Driving in Georgia as a tourist: speed, alcohol, licence, insurance

Georgia is best seen by car: the sea, the mountains and the wine regions are a few hours apart. The rules are clear, but there are many cameras and fines arrive automatically.

In short:

• speed is usually 60 km/h in towns, 80 outside, up to 110 on motorways — follow the signs;
• alcohol is close to zero: the limit is 0.3 per mille;
• a foreign licence is valid for up to a year from your last entry;
• a foreign-registered car needs mandatory liability insurance.

Speed and cameras

Limits are usually 60 km/h in towns, 40–50 in some zones, 80 outside towns and up to 110 on motorways. Signs always override the general rule. Cameras are everywhere, and the fine goes to the car's owner — with a rental, it will be charged to you under the agreement.

Alcohol

The blood alcohol limit is 0.3 per mille. In practice: if you drink, do not drive. Penalties are serious, up to losing your licence. If your evening in Batumi involves wine, a taxi is easier.

Licence

Tourists may drive on a foreign licence for up to one year from their last entry into Georgia. Many rental companies also ask for an International Driving Permit — check in advance.

Insurance

A car with foreign plates needs compulsory third-party liability insurance (MTPL) from the moment it enters Georgia. It can be bought online or at the border for 15, 30, 90 days or a year.

Renting a car

If you would rather not drive your own, you can rent one in Batumi or Tbilisi, for example on TripBox — terms, deposit and insurance are shown before you book. Where to leave the car in Batumi: parking in Batumi.