Driving in Georgia
Plan for city driving, mountain roads, parking, and borders before your rental starts in Georgia.
Speed cameras & limits
Follow posted limits. Cameras and checkpoints are common on main roads.
Zero alcohol tolerance
Treat every driving day as a zero-alcohol day. No exceptions.
Seatbelts & documents
Wear seatbelts, sort child seats early, and keep rental documents handy.
Active police presence
Patrols are routine. Drive predictably and keep paperwork clear.
Plan city parking
Tbilisi and Batumi use paid parking zones. Do not assume free curbside spots exist.
Fuel up before mountains
Stations are easy to find on main corridors, but range matters as you climb.
When a standard car isn't enough
Routes to Gudauri and Stepantsminda are paved, but higher villages, gravel, and weather closures dictate vehicle choice.
- The road to Gudauri and Kazbegi is paved, but snow and closures dictate the trip.
- Tusheti and Omalo are not standard routes and require prior approval and specific vehicles.
- Mestia is paved, but Ushguli and side routes demand high clearance and slow speeds.
- Altitude or gravel? Confirm the vehicle fit before pickup, not from a ditch.
Road Use in Practice
Most routes are about weather and surface decisions, not toll fees.
Outside cities, expect sudden overtakes, roadwork, and livestock.
Keep daylight and fuel margins in mind on long mountain stretches.
Before Crossing Borders
Cross-border driving requires approval before pickup. No exceptions.
Bent confirms documents, timing, and fees once a border route is approved.