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.

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.

The post New Road Code: From Permanent License Revocation for Drink-Driving to Fines of up to 60,000 Lekë—Here Are the Traffic Rules That Have Changed appeared first on Albeu.com.

Drivers who have previously been penalized for driving under the influence and are caught again with more than 0.5 g/litre of alcohol in their blood will permanently lose their driving licenses. The license will not be obtainable again, even by enrolling in a driving school. The measure aims to remove chronic drunk drivers from the roads, as they are considered the most dangerous drivers.

The changes also introduce consequences for adults who drive without a license. In addition to a fine, they will be barred for one year from obtaining a driving license, meaning they will not be able to enroll in a driving school during that period. The measure is stricter for minors: if they are caught behind the wheel, they will not be able to obtain a license as soon as they turn 18, but must wait at least another two years before applying to a driving school.

Data on road incidents show that drivers who have recently obtained their licenses are more likely to be involved in accidents, speeding and other violations. For this reason, during the first two years after obtaining their licenses, they will be completely prohibited from consuming alcohol when driving. In addition, the permitted speed for this category will be a maximum of 90 km/h on motorways and 80 km/h on other roads outside built-up areas.

Failure to comply with these rules will be punishable by a fine of between 5,000 and 15,000 lekë, a one-month license suspension and the loss of points. If, during the two-year period, a driver commits two violations within one year, the restrictions related to speed or driving during certain hours will be extended by another year, bringing the total duration to three years.

Another important change concerns the suspension of driving licenses. Until now, both Albanian citizens and foreigners could have the suspension converted by paying double the amount of the fine. This option will no longer exist for licenses issued by Albanian authorities, as the suspension will be applied automatically.

Fines are also increasing for speeding in built-up areas and near schools, as well as for people who hold vehicle races or carry out aggressive maneuvers. The financial penalty, which until now ranged from 10,000 to 40,000 lekë, will range from 20,000 to 60,000 lekë.

A driving license will be suspended for three months if a driver is caught using a mobile phone while driving twice within one year. Until now, the Road Code provided for this measure after three violations. The ban on mobile phone use applies not only to car drivers, but also to people riding bicycles, motorcycles of up to 50cc and scooters.

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