Albania has introduced tougher road safety rules, with new measures targeting drunk driving, dangerous behavior, mobile phone use and unlicensed driving.

The changes, which entered into force on August 7, 2026, were presented by Road Police Director Perlat Vatoci under Law No. 58/2026 amending the country’s Road Code.

Under the new rules, people caught driving without a license can be barred from obtaining one for up to one year, while the restriction can reach two years for minors.

The penalties for repeat drunk driving have also been significantly strengthened. Drivers found with more than 0.5 g/l of alcohol in their blood can have their license revoked permanently if they have previously been penalized for driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated.

Fines for dangerous driving practices, including aggressive maneuvers, repeated lane changes without signaling and failure to adjust speed where visibility is limited, have increased from 20,000 to 60,000 lek.

The new Code also extends penalties for mobile phone use to people riding bicycles, motor vehicles up to 50cc and motorized scooters. For drivers, a license suspension can now follow two mobile-phone violations within the same year, compared with three previously.

Special rules have also been introduced for drivers who obtained their licenses within the past 24 months, including specific restrictions related to alcohol and speed.

Another major change removes the option to avoid a license suspension by paying twice the maximum administrative fine. Where the Code requires suspension, the license will now be automatically suspended.

Police authorities across Albania have been instructed to implement the new provisions. Vatoci said the purpose of the tougher measures is not punishment itself, but preventing traffic violations, reducing crashes and protecting lives.