Fines on Croatian Roads: Open Windows, Phones, and Emergency Lanes – Who Can Catch You?
If you thought driving in Croatia was just about enjoying beautiful landscapes and paying tolls, think again! Croatian police take road safety seriously, and the fines that can catch you are a nightmare for drivers who think they can get away with anything.
Seatbelts, Phones, and Kids – Don’t Mess Around! Wearing seatbelts is not just a recommendation; it’s the law. Not wearing a seatbelt can cost you 40 euros, and the fine applies to all passengers, including those in the back seats. If you transport children under 150 cm without a proper child seat, get ready to pay a 150-euro fine. Using a mobile phone while driving? That’s even more expensive – a 120-euro fine, not just for calls but also for texting or browsing social media. Drivers, beware, your distraction can be costly!
Speeding and Emergency Lanes – A Dangerous Mix Exceeding the speed limit by just 10 km/h in a residential area can cost you 30 euros, often more than the toll on the Zagreb-Split route, which is 26.40 euros. And what about those who think they can bypass traffic jams by driving on the emergency lane? Not only is it dangerous, but it’s also punishable. The fine for driving on the emergency lane is a whopping 700 euros! Imagine how much better it would be to pay the toll and drive slowly than to risk your life and wallet.
Open Windows and Leaving Your Vehicle Unattended? Summer heat tempts drivers to leave windows open to cool the car. But if you leave your vehicle unattended with the window open, the police can fine you 30 euros! The law clearly states that before leaving your vehicle, you must lock it, turn off the engine, take the keys, and close the windows. Not only can someone steal your belongings, but you can also get fined. So if you think leaving your window open unattended is harmless, think again.
Alcohol and Drugs – A Deadly Combo Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is severely punished. Fines range from 700 euros for driving with 0.5 to 1.0 per mille blood alcohol content, up to 2,000 euros or 60 days in jail for driving with over 1.5 per mille or under the influence of drugs. The police don’t give breaks, and drivers who think they can get away with it are sorely mistaken.
Other Dangers and Fines Driving with an open trunk or improperly secured load, illegal parking, not maintaining a safe distance, and even opening car doors in traffic jams can cost you fines. Fatigue behind the wheel is another big problem – if the police catch you sleepy, the fine is 700 euros. All this shows that Croatian traffic laws are strict and serious about safety.
Conclusion: Drivers, Watch Where and How You Drive! Croatia is a beautiful country, but its roads are no place for experiments. Fines are high, and dangers are real. If you want to avoid expensive fines and, more importantly, save your and others’ lives, follow the rules. And don’t fool yourself thinking you’ll get away with it – the police are alert and ready to catch you at the slightest mistake.
Now, dear readers, have you ever gotten a fine for something that seemed harmless? Or do you know someone who paid the price for driving on the emergency lane? Share your stories so we can all laugh or be shocked by this traffic madness!
Source: Blic, Večernji.hr
