Montenegro tightens traffic law: night driving ban for drivers under 21 and new rules for e‑scooters

From today Montenegro is implementing changes to its Law on Road Traffic Safety that tighten rules for electric scooter users, young drivers and parents. The revision introduces specific limits for light electric vehicles, strengthens penalties for several traffic offenses and introduces new restrictions for drivers under 21 years of age. Overall fines under the amended law can reach up to 600 euros.

New age limits and penalties

Under the new provisions, children younger than 16 years will no longer be allowed to operate electric scooters on public roads. Parents or guardians who permit a child to ride a scooter on a public road face monetary penalties ranging from 150 to 400 euros.

The amendments also increase fines for failing to use seat belts, incorrect carriage of children and certain other traffic violations. For the first time the law sets out detailed technical and use conditions for light electric vehicles and establishes additional restrictions specifically aimed at drivers under 21.

The law defines a light electric vehicle (e-scooter) as a device with at least two wheels, a mechanical steering system, no seat, a motor power up to 0.6 kilowatts, a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour and a mass up to 35 kilograms.

The prohibition on children operating e-scooters applies exclusively to public roads; riding on private property or on surfaces that are not classified as public roads is not covered by this rule.

Authorities say the package is intended to reduce accidents involving vulnerable road users and to clarify the legal status of new forms of personal electric transport as their use grows across European cities.

Photo: Sloboden pechat / Slobodan Gjurikj