April 1, 2023 - From today, Croatia traffic rules are switching to summer mode, and daytime running lights are no longer mandatory for car drivers.
As Index writes, the Road Traffic Safety Act stipulates a fixed period during which daytime running lights or low beam headlights must be on for all motor vehicles, from November 1 to March 31.
Under the Act, now high-beam or low-beam headlights on motor vehicles do not have to be on, except at night and in the case of conditions of reduced visibility during the day.
There are exceptions
Moped and motorcycle riders must have their lights on throughout the year, while bicycle riders must have one white light on the front and one red light on the back of the bike from dusk to full dawn (at night) and in case of reduced visibility on the bike.
Exceptions are mopeds and motorcycles, the drivers of which are obliged to have dipped headlights on all year round, day and night. However, due to better visibility, motor vehicle drivers can also have their lights on during daylight saving time.
The police urge caution
Since nicer weather means greater participation of bicycle, moped, and motorcycle riders in traffic, the police have urged drivers of other vehicles to be careful not to take the right of way when joining traffic, rearranging, overtaking, going around, or turning in a U-turn.
Moped and motorcycle riders were reminded of the obligation to wear a prescribed, homologated, and adequately attached protective helmet, and cyclists on public roads to wear a reflective vest or such overall cycling clothing, night and day, in case of reduced visibility.
The same applies to pedestrians when moving along the pavement on a public road, who should have a light source or wear a reflective material at night, and also during the day in case of reduced visibility.
What are the fines?
The Road Traffic Safety Act prescribes a fine of HRK 500, now around EUR 66, in case of non-compliance with the provisions on the mandatory use of lights on vehicles in conditions of reduced visibility or at night.
Under the stated conditions, a fine of HRK 300 is prescribed for not using lights on a bicycle, as well as for not wearing a reflective vest or reflective cycling clothing.
For more, make sure to check out our dedicated News section.
