Is It Safe to Drive in Georgia? Roads, Local Driving Style and Tips
Yes — driving around Georgia is very doable, and tens of thousands of tourists do it every year. The main highways are good, distances are short, and most of the country's beauty is only reachable by car. There are a few local quirks worth knowing in advance.
What the roads are like
- Main highways (Tbilisi — Kutaisi — Batumi, the Kakheti road, the Georgian Military Road) are paved; the Rikoti section is a new expressway with tunnels.
- Village roads can be narrow with potholes — drive slower than the sign allows.
- Mountain roads (Svaneti, Kazbegi, Racha, mountain Adjara) mean switchbacks, steep climbs and some gravel. Attention and the right car matter here.
Local driving style
Georgian drivers are energetic: overtaking on solid lines, honking and sudden lane changes are more common than in Europe. Don't take it personally — keep your distance, let people pass and don't join the race. A honk usually means "I'm here", not aggression.
Animals on the road
Cows, pigs and sheep wander along the highways, especially in Samegrelo, Imereti and the mountains. They are hard to see in the evening, so slow down at dusk and at night.
Night and mountains
- Main highways are fine at night, but drive mountain roads in daylight: they are dark and unlit, and you would miss the views anyway.
- In winter the passes (the Cross Pass on the Military Road, Goderdzi) can close because of snow — check the forecast and carry chains.
- Under the rental agreement the Mestia — Ushguli — Lentekhi road is allowed only in an AWD car with at least 180 mm ground clearance.
Cameras and police
There are hundreds of cameras: speed, lanes, seat belts, phones. Police are polite, do not take bribes, and fines go to the car's plate. Details in our guide to driving rules and fines in Georgia. Alcohol at the wheel: strictly zero.
How to reduce the risks
- Take full no-excess cover — then even a scratch is not your problem.
- For the mountains choose an AWD crossover.
- Download offline maps: coverage drops in the mountains.
- Save the rental company's number: roadside assistance across Georgia is included in every Cartome rental.
Available cars and prices for your dates are on the booking page; route questions — WhatsApp +995 591 955 055.