top of page

How to Choose a Private Driver in Montenegro: What Tourists Need to Know

Jul 20
4 min read

Updated: Aug 22


So, you have decided to use the services of a guide or a private driver during your trip around Montenegro.

First of all, in order to reduce costs, you can organize part of your trip independently (link to article) and use the services of a professional driver or guide only on selected days.

Who Can Legally Transport Passengers in Montenegro?

In Montenegro, commercial passenger transportation may only be carried out by registered transport companies with the appropriate licenses. The law defines, among other things, licenses for public passenger transport, taxi services, and a separate license for “limo servis” (limo service).

In other words, a private driver who provides transfer services or private day trips must have a professional driver certificate, a category B driving license issued in Montenegro, and must be officially employed by a company that holds a “limo servis” license.

This means that a person who presents themselves as a professional driver but operates their own private vehicle or a rented vehicle, does not work for a licensed company, and does not have a professional driver certificate issued by the Ministry of Transport of Montenegro, does not have the legal right to transport passengers for payment.

Such activity is a direct violation of Montenegrin law and creates risks both for the driver and for passengers. It may also lead to additional complications in the event of an accident, including possible difficulties with insurance claims.

An important point regarding foreign driving licenses

Another important issue concerns the driver's license. Many unlicensed drivers living in Montenegro continue to use a foreign driving license after becoming residents. Under Montenegrin law, residents are generally required to exchange their foreign driving license for a Montenegrin one after six months. Otherwise, they are not legally entitled to drive in Montenegro or provide professional passenger transportation services.


Would you feel comfortable being driven by someone who may not even be legally allowed to drive?


Why are some drivers cheaper?


This leads to one of the most common questions asked by transportation companies:

“Why do your services cost more? We found a much cheaper driver.”

Indeed, at first glance, both services may look identical: a driver picks you up at your hotel, takes you to attractions, and brings you back.

However, only a licensed transport provider operates according to Montenegrin law, undergoes official supervision, and carries legal responsibility toward passengers.

That is why, before booking, it is important to make sure that you are trusting your journey to an official and licensed transportation company.

When choosing a private driver or transfer service, it is worth checking that the required documents and licenses are available:

✓ Professional driver certificate (“Profesionalni vozač”) ✓ Proof that the driver is officially employed by a company licensed for passenger transportation ✓ The company’s “limo servis” license ✓ License for the vehicle used for passenger transportation ✓ Passenger transportation contract containing the details of passengers, vehicle, driver, and transport company

It is also important to note that vehicles used for licensed passenger transportation must meet the requirements of the Ministry of Transport of Montenegro. One of these requirements is the age of the vehicle - it must generally be no older than seven years.


Why do licensed companies cost more?


Now it becomes clear why licensed transportation companies charge higher prices.

Behind the service are significant costs:

  • purchasing (most often new) vehicles;

  • obtaining company licenses;

  • driver training, internships, and testing;

  • passenger insurance;

  • payment of all legally required taxes.

Therefore, companies that operate according to Montenegrin law cannot offer the same low prices as so-called “competitors” who work without the required documents and do not pay taxes in the country where they provide their services.

Of course, the choice of which service to use is entirely yours.

However, when choosing illegal transportation simply because of a lower price, it is important to understand that responsibility for your own safety and the safety of your companions also becomes your responsibility.

Private Driver or Tour Guide?*

In Montenegro, a professional driver and a licensed tour guide are two different professions regulated by different laws. If you book the services of a professional tour guide, that person must hold a valid Montenegrin tour guide license. A licensed private driver, on the other hand, is not required to be a tour guide, regardless of the size of the group, and may not provide professional guiding services without the appropriate guide license.

At the same time, the law does not establish a general obligation for tourists to use the services of a licensed tour guide while traveling throughout the country.

* The legal information in this section is based on the Law on Tourism and Hospitality of Montenegro (Articles 34–35). A complete list of legal sources is provided in the Legal Basis section.

Legal Basis


The information in this article is based on current Montenegrin legislation regulating passenger transportation by road.


Main legal document: Law on Road Transport of Montenegro(Zakon o prevozu u drumskom saobraćaju)

Official sources:

Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs of Montenegro: https://www.gov.me/dokumenta/8fb14a68-68f5-4bd4-9ff7-3d12e1ca8973



The article refers to the following provisions of the law:

  • Article 17 - requirements for providing public passenger transportation

  • Article 18 - types of licenses required for transportation activities, including passenger transport, taxi services, and limo service

  • Article 91a - liability for providing transportation without the required permits and licenses

Additional information about carrier licensing:



The information is accurate at the time of publication. Before booking transportation services, passengers are advised to independently verify that the selected provider has all required licenses and permits.


© Wonder Montenegro. All materials published on this website are original copyrighted works and are protected by copyright law. Any full or partial copying, publication, distribution, translation, adaptation, or any other use of these materials without the prior written permission of the copyright holder is prohibited and may result in liability under applicable law.



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page