Driving & mobility · Checked 17 July 2026
Driving in Georgia: licence, fines and EV charging
Driving in Tbilisi and across Georgia is easier when you separate licence validity, road rules, municipal parking and charger planning. This guide puts the essentials in one practical place.
60 km/h
Default maximum in built-up areas unless signs provide another limit.
90 km/h
Category B maximum outside built-up areas on ordinary roads, unless signs or conditions require less.
110 km/h
Category B maximum on motorways, unless a lower posted limit applies.
20 km/h
Maximum in residential areas under the general Traffic Law rule.
Can you use a foreign driving licence?
Carry the original, valid national licence covering the vehicle category. Whether an International Driving Permit or certified translation is advisable depends on the issuing country, script and applicable convention; an IDP accompanies rather than replaces the national licence. Residents planning long-term use should check exchange eligibility with the MIA Service Agency instead of assuming a foreign document remains sufficient indefinitely.
Exchanging for a Georgian licence
The Service Agency handles foreign-licence exchange in person at its branches. The file can require identity and lawful-status evidence, the original licence, an official confirmation from the issuing authority and Georgian translation or health evidence where applicable. The Agency warns that a foreign authority’s confirmation is not accepted if more than 90 calendar days pass between its issue and submission. Obtain the current country-specific checklist before ordering documents.
City, rural road and motorway speeds
For an ordinary Category B car, the statutory defaults are 60 km/h in built-up areas, 20 km/h in residential areas, 90 km/h outside built-up areas and 110 km/h on motorways. Posted signs override the general maximum. Reduce speed for weather, visibility, animals, roadworks and road condition even when the sign permits more.
Traffic fines and cameras
Under the current Administrative Offences Code, exceeding the limit by more than 15 but not more than 40 km/h carries a GEL 50 fine; exceeding it by more than 40 km/h carries GEL 300. Ignoring a red light, STOP/GIVE WAY, no-entry rule or specified overtaking/intersection rule generally carries GEL 100. Crossing a continuous centre line can be GEL 50, while entering opposing traffic across it can be GEL 200. Consequences rise where conduct creates danger, damage or repetition. Always check the live consolidated Article 125 before relying on a table.
Tbilisi parking and foreign drivers
Tbilisi has municipal and zonal parking. Registration or a general permit does not remove the need to activate/pay for a zonal space where required. Check the sign, zone and permitted method in the official Tbilisi Parking system. Camera penalties are linked to the vehicle; MIA may notify by SMS and publish undelivered video fines. Unresolved fines can follow foreign drivers to the border, so keep the Georgian contact number attached to registration current.
EV charging in Tbilisi
Public charging is spread across several operators rather than one universal network. E-Space says its app covers Level 2 and fast chargers; its Level 2 points may require you to carry your own cable. SOCAR opened a dedicated Tbilisi EV station in February 2026 with 120 kW and 22 kW units and reports chargers at additional filling stations. Tegeta, martEV, EV Power, Charger Plus, MOVEO and other networks add further locations.
Planning an electric trip across Georgia
Install operator apps and an aggregator before leaving Tbilisi. GeoCharge and DaCharGe aggregate multiple networks, while PlugShare can provide recent driver reports. Filter by connector—CCS2, GB/T, CHAdeMO or Type 2—not merely “fast.” Check power, access hours, live status and payment method, then keep a backup charger with enough reserve for mountain gradients, cold weather and detours. Charger Plus advertises coverage along the Tbilisi–Batumi corridor; MOVEO lists fast locations towards Batumi, Kutaisi and Kazbegi. Verify in the live app on departure day.
Driving FAQ
Before you take the keys.
Is an International Driving Permit enough by itself?
No. It is a translation-format companion to a valid national licence, not a standalone licence.
Are city and motorway fines different?
The offence and amount generally follow the rule breached and excess speed, while the lawful speed differs by road type and signs. Municipal parking is a separate city system.
Where do I check a Tbilisi parking fine?
Use the official Tbilisi Parking service with the plate and required owner information.
Can one EV app start every charger in Georgia?
Do not rely on that. Aggregators help locate points, but starting and paying may still require the relevant operator app or payment method.
Should an imported EV carry a cable and adapters?
Yes. Confirm the car’s inlet and local connector. E-Space specifically notes that its Level 2 chargers are not necessarily equipped with a cable.
Need local coordination?
Ask before the
customs clock runs.
We can review the situation, identify the competent authority and coordinate Georgian documents or professional assistance where available.
Published and reviewed 17 July 2026. General information only. Customs assessments, licence recognition, fines, parking zones, charger availability and tariffs can change; verify the exact vehicle and live source before acting.