New rule for drivers in Croatia comes into force on 1 April

Split

Drivers in Croatia will no longer be required to use daytime vehicle lights during daylight hours from 1 April, as seasonal road safety rules change.

Under Croatia’s Road Traffic Safety Act, the obligation to drive with daytime running lights or dipped headlights during the day applies only during the winter period, from 1 November to 31 March.

From 1 April until 31 October, drivers of passenger cars are therefore not required to keep their lights on while driving during the day.

Although the seasonal requirement ends, vehicle lights remain mandatory in several situations.

Under Article 101 of the law, lights must be used at night and whenever visibility is reduced during the day. This includes conditions such as rain, fog, dusk or when driving through tunnels.

In practice, this means that even during the summer months drivers must switch on their lights whenever visibility is compromised.

For night driving, vehicles must use at least two white or yellow lights on the front and an even number of red lights on the rear.

Motorcycles and mopeds exempt from seasonal rule

Unlike passenger cars, motorcycles and mopeds must have their lights on at all times throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

This rule remains in place without seasonal changes.

Drivers who fail to use their lights when legally required can face a fine of €30.

The penalty does not depend solely on the date, but also on the driving conditions. If visibility is reduced and lights are not used, drivers may still be fined even during the summer period.