Driving and Parking Guide for Georgia

Driving and Parking Guide for Georgia

Planning a road trip in Georgia? This guide covers the essentials: parking in Tbilisi, key road rules, speed limits, safety tips, winter driving, and what to keep in mind when driving in the mountains. Always follow local road signs and the rules shown in your rental offer, as conditions can vary by region and season.

1) Quick Driving Basics

  • Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
  • Headlights: use low beam when visibility is poor (rain, fog, tunnels).
  • Road style: city driving can be busy, while mountain roads can be narrow and steep.
  • Speed cameras: common on main routes and around cities, so keep an eye on limits and signs.

2) Speed Limits in Georgia

Speed limits depend on the road type and signage. A common standard referenced by driving guides is:

  • Urban areas: around 60 km/h (unless posted otherwise)
  • Outside urban areas: around 90 km/h (unless posted otherwise)
  • Highways: around 110 km/h (unless posted otherwise)

Always follow posted signs, especially near tunnels, villages, roadworks, and mountainous sections where limits can change quickly.

3) Alcohol and Driving

Georgia enforces very strict rules on drink driving. Many travel and driving references describe it as extremely low and often treated as a zero tolerance approach. The safest choice is simple: do not drink at all if you plan to drive.

4) Parking in Tbilisi

Parking in Tbilisi is mostly controlled by paid zones and rules that depend on the street and signage. If you are unsure, look for zone signs, meters, or road markings before leaving the car.

How to pay for parking

  • Official Tbilisi Parking app (common for zonal parking)
  • Payment terminals and bank terminals
  • Online payments through official or partner payment portals

Common parking tips

  • Check the zone code on the sign and pay for the correct zone.
  • Do not block driveways, intersections, or public transport lanes.
  • Watch for towing risks: parking in restricted areas, blocking traffic, or stopping in clearly prohibited spots can lead to towing.
  • EV charging bays: only park there if actively charging, otherwise fines or towing may apply.

5) Mountain Roads and Weather

Georgia has incredible mountain routes, but driving conditions can change fast. Fog, snow, ice, rockfall, and sudden storms are possible depending on the region and season.

  • Plan fuel stops: fill up before long mountain stretches.
  • Start early: daylight driving is safer on mountain roads.
  • Keep distance: trucks and buses can be slow on climbs and descents.
  • Use engine braking on long downhill sections.

6) Winter Tires and Seasonal Requirements

During the winter period, winter tires can be mandatory on specific road sections in Georgia. Official announcements have stated that from December 1 to March 1, winter tires are required on certain roads, with defined criteria (snowflake symbol, tread depth requirements, and age limits).

  • If you travel in winter, choose a suitable vehicle category and confirm winter equipment availability with the supplier.
  • Carry chains if heading into higher mountain regions where conditions can be severe.

7) Tolls and Road Fees

Georgia is generally known for toll free roads for standard passenger travel. Still, always follow local signage and your route information, especially around tunnels or special infrastructure.

8) Documents and What to Carry

  • Driving licence (and an International Driving Permit if required by your rental supplier or if your licence is not easily readable in Latin or Cyrillic)
  • Passport or ID
  • Booking confirmation and supplier contact details

9) Accidents and Emergencies

In Georgia, the single emergency number is 112. Call 112 for police, ambulance, fire, and urgent assistance.

  • Emergency number: 112
  • After an incident: move to a safe place (if possible), use hazard lights, and contact 112 if needed.
  • Rental support: contact your rental supplier for instructions on reporting and documentation.

Note: This guide is for practical travel information. Rules, limits, and enforcement can change. Always follow road signs, local regulations, and your supplier’s rental terms.

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