Traffic Police Director Perlat Vatoci has announced the new amendments to the Road Code, which came into force on August 7, 2026. According to him, the new measures are intended to improve road safety, raise driver awareness and reduce the number of accidents.
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One of the new provisions postpones the right to obtain a driving license for up to one year for people caught driving without a license. When the offense is committed by minors, this period is extended to up to two years.
Drivers found to have more than 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood who have previously been penalized for driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated will have their driving licenses revoked permanently.
Vatoci said this change is linked to the need to curb serious accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.
The amendments approved through Law No. 58/2026, “On Several Additions and Amendments to the Road Code of the Republic of Albania,” also include tougher measures against dangerous behavior on the road.
For drivers who fail to adjust their speed on roads with limited visibility, carry out aggressive maneuvers, frequently change lanes without signaling or commit violations that endanger other road users in urban areas, near schools, intersections or junctions, the administrative fine has been increased to between 20,000 and 60,000 lekë.
According to the Traffic Police, determining the penalty takes into account the location where the violation occurs and clarifies its objective elements.
The increase in the fine was deemed reasonable because of the high risk posed by these actions and the rise in road incidents in urban areas.
Using a mobile phone while driving is now also punishable for cyclists, riders of motor vehicles of up to 50 cc and users of motorized scooters.
A driving license will also be suspended when a driver has been penalized twice within the same year for using a mobile phone. Previously, suspension was imposed after three violations.
Police consider mobile phone use while driving to be one of the main causes of loss of control over a vehicle and, consequently, of road accidents.
Special rules have also been established for new drivers who obtained their driving licenses within the past 24 months. Specific measures regarding driving under the influence of alcohol and special speed restrictions apply to this category.
Another amendment removes the option of converting the suspension of a driving license issued by the Albanian state into payment of an amount equal to twice the maximum administrative fine stipulated for the violation.
Before August 7, drivers cited for Road Code violations that carried both a fine and suspension of their driving license could pay twice the maximum fine to avoid the additional penalty. Under the new amendments, this option has been removed and the driving license is suspended automatically.
The main amendments, which came into force on August 7, 2026, stipulate that people caught without a driving license will have their right to obtain one postponed for up to one year, or up to two years for minors. In every case, Traffic Police units within the State Police will inform the DSHTRR, as the institution responsible for issuing driving licenses, so that the individuals identified can be entered into the system and the relevant procedures can be followed.
Traffic Police units across the country have been informed of the latest amendments and instructed to implement them correctly.
The State Police have called on drivers not to exceed the permitted speed limit, not to drive vehicles or motorcycles under the influence of alcohol, particularly while intoxicated, not to use mobile phones while driving, and to avoid prohibited overtaking and dangerous or aggressive maneuvers.
The appeal also comes amid the high number of violations detected by smart monitoring vehicles and the strengthening of measures aimed at protecting lives.
According to the police, punishment is not the primary objective. The goal is to prevent violations, avoid accidents and protect lives.
Every driver must behave responsibly at all times while behind the wheel and comply with traffic rules.
Road safety requires everyone’s commitment. The contribution of every road user helps make traffic safer and save lives.
