Driving licenceBosnia and Herzegovina

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


1. Driving licence

A driving licence is an official document authorising a person to drive one or more specified categories of motor vehicle. It may contain conditions, restrictions, category codes and expiry dates that determine which vehicles the holder may drive.

Drivers must hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle category and jurisdiction concerned. A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.

Which driving-licence entitlement is needed for an ordinary car in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, an ordinary passenger car generally falls under category B, subject to the vehicle and trailer rules. A different entitlement may be needed for motorcycles, heavy vehicles, trailers or passenger transport.

🔗 parlament.ba • Bosnia and Herzegovina — Articles 172–175 and 186; category B and conditional foreign recognition

🔗 mup.ks.gov.ba • Official gazette 35/2026 — full enacted amendment, Sarajevo Police copy

🔗 sluzbenilist.ba • Official Gazette — 35/2026 amendment, operative text and commencement

🔗 jpcfbih.ba • JP Ceste FBiH — outward international driving-permit issuance rulebook; not substituted for foreign-visitor accompaniment rules

Can a visitor drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina using a driving licence issued abroad?

Recognition depends on where the licence was issued, the category, its validity and the visitor’s status or length of stay. Check the local licensing authority before driving; temporary residence or employment can change the conditions.

🔗 parlament.ba • Bosnia and Herzegovina — Articles 172–175 and 186; category B and conditional foreign recognition

🔗 mup.ks.gov.ba • Official gazette 35/2026 — full enacted amendment, Sarajevo Police copy

🔗 sluzbenilist.ba • Official Gazette — 35/2026 amendment, operative text and commencement

🔗 jpcfbih.ba • JP Ceste FBiH — outward international driving-permit issuance rulebook; not substituted for foreign-visitor accompaniment rules

Does an International Driving Permit replace the original licence in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) accompanies the underlying valid driving licence; it does not replace it. Carry both when using an IDP and check which permit or translation is accepted for your licence and visit.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, IDP use with the underlying licence

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, driving documents for visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina

🔗 parlament.ba • Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament, Road Traffic Safety Law