New Law on Road Traffic Safety in Montenegro

Most Important Changes and What They Mean in Practice

The adoption of amendments to the Law on Road Traffic Safety introduces significant innovations that will directly impact the daily lives of drivers, parents, vehicle owners, and all traffic participants.

The legislator’s goal is to improve road safety through stricter control measures, strengthening preventive mechanisms, and more efficient sanctioning of the most serious offenses. Although these are legal amendments, their consequences will be felt very concretely in practice through new rules, higher fines, and more intensive control.

Below, we highlight the most important changes that are useful to know.

Special Restrictions for Young Drivers

One of the most important innovations relates to drivers aged 18 to 21, who, according to statistics, are considered a riskier category of traffic participants, especially in their first years of driving experience.

The new rules introduce additional restrictions, including a ban on operating a vehicle between midnight and 5:00 AM, the obligation to have an experienced driver present in certain situations, and a limit on the engine power of the vehicles they can use. The goal of these measures is primarily preventive—to reduce the risk of traffic accidents and increase the safety of young drivers, as well as all other traffic participants.

For parents and families of young drivers, this means additional responsibility and the need to become familiar with the new rules to avoid unpleasant situations and fines.

Electric Scooters: Clearer Rules and Parental Responsibility

The legal amendments also regulate the use of light electric vehicles in more detail, particularly electric scooters, which have become very prevalent on the streets in recent years.

The law stipulates an age limit for their use, as well as the responsibility of parents or guardians in the event of offenses committed by minors. Fines have also been prescribed, demonstrating that scooters are no longer viewed as toys but as serious participants in traffic.

This area has not been sufficiently regulated until now, so it is expected that the new rules will contribute to greater safety, especially regarding children and pedestrians.

Temporary Seizure of Vehicles for the Most Serious Offenses

One of the most significant innovations is the possibility of temporary vehicle seizure for the most serious traffic offenses until the completion of the proceedings.

This measure represents a major shift in the approach to sanctioning, as it directly affects the ability to use the vehicle and can have significant consequences for the driver and owner. For this reason, it is expected to have a strong preventive effect and act as an additional warning to traffic participants.

Tightening of Penal Policy

The amendments increase monetary fines, particularly the minimum amounts, thereby reducing the possibility of imposing lighter sanctions.

For citizens, this practically means a higher financial risk in case of regulation violations, but also a clear message from the legislator that non-compliance with traffic rules will not be tolerated as before.

Expansion of Communal Police Powers

The law also provides for the expansion of the jurisdiction of the Communal Police, especially in the area of illegal parking and stopping of vehicles.

In practice, more intensive control in urban areas and faster response from competent services can be expected, which many citizens will notice very quickly in their daily lives.

What Do These Changes Mean for Citizens?

Essentially, the new legal provisions bring a higher level of responsibility for all traffic participants. Drivers will have to pay more attention to compliance than before, as fines are stricter, control will be more visible, and certain measures—such as the possibility of temporary vehicle seizure—represent a significantly higher risk than until now.

Because of this, being informed becomes particularly important. Understanding the new rules and timely adjustment of behavior in traffic is the best way to avoid fines, costs, and legal complications.

Conclusion

Amendments to the Law on Road Traffic Safety represent an attempt to improve safety through a combination of preventive and stricter punitive measures. In the coming period, their intensive application is expected, meaning that knowledge of the regulations will play a key role for all drivers and citizens.

Timely information and responsible behavior in traffic remain the best protection against the risks and consequences provided by the law.

Adžić & Knežević Law Office