If you plan on touring the country while on a vacation or business trip, it’s a good idea to get some driving tips for Belarus to lessen your stress on the road. The rules of the road can differ significantly from the US, and we outline some of these differences, as well as give information about speed limits and what to see in Belarus. Let’s go!
Rules & Regulations
- Drive on the right.
- Seatbelts must be worn by all occupants at all times.
- Children under 12 years of age aren’t allowed to travel in the front seat. They must also be seated in a suitable child restraint.
- Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden and you are not allowed any alcohol in your system whilst driving.
- The use of mobile phones while driving is not allowed.
- You must use dipped headlights during the day between November and March
- If you are driving in rural areas late at night watch out for unlit pony and traps.
- It’s illegal to drive a dirty car
- If you commit a driving offense while in Belarus you will receive an on the spot fine.
- Third-party insurance is required.
Speed Limits
| Residential areas | 20 km/h (12 mph) |
| Within city limits | 60 km/h (37 mph) |
| Outside city limits | 90 km/h (56 mph) |
| Motorways | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
What to Bring Along
- An International Driving Permit
- Passport
- A warning triangle inside the car in case of a breakdown
- A first aid kit
- A fire extinguisher
- A green card is compulsory to back up your vehicle protection documents.
Additional Information
- If you are driving in Belarus in the winter the use of winter tires might be necessary especially if there is ice or snow on the roads. Always drive slower and with extra care when in these conditions.
- There is a road tax charge at the border with neighboring countries. How much you pay depends on how long you plan to stay.
- It’s quite common for police to stop drivers and check their documents, particularly if they have foreign license plates.
- There are minimal road signs between small towns.
- Toll charges have been introduced on the main motorways of Belarus. You need to get an onboard unit (OBU) when you drive in Belarus to pay for the tolls. This is done by adding funds to your OBU account. You can purchase an OBU at gas stations and border checkpoints. Failure to do so while traveling on toll roads will result in you being charged a fine of €100.
- Be careful when driving on rural roads as some contain potholes. There are also lots of unlit or poorly lit streets and pedestrians walking on unlit roads so take extra care and caution when driving at night time.
- SIXT has multiple branches located in the capital city of Minsk including at Minsk National Airport.
