chief Engineer
Last updated:
Reviewed by Pawan Priyadarshi
Data sourced from the Law on Road Traffic Safety, ABS, MUP, ITF-OECD, and official Serbian government sources. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.
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