Getting around Zagreb by Car

Driving in Zagreb can get complicated because there are many one-way streets in the center (the so called Green Horseshoe) and trams, which share the same roads as cars. The roads can get pretty crowded, especially during the periods of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. when people leave to and from work.

The centre (around Ban Jelačić Square) is pedestrian only. The safest way to get around is to get a GPS, which will guide you through the one-way streets in the centre. The signalization is generally ok, you just need to pay close attention to it, so keep your eyes down, for arrows telling you where you can and can’t turn, and also up, for traffic signs and directions. Tram lanes are marked in yellow, so you should try your best not to drive in that lane because trams have the right of way. However, if you have to drive in that lane, be careful not to block the way, especially at tram stops.

Next, if you’re driving and there are three lanes, the left one is for left, the middle one is for going straight, and the right one is for going right. Most of the times, the right lane is also for going straight, but, to make sure, pay attention to the signals: there are going to be arrows on the road, as well as on the signs, telling you which lane leads where.

The trickiest part is the Green Horseshoe, which is practically a maze. On this spectacularly bad map mockup you can get a general idea of how complicated things can get, and see that parallel streets which are next to each other in most cases go in opposite directions, which might not make your life easier, but it just might help a little if you end up running in endless circles.

Here’s a useful list of 24/7 petrol stations, if you run out of gas while trying to find your way out of the Green Horseshoe. If you click on them, a Google map will open for each.

Traffic rules and regulations

Dipped lights for cars are mandatory during winter time (after the clocks go back at the end of October and before they go forwards at the end of March), but they are obligatory at all times for motorcycles and mopeds. If you’re travelling to the neighbouring countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia, keep in mind that lights are mandatory at all times for cars as well. On major roads, winter equipment is mandatory between 15 November and 15 April, regardless of weather conditions. All motor vehicles (weighing less than 3.5 t) must use winter tires on all wheels, or summer tires with minimum tread depth of 4 mm + have snow chains in the vehicle, ready to use on powered wheels. On other roads, winter tires (M+S) (or snow chains) are mandatory in winter conditions, when the road is covered with snow or ice. Studded tires are not allowed. When it comes to safety equipment, you need to have a first-aid kit, warning triangle, and a reflective vest in the car. Seatbelts are compulsory and talking on the phone while driving is prohibited. If caught breaking any of these rules, you can be fined with 500 kn. The permitted blood level of alcohol is 0.05%, and the fine ranges between 500 and 3000 kn. In case of an emergency, display a warning triangle 30m from the vehicle and wear your reflective jacket outside the car. You can call 112, or roadside assistance: (+385 1) 1987.