Georgia (GE)

Urban areas: 60 km/h (unless signed lower — 40 km/h near schools, 30 km/h in pedestrian zones). Rural roads outside built-up areas: 90 km/h. Motorways and dual carriageways: 110 km/h. Mountain roads and tunnels: observe posted signs — conditions can require significantly lower effective speeds. Speed cameras ("Mtvela") are widely deployed on highways and in cities.

0.03% BAC (0.3‰) is the legal limit. DUI penalty (above 0.03%): fine of 700–2,500 GEL plus licence suspension of up to 6 months and possible imprisonment. Zero-tolerance effectively applies for professional and new drivers. Police carry out breath tests at regular checkpoints — refusal to test is treated as an admission of impairment.

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Fine: 50 GEL (updated May 2026, previously 30 GEL). Hands-free use is permitted. Speed cameras can capture phone use; police actively enforce at checkpoints.

Mandatory for driver and all passengers in all seats. Fine for driver not wearing seatbelt: 50 GEL (updated May 2026, previously 40 GEL). Front-seat passenger: 50 GEL. Passengers are personally responsible for their own belts.

Children under 12 or under 150 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system (correct for age, height and weight). Driving with an unrestrained child is an offence. Use ECE R44 or i-Size certified seats; availability and quality in Georgia are improving but bring one from home if possible.

Vehicle registration is administered by the Service Agency of the Ministry of Justice (sa.gov.ge — Public Service Hall / House of Justice). On ownership transfer: submit the sales contract, both parties' IDs, vehicle registration certificate and fee at any Public Service Hall. New registrations for imported vehicles also require customs clearance documents. Number plates are retained on transfer (personal plates can be purchased).

Mandatory Third Party Liability (MTPL) insurance (სავალდებულო სადაზღვევო პოლისი) was introduced in 2023 and is required for all vehicles on Georgian roads. Minimum cover: third-party liability for bodily injury and property damage. Available from licensed Georgian insurers including GPI Holding, Aldagi (AIG), IRAO and others. Annual premiums for private cars: approximately GEL 150–500 depending on vehicle type and driver history. Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended for city and mountain driving.

Georgia does not impose an annual vehicle ownership tax on ordinary private cars. Vehicle import customs duty applies when registering a foreign-bought car. Fuel excise tax and annual technical inspection fees are the main ongoing vehicle-related costs. Electric vehicles may qualify for reduced customs duty on import.

Mandatory periodic technical inspection (teqnikuri daTvaliereba — ტექნიკური დათვალიერება) was re-introduced in Georgia in 2020 after a long absence. Most private cars: inspection every 2 years. First-time registration of a used import: inspection required before registration. Conducted at certified inspection stations throughout Georgia. Fee: approximately GEL 30–80 (2026 rates). The inspection covers brakes, lights, tyres, emissions, steering and structural integrity. An invalid inspection sticker is an offence and can affect insurance validity.

• •Lights (front white, rear red) are required at night and in poor visibility.
• •Helmet is not legally mandatory for adults in Georgia, but is strongly recommended — road conditions and aggressive driving make head protection important.
• •A bell or audible warning is required on all bicycles.
• •Cyclists must use cycle lanes where they exist; on roads without cycle lanes, ride on the right side.
• •Cycling on footpaths is prohibited unless signed as shared use.
• •Cycling under the influence of alcohol: 0.03% BAC limit applies to cyclists under road traffic law.
• •Running a red light on a bicycle: same fine as for motor vehicles.

• •In Tbilisi: the Mtkvari riverside path, Vake Park and Saburtalo cycle lanes are the safest routes for commuting and leisure.
• •Batumi's seafront cycle path (along the boulevard) is excellent and well-maintained.
• •Lock with a quality D-lock through the frame and wheel; bicycle theft is common in city centres.
• •Join Tbilisi Cyclists (Facebook community) for routes, advocacy and safety information.
• •Buy second-hand bikes on EURO.GE or local Facebook Marketplace groups — new bikes are expensive (often imported).
• •Mountain biking: Gudauri, Bakuriani and Mestia/Ushguli area offer world-class trails; use a local guide for remote routes.