Driving in Georgia
๐ก Local Driving Tips
- โAn IDP is strongly recommended โ police checkpoints are common and Georgian officers will check your documents. A US licence alone may cause delays.
- โRoad conditions vary dramatically โ the main EastโWest Highway is good; mountain roads (Military Highway, Svaneti routes) can be challenging, unpaved, and seasonal.
- โGeorgia has a famous wine culture โ restaurants and roadside stalls sell chacha (grape spirit). Never drink and drive.
- โThe Georgian Military Highway (Kazbegi route) is one of the Caucasus's most spectacular drives โ summit at Jvari Monastery viewpoint.
- โGPS coverage can be patchy in mountain areas. Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before venturing into the Greater Caucasus.
- โWhen an emergency vehicle approaches, pull to the right and stop.
๐ฃ๏ธ Key Driving Words in Georgian
You may not speak the language, but knowing these words on road signs and at toll booths can save you from confusion โ or a fine.
๐ฆ Speed Limits
110 km/h on motorways. 80 km/h rural. 60 km/h urban. 40โ50 km/h in residential and populated areas. Limits frequently marked by police radar.
๐ณ Toll Roads & Vignettes
Limited toll roads. The David the Builder road tunnel near Tbilisi has a small toll. Rental cars pay at booths.
๐ชง Road Signs to Know
While most European road signs follow international standards, these are the signs you are most likely to encounter โ and the ones that catch tourists off guard.
Must-Know Signs
Country-Specific Signs
๐ท Speed Cameras
Camera Types in Georgia
- ๐ทFixed cameras on the EastโWest Highway
- ๐ทPolice radar guns at checkpoints
- ๐ทMobile speed checks on all road types
Fines typically GEL 40โ500 (~โฌ14โ175). On-the-spot fines are common.
Police checkpoints are a regular feature of driving in Georgia. Always carry all documents including IDP, rental agreement, and insurance. Officers are generally professional but expect thorough document checks.
๐ ฟ๏ธ Parking Signs & Zones
Understanding parking zones and road markings can save you a fine or a tow. Here is what each colour and sign means in Georgia.
Parking Zones Explained
Paid parking in Tbilisi central areas. Pay via the iParking app or at machines.
Free street parking widely available outside Tbilisi and in smaller towns.
Road Line Colours
๐บ๏ธ Scenic Routes
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Georgian Military Highway (Tbilisi to Kazbegi)
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Svaneti Valley Road (Zugdidi to Mestia)
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Kakheti Wine Route