I’ve spent years traveling throughout Georgia(the country)and in this guide, I share important rules and information on driving in this hidden gem of the Caucasus Mountains.
A road trip in Georgia is a very different experience for most visitors. Roads outside urban areas can be rough and locals are, to put it mildly, aggressive drivers. But my tips will help you overcome these and other challenges.
This article also covers driving laws, how and where to rent a car, and more insights to help you safely navigate between Georgia’s top destinations.
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Table of Contents
Driving Laws and Rules in Georgia
Driving is on the right side of the road in Georgia. Routes include well-maintained highways, tight alleys, and mountain roads that are more like off-roading. Mountain roads are often narrow and may not have the strongest guard rails, if any.
The speed limit for highways is 110 km (67 mph). Urban areas have a speed limit of 60 km/h (37 mph). Roads outside urban areas have a limit of 90 km/h (56 mph). Here are a few additional rules and insights for driving in Georgia:
- Road signs in Georgia are similar to those throughout Europe and follow the Vienna Convention. Signs are in Georgian and English.
- Village areas are marked by white signs with the village name in Georgian and Roman alphabets. The end of the zone is marked by the same sign with a red line through it.
- Cell phone use while driving is prohibited, except for navigational purposes. Phones can be used with hands-free devices, though.
- Georgia has strict laws about blood alcohol levels. 0.03 is the limit. Anything higher will result in heavy fines.
- Turning right on a red light is not allowed in Georgia. Left turns are not permitted if there is a green arrow.
- Georgian law requires the driver and front-seat passengers to wear their seatbelts at all times. Seat belts aren’t required for the rear passengers, but are recommended.
- Children under 12 must be seated in the back. Children under 7 must use a car seat.
📚 Related Reading: 5 Georgia Country Itineraries (From 3 Days to 3 Weeks)
License Requirements in Georgia
Visitors from a foreign country do not need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) if their licenses are written in the Roman alphabet. A passport is also required, not so much for driving as for general identification purposes. In addition, agencies require vehicle renters to prove they have been driving for 1-3 years.
Where to Rent a Car in Georgia
The airports in Tbilisi and Kutaisi are the best places to rent cars. Several major rental agencies offer services, as well as a few local ones. Local rental agencies offer lower prices but vehicles’ interiors may not be as pristine as with global companies.
Reserve with Discover Cars to get the greatest deal. It has the best tools for comparing different agencies, plus it tells you all the costs upfront. What you see is the final total, without all the “hidden” add-ons snuck in by other sites. Check out my article on renting a car in Tbilisi for more insights on car hire in Georgia.
Car Insurance Rules in Georgia
Georgian law requires visitors to have auto insurance. Rental companies offer third-party and collision damage waiver insurance. But it’s also a good idea to have a policy before arriving in Georgia.
VisitorsCoverage.com is a great site to take care of all of your travel insurance needs. See our guide to other Georgia travel insurance options before setting out on your Georgian road trip.
Narrow Side Streets
Many of the side streets, even in major cities, are narrower than similar streets in Western countries. Local motorists will often go down these roads at higher speeds than foreign visitors are comfortable with. The grid pattern many of us are familiar with in the West is absent in Georgia, so side streets are rarely good shortcuts.
Backroads in Georgia
Many roads in more remote areas may be off-limits in rentals because, frankly, they resemble off-roading more than anything. Check with your rental agency to see what is and isn’t allowed. It’s also recommended to rent a 4×4 vehicle.
Mountain Roads in Georgia
It’s tempting to include the many mountain regions on your Georgia road trip. Only experienced motorists will want to travel on the mountain roads, though. The roads aren’t always well-maintained and can be narrow, winding, and lacking guardrails.
Many mountain roads also close down in winter, one of the less popular travel seasons in Georgia. Georgia’s Roads Department maintains a useful site for monitoring road closures and openings. Rental companies are also likely to prohibit travel to the more remote regions. Some companies will allow off-road adventures, though, such as Mta Campervans.
Pedestrians in Georgia
Most streets in Georgian cities have regular crosswalks. Pedestrians, however, often cross the street whenever and wherever they find an opening. Georgians are used to it, but it can catch visitors off-guard at first. This spontaneous street crossing is especially common in smaller towns and villages that don’t have established crossing areas.
9 Tips for Driving in Georgia
Steering Wheels Come on Both Sides
Georgians drive on the right side of the road, but steering wheels come in both configurations. Make sure to check with your rental agency about this before you arrive. It’s tricky enough to get used to driving here as it is without having to make other adjustments.
Gas and Gas Stations
Gas prices in Georgia are listed in lari per liter. Prices are roughly comparable to many Western countries. Gas stations are also not self-service. Attendants tend to be older men who may not be familiar with English. It’s usuallly easy enough to communicate the basics, though.
Tbilisi Traffic
Traffic in Tbilisi is horrific, especially in the evenings. The very first hours of daylight see lighter congestion, but this soon gives way to the morning rush. Side roads aren’t the best way to avoid this congestion, either. They’re often narrow and may take more time than the direct route. It’s best to avoid driving in Tbilisi as much as possible.
👉 Don’t Miss: 19 Best Day Trips from Tbilisi (in 2023)
Sharing the Road with Animals
Georgia is an agrarian country and you can expect four-footed pedestrians everywhere you go on your road trip. Villages regularly have cattle, horses, and sheep meandering about. Dogs are more common in the cities, but even the smaller cities will often have livestock in the streets.
Georgian Drivers
Georgians are among the friendliest people in day-to-day interactions. Driving, though, is a different story! Georgians regularly ignore the laws, finding the speed limits to simply be “too slow.” They will pass you whenever they feel like it, even if it means narrowly dodging oncoming traffic! Georgians will also honk their horns quite liberally.
Accidents are not uncommon. It’s also not uncommon to see cars missing a bumper (or both). You may want to save the road trip option for a subsequent visit when you’re more acclimated to the local driving style.
Renting a 4×4 Vehicle
A 4×4 vehicle isn’t mandatory, but it will allow you to visit the hidden corners of the country more easily. Higher-clearance vehicles will make a notable difference on the often rough village and mountain roads, too. Even the main road in many smaller towns will not always be free of large potholes.
Pit Stops
Georgia does not have the big fancy truck stops familiar to road trip veterans from the United States. Gas stations don’t always have bathrooms either, nor a wide variety of refreshments for weary travelers. Some places may have bathrooms, but the facilities are rather… spartan. These are usually in the more rural areas.
Authentic Roadside Refreshments
The snack shops at gas stations offer the usual fare of chips, sodas, etc. But I recommend getting some goodies from roadside vendors. Churchkhela is a traditional snack food made from grape must, flour, and nuts (often walnuts).
Other unique treats include nazugi, a sweet bread made with raisins, andtklapi, a Georgian fruit leather. You’ll also see many farmers selling their crops along the roadside. What else says summer like a fresh watermelon?
Don’t Drive at Night
All of the above-mentioned hazards and potential obstacles often increase at night. Roads tend to be poorly lit, aside from main streets and the primary highway from Tbilisi. It’s worth waiting until morning to continue your road trip. The early morning hours see fewer people on the road.
This also gives you more time to hang out with hospitable locals, which is one of the best features of the country. People are friendly everywhere in Georgia, but especially out in the rural areas.
FAQs About Driving in Georgia
How are the roads in Georgia?
The roads in Georgia range from well-maintained highways and main routes to narrow side streets. The more rural regions often feature extremely rough mountain roads, village roads, and backroads.
What are the requirements and rules for driving in Georgia?
The requirements and rules for driving in Georgia entail comprehensive auto insurance. Also, a driver must be 23 years old (some rental agencies drop the limit to 21) with 1-3 years of driving experience. Drivers will also need to bring their licenses and passports from their home country, plus an IDP if their licenses are not in the Roman alphabet.
How is driving in Georgia in winter or the rain?
Driving in Georgia in winter or the rain can be difficult due to ice or heavy snowfall, especially on mountain roads. Many roads in mountainous regions will close in the winter. Rain can also present additional hazards such as an increased risk of hydroplaning or even washed-out backroads.
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Thanks for reading my guide on driving in Georgia! Read our article on Georgia attractions next to build the ultimate road trip itinerary.
