driving rules in Georgia
13 January 2025

5 Rules You Must Know When Driving in Georgia

When visiting a new country, one of the things we’re most conscious about is the road rules, especially if we intend to drive around on our own instead of relying on public transportation. And while there’s a ton of information available about other European countries, first-time visitors to Georgia often find themselves short of necessary details. The blog below intends to remedy that. 

So is driving easy in Georgia? The answer is: depends. It depends on which parts of the country you intend to visit, whether you’ll stick to large urban centers or intend to explore remote regions, if you’re visiting in summer or winter, etc. For many, driving here can be an adventure. However, Georgia’s road system, especially outside major cities, can be challenging for the unprepared.

Understanding the basic rules for drivers in Georgia is essential for a safe, hassle-free experience. And these five rules are the ones to start from to get on the right track.

Rule #1: Always Keep a Valid Driver’s License on Hand

As in any other European country, you need a valid driver’s license to drive a car in Georgia. For foreign visitors, a license from your home country is usually enough - if it’s in a Latin script. If your home country only issues driver's licenses in your native language/script, you need to have it translated and notarized. Without this essential document, you risk fines or being denied a rental vehicle.

When renting a car, rental agencies often require not just your license but also a passport or visa for verification. Always keep the documentation in the car, so If you’re stopped by the police while driving, you can present what they ask for. 

Keep in mind that rules apply even in rural areas where police presence may seem minimal. Georgia’s more off-the-beaten-path destinations may seem like oversight there is less tight, but complying with this requirement is no extra skin off your back and ensures you drive into legal complications. So, before you hire a car in Tbilisi to drive around comfortably and explore the country at your preferred pace, double-check that your license complies with all the requirements.

Rule #2: Age Restrictions for Private Cars vs. Rental Vehicles

In Georgia, the overall legal driving age is 18. However, when it comes to rental vehicles, stricter age restrictions are the norm. Most rental companies only allow individuals aged at least 20-21 and above to rent cars (and some even raise the age of restriction to 25, when it comes to more premium or non-standard vehicles).

Another common requirement is that a prospective driver should have a minimum of one year of driving experience. Don’t be surprised if rental agencies deny your booking if your driver’s license is less than a year old. This policy ensures that drivers have the necessary skills and confidence to navigate Georgia’s diverse roads.

Rental car companies aren’t strictly regulated by the government, so beyond the very basics, expect the requirements to differ. For example, if you plan to use one of our rental cars in Kutaisi or Tbilisi to explore the country, make sure to read our FAQ and comply with our specific requirements to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Rule #3: Check the Insurance

The car you drive around should be insured - with no ifs or buts about it. Whether traveling with your own vehicle or renting, all vehicles must carry at least Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance, which covers damages caused to others in an accident. Most rental car companies in Georgia include TPL insurance by default - but not all, so it’s definitely something you have to check before booking. Do not book with a company that rents uninsured vehicles.

That said, all-risk insurance, which is the only way to ensure you have somewhat comprehensive protection in a foreign country, is not an option that companies offer by default, and some do not offer it at all. Before you rent a car in Georgia, contact the support and ask about the type of insurance they provide, and if upgrading is an option.

It’s highly advisable you opt for a rental agency that offers an upgrade to all-risk insurance. While it may slightly increase your overall rental costs, the protection it provides in case of an accident or unforeseen event far outweighs the expense. Skipping this coverage can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs if your car is damaged, even if it’s not your fault.

Rule #4: General Laws to Adhere to When on the Road

In Georgia, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Overtaking is allowed, but only on the left - though be cautious when overtaking, especially if you’re driving on more difficult terrain, like a winding mountain serpentine. As in any other country, drivers must follow lane markings and stay within their designated lanes. Reckless swerving or ignoring lanes can lead to incurring heavy fines at best or accidents at worst.

Unlike many countries, in Georgia, seat belts are mandatory only for front-seat passengers, although it’s strongly recommended for everyone in the car to wear them for their own safety. Rear-seat passengers are not legally required to wear seat belts, so won’t incur any fines if they’re not wearing seat belts if the police stop the car - however, their safety may be seriously compromised.

Rule #5: Parking and Tolls

Parking regulations in Georgia vary depending on the location. In large urban centers, there are usually designated parking areas. In large cities like Tbilisi, where demand is high and spaces are limited, they tend to be managed through mobile apps and payment kiosks and are usually chargeable by the hour.

In smaller towns or rural areas, you might find free designated parking zones or no designated parking at all. Always look for signage indicating whether parking is allowed to avoid fines, but be ready that in certain spaces you may have trouble finding any. In such cases, it’s best to check with locals or look for where other people are parking their cars.

Fortunately, Georgia does not have toll roads, so you won’t need to worry about paying fees when traveling between cities. However, some protected areas, such as national parks, may require entry permits. If these are on your itinerary, check with the administration in advance to properly prepare.

So Is It Safe to Drive a Car in Georgia?

In the end, driving in Georgia is generally safe, or, at least, no more dangerous than in any other European country. While road conditions can vary and local driving styles might seem aggressive, as long you follow the rules and drive responsibly, you should be fine.

Those interested in exploring Georgia via driving should read our blog on why you should rent a car next, for additional insights!