Albanian Road Code Article 146: overtaking rules and fines
Article 146 explains how overtaking must be done and where it is banned, such as on bends, near junctions and at level crossings.
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Before and during overtaking
Before overtaking, the driver must make sure visibility is sufficient, the driver ahead in the same lane has not signalled the same manoeuvre, nobody behind has started overtaking, and there is enough free road to complete it (paragraph 2).
Overtaking is done with the indicator on, to the left of the vehicle being overtaken, at a suitable side distance, returning to the right as soon as possible (paragraph 3). The vehicle being overtaken must not speed up (paragraph 4). Overtaking on the right is done when the driver ahead has signalled and started a left turn (paragraph 7).
Where overtaking is banned
Paragraph 13 also refers to a vehicle that has stopped or slowed near a pedestrian crossing to let pedestrians cross; the wording does not make clear whether this is a further ban or an exception. Overtaking a bus or trolleybus stopped for passengers must be done with the greatest care (paragraph 9). Paragraph 14 contains separate bans for road trains and articulated vehicles.
- near or on bends, on hill crests and wherever visibility is insufficient, with the exceptions set out in paragraph 10;
- overtaking a vehicle that is itself overtaking, and overtaking stopped or slow vehicles at level crossings, traffic lights or traffic jams when this requires moving into the opposite side of the road (paragraph 11);
- near or at junctions, with the exceptions listed in paragraph 12;
- near or at level crossings without barriers, except where traffic is controlled by lights (paragraph 13).
Fines under article 146
Breaching the paragraph 14 bans (heavy vehicles) is fined 2,000 to 6,000 lek (paragraph 16). Anyone found with a paragraph 16 breach twice in the same year is fined double and has the licence suspended for one month (paragraph 16). If wrong overtaking is identified as the breach in an accident with material damage, the driver at fault also loses points in addition to the fine (paragraph 17).
Amounts are taken from the published Code text; check the exact amount to pay in the official payment channel before paying.
- 1,000 to 3,000 lek for overtaking without respecting paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 (paragraph 15);
- 5,000 to 10,000 lek for breaching the overtaking bans in paragraphs 9 to 13 (paragraph 16).
How to read the code on a fine
The code “146 §16” on a fine means article 146, paragraph 16 of the Albanian Road Code.
You can check active unpaid fines for a licence plate for free on the Gjoba Alert home page.
This page is reference information, not legal advice. The Code may change.
Fines under this article
| 146 §15 | 1,000 ALL to 3,000 ALLText of the Code (Albanian)Cilido që kryen një parakalim pa zbatuar dispozitat e pikave 2, 3, 4, 5 e 8 të këtij neni, ndëshkohet me masë administrative, me gjobë nga një mijë deri në tre mijë lekë. |
|---|---|
| 146 §16 | 5,000 ALL to 10,000 ALL In addition: Kushdo që konstatohet me këtë shkelje dy herë brenda të njëjtit vit, ndëshkohet me dyfishin e masës së parashikuar në këtë pikë dhe i pezullohet leja e drejtimit për një muaj. Text of the Code (Albanian)Kushdo që nuk zbaton ndalimet e parakalimit, sipas përcaktimit të pikave 9, 10, 11, 12 dhe 13 të këtij neni, ndëshkohet me masë administrative me gjobë nga pesë mijë deri në dhjetë mijë lekë. |
Source
Consolidated text of the Albanian Road Code (Law 8378/1998 as amended up to Law 58/2026), p. 95–97. Reference information, not legal advice.
Amendments to the article: Ndryshuar pikat 15 dhe 16 me ligjin nr. 10488, datë 5.12.2011; ndryshuar pika 16 dhe shtuar pika 17 me ligjin nr. 63/2021, datë 7.5.2021
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Frequently asked questions
What is the fine for overtaking on a bend in Albania?
Paragraph 10 bans overtaking near or on bends, on hill crests and where visibility is insufficient. Breaching the bans in paragraphs 9 to 13 is fined 5,000 to 10,000 lek (paragraph 16).
Is overtaking on the right allowed?
Paragraph 7 requires overtaking on the right when the driver ahead has signalled a left turn (or, on a one-way carriageway, a stop on the left) and started the manoeuvre.
When is the licence suspended for overtaking?
If a breach fined under paragraph 16 is found twice within the same year: double the penalty and a one-month licence suspension (paragraph 16).