If you have ever driven through Montenegro, you know the roads can be challenging. Despite road signs and warnings, accidents and mechanical issues are common, so you should always start your trip prepared for them.
Stay with us until the end of the article to learn exactly what to do first if an accident or a car breakdown occurs.
Driving Conditions in Montenegro
Before anything else, it's important to understand the driving conditions in Montenegro. No matter how experienced you are, these roads require maximum focus - and here's why:
- Sharp turns – Straight roads are rare. Most roads are filled with tight, blind curves, often with solid lines, where overtaking is strictly prohibited.
- Steep rock formations – Many roads feel like they're carved directly into the mountains. On one side, you'll see high rocky cliffs, and on the other, deep gorges and canyons.
- Narrow roads – Mountain roads are typically very narrow, just wide enough for two cars to pass. Extra caution is needed when trucks or buses approach from the opposite direction.
- Rockfalls – Due to cliffs towering over the roads, rockfalls are frequent. It's not unusual to encounter large stones or pieces of rock on the pavement. Even though protective nets are installed, you must adjust your speed to the road conditions.
- Wildlife – Montenegro's nature is stunning, so it's common to see wildlife crossing the road, as well as domestic animals being herded toward mountain pastures.
- Fog, snow, and rain – Montenegro is a mountainous country. Summers are mild and pleasant thanks to the greenery, but winters are harsh, and autumn is rainy and foggy.
Because of these and many other factors, driving through Montenegro is demanding year-round.
If something still goes wrong, here is what you need to do:
Procedure in Case of a Traffic Accident in Montenegro
If a traffic accident occurs, the first thing you must do is secure the area to protect other road users. The steps you should follow are:
- Turn on hazard lights, place the warning triangle, and put on your reflective vest.
(In urban areas, place the triangle 50 m behind the vehicle; outside populated areas, 100 m.)
Keep in mind that improper marking of an accident scene can result in fines of up to €80.
- Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency medical services immediately at 124 (valid for all municipalities in Montenegro).
- Call the police at 122 to file an official report.
- If no one is injured, document everything: take photos of license plates, vehicle positions, skid marks, and exchange information with the other party.
- Call roadside assistance at +382 20 234 467 or 19807.
- Wait calmly until help arrives. Prepare your documents (passport, ID card, driving license, vehicle registration).
If the car is rented, also have the authorization to drive a rented vehicle ready.
Steps to Take in Case of a Car Breakdown in Montenegro
If your car breaks down, here is what you should do:
- Safely pull over so the vehicle doesn't endanger other drivers.
- Turn on hazard lights.
- Put on a reflective vest.
- Place the warning triangle 50 meters away if you're in a city, or 100 meters away if you're on an open road.
- Call roadside assistance.
Types of Roadside Assistance in Montenegro and Contact Numbers
Roadside assistance options in case of a breakdown include:
- A) State services
- Police: 122
- Emergency medical services: 124
- General emergency number: 112
- B) National Automobile Association & Official Roadside Assistance
AMSCG – Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro Available 24/7, Phone numbers: 19807, +382 20 234 999, +382 63 29 987
Services include towing, a mechanic on-site, tire replacement, and transport to a service center.
- C) Insurance assistance
If you have comprehensive (Casco) insurance, call your insurance company.
- D) Private towing services
Every city in Montenegro has private towing companies offering services at typically €30 to €60, depending on the distance.
- E) SOS phone booths on the motorway
Montenegro's highways have SOS booths, and the motorway has its own official towing service that is required to intervene.
Private towing companies are not allowed to operate on the motorway without authorization.
Who Should You Call First If Your Car Breaks Down?
Who you call first depends on whether the car is rented or privately owned.
If you are****driving a rental car, your first call must always be to the rent-a-car company.
This is extremely important because:
- They are responsible for handling the repair.
- They have official partner repair shops.
- They send their own towing service.
- They provide a replacement vehicle if included in your contract.
If you arrange towing yourself or call someone else first, you may have to cover the costs personally.
A mechanic will always assess the issue and check whether the breakdown was caused by negligence, alcohol, off-road driving, or misuse.
If the car is your own, you may call:
- Your insurance company
- AMSCG
- Your leasing company
- a private towing service
- or anyone else listed above
No matter what happens, you can rely on the available services.
The most important thing is to stay calm and have the essential contact numbers with you.
Montenegro's roads are magical, and if you drive carefully, the journey will be enjoyable and full of breathtaking landscapes.
For driving in Montenegro, we recommend renting a car to avoid the stress of maintenance, registration, and repairs.
Trust IV Rent a Car, which provides free full Casco and Osago insurance and roadside assistance anytime, anywhere.
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