Must-Know traffic rules in Armenia

Traveling in Armenia is an absolute pleasure as you visit so many ancient, authentic, and magnificent places. Armenia is like an open-air museum and the longer you stay here, the more you discover hidden corners and amazing places that are worth visiting. If you are working remotely, you have also a very nice opportunity to combine work and travel. You can find affordable accommodation in Yerevan or a nice and cozy house close to nature and travel around when you have free time.

Whether you are here for the short term or for a few months, renting a car can be the best option for you to move around and manage your time more efficiently. It is also the safest option of transport during the Covid-19 as you have less interaction with others and do not have to carry a face mask while in the car.

Driving in Armenia does not require any special conditions. All you need to have is a valid driving license and some general knowledge about the driving rules in Armenia. Therefore, before driving in Yerevan or around the country, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the common rules of the driving culture of Armenians.

Armenia is not quite known for its extensive transportation network outside of the big towns, so renting a car can save you a lot of time moving from one place to another. And when you decide to drive a car in Armenia, there are common rules that should be followed while driving. Even though Armenia's traffic rules are not always properly managed, violations of those rules can result in fines. In any case, the best option is not to try to avoid fines but to always follow the rules and become a reliable and accountable driver on the road.

Once you understand the general traffic rules that apply to Armenia, you can drive safely in the countryside and enjoy a minute ride. So let's see what are the most common traffic rules that every driver follows in Armenia.

Armenia's most common traffic rules

• Seat belts should always be worn by drivers and passengers in the passenger seat.
  People under the age of 18 cannot drive a car.
• Children under the age of 12 should sit in the back.
• Make sure you have your driver's license, vehicle technical passport, and car insurance papers when you drive.
• When arranging a long-term rental in Yerevan, always make sure you have the rental documents as well.
• Smoking and speaking over the phone is prohibited while driving a car
   

Is there a speed limit on the streets of Armenia?

When driving on the streets of Armenia, you may notice various speed limits. The most common speed limits are:

60 km/h in cities and villages

90 km/h on open roads

100 km/h on highways

Be careful while driving in towns and villages as you may also notice signs of a 40 km/h limit. It means passing through facilities such as hospitals, schools, and kindergartens. Special attention should be paid to these areas, as they can be crowded, and there might be more pedestrians than usual. Therefore, it is always advisable to use GPS or pay attention to the signs while driving.

Are there speed cameras in Armenia?

Speed cameras can be found in many parts of Armenia. Especially in the capital Yerevan, automatic speed cameras are overloaded. It is run by the government because the locals like to drive fast. With these cameras, the country prevents many fatal accidents and collisions. So how do you know that you got a parking ticket? Once you exceed the set limit close to the camera in a particular area, you will see the camera take a picture with a bright flashlight. After a few weeks, you will get a notification of the fine. If you rented a car at Enterprise, make sure to provide the correct address as your police fine will be forwarded to the address you mentioned when.

Armenian road conditions

Armenian road conditions have improved significantly in recent years, especially outside of large cities. However, you should always be careful and look for roads under construction. Normally, the roads become bad and get poor conditions after the snow melts. So in springtime, be careful driving in the countryside to keep your car running smoothly.

Useful tips for drivers

Driving in Armenia is not a big challenge, however, it takes some time for foreigners to familiarize themselves on the roads. In this section, we have gathered some useful tips for you to drive safely in this lovely country.

• When you see red markings on the side of the roads and pavements, it means you have found a parking place. And if you park there, make sure to pay the fees as all the areas with such markings are paid. However, if you rented a car at Enterprise, your parking fees are already paid for you.  
• Do not leave your bag or wallet in the car. Even though the crime rate in Armenia is very low, it is always safer to keep your personal belongings with you all the time. 
• Close your car windows and doors when you leave the car. It is a safe decision to double-check your windows and doors after leaving the car. 
• If you are lost or can't find a specific destination, Patrol officers can help you. You will see many Patrol cars driving around the capitals and major cities that can help you with your issue.  
• Watch out for pedestrians. Even though there are crossings or "zebras" (as locals love to call them) on crossroads, some people still pass the roads from un-allowed places as well.

In a conclusion, we can state that you can easily get around the capital and regions of Armenia by car just by knowing how to drive and the traffic rules. Once you get the hang of it, you will find yourself enjoying your rides in Armenia. And if you happen to be here for a long-term, check out a month or more rental options at Enterprise and enjoy your stay in Armenia...