Do you need an International Driving Permit in Montenegro?

Yes. Montenegro is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 3 years when carried with your national licence.

Convention: 1968 Vienna Convention
Permit valid up to: 3 years
In force since: 23 October 2006

Montenegro and the road traffic conventions

Convention	Status	In force since	Permit validity
1968 Vienna Convention	Succeeded	23 October 2006	3 years
1949 Geneva Convention	Succeeded	23 October 2006	1 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Montenegro

Montenegro applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

The English page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E — The English page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Montenegro would read.

A
B
C
D
BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Montenegro

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

English
French
Spanish
Portuguese
Italian
German
Russian
Arabic
Chinese
Japanese
Thai
Vietnamese

The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised — The inside cover lists the contracting states. Montenegro appears on it.

What the road rules say in Montenegro

The Government of Canada advises carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Montenegro.

Blood alcohol limit: 0.03%
Emergency services: police 122, ambulance 124, fire 123

Common questions about driving in Montenegro

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Montenegro?: Up to 3 years. Montenegro joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 23 October 2006 by succession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in Montenegro on my national licence alone?: The Government of Canada states: "You must carry an international driving permit" Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Montenegro's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in Montenegro?: Reach police on 122, ambulance on 124, fire on 123. The Government of Canada publishes these numbers for Montenegro. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.
What is the drink-drive limit in Montenegro?: 0.03% blood alcohol. That is lower than many drivers expect, and a single drink can put you over it.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Montenegro?: No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.

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Sources

Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.