In Azerbaijan, the official traffic regulations are similar to those in Europe and will be very easy to follow. However, the local driving style may seem aggressive at first. Yes, the locals drive quite fast, often breaking traffic regulations and ignoring signs, but it’s not as bad as it may seem at first glance. By learning about the local driving style in advance, you will travel around the country in a rented car safely and securely.
The following speed limits are established in Azerbaijan:
Avoid breaking the speed limits because there are many speed cameras in the country.
Drivers must not use a mobile phone while holding it in their hand.
Driver and all passengers must wear seat belts.
Children under 12 years of age may ride in the front seat only in a special child restraint system. However, they are allowed to ride in the back seats without a child safety seat and seatbelt. But for your child’s safety, we recommend transporting children in age-appropriate child restraint systems.
It is forbidden to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, psychotropic or other potent substances. The maximum blood alcohol content is 0.29 ‰.
Give way to pedestrians at crossings.
Low beam is mandatory at night, in limited visibility, and in tunnels.
Payment of driving fines is the responsibility of the renter.
| Offense | Fine | |
| Exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 20 km/h | 10 AZN (~$5.90) | |
| 21 to 40 km/h | 50 AZN (~$29.40) | |
| 41 to 60 km/h | 250 (~$147.05) | |
| Exceeding by more than 61 km/h | 350 AZN (~$205.90) | |
| Failure to wear a seat belt | 40 AZN (~$23.55) | |
| Holding a phone while driving | 50 AZN (~$29.40) | |
| Improper transport of children | 60 AZN (~$35.30) | |
| Blood alcohol content of 0.3 ‰ or higher | The minimum penalty is 500 AZN (~$294.10) or license suspension for 6 to 12 months. | |
| Driving under the influence of drugs, psychotropic or other potent substances | The minimum penalty is 600 AZN (~$352.95) or restriction of driving for 6 to 12 months. | |
| Violation of overtaking rules, crossing the solid line | 150 AZN (~$88.25) | |
| Running a red light or traffic guard’s ‘stop’ signal | 80 AZN (~$47.05) | |
| Failure to give way to pedestrians at a crossing | 50 AZN (~$29.40) | |
The above are only indicative fines for the most common driving offences. The severity of the penalty always depends on the seriousness of the offence, its recurrence and, of course, the driver’s behaviour when dealing with police officers.
Always be polite and friendly when dealing with traffic police officers. This will help in any situation.
The penalty point system does not apply to foreign nationals.
If you got your ticket from a police officer, you can pay it yourself:
Police officers are not authorised to accept payments but some of them agree to a ‘fine without a ticket’. Just keep in mind that in this case both parties are breaking the law.
If you can’t pay the ticket yourself, you can ask the rental company for help.
If you have fines from cameras, your rental agent will help you pay them when you drop off the car. Your rental agent will show you SMS alerts with the information about your traffic offences and will accept payment.
If the renter has an unpaid ticket after dropping off the car, the rental company will send a notification with all the information and help with the payment.
If the renter refuses to pay, the case will be referred to the police. When you cross the border next time, you will pay the fine with interest.
In Azerbaijan, traffic police are quite friendly towards tourists but you should always respect local laws and regulations. When stopped by a police officer, you should remain calm and polite. It is important to have all the necessary documents with you: driver’s licence, car documents, and rental agreement.
Some tourists may be alarmed and even frightened by the local driving style, which makes some of them quit driving in this wonderful country. Yes, local driving style differs from what many people are used to, but it’s not as bad and difficult as it seems at first glance. If you learn the peculiarities of national driving in advance, you will have only positive experiences on the road.
By following these tips and the traffic regulations, you will enjoy a safe and pleasant journey around Azerbaijan in a rented car.