Phones, headsets and glasses while driving: Albanian Road Code Article 171
Article 171 bans drivers from using phones and other communication devices while moving and requires glasses where the licence demands them. The 2026 amendments extended the hand-held phone ban to bicycles, motorbikes up to 50 cc and motorised scooters.
Updated:
What is prohibited
- While moving, drivers may not use communication devices such as radiotelephones, mobile phones or audio earphones (paragraph 2). Drivers of the Armed Forces and the police are exempt.
- Devices without or with earphones are allowed as long as the driver has adequate hearing in both ears and the devices do not need hands to operate (paragraph 2).
- Using a hand-held mobile phone is also prohibited while riding other vehicles, including bicycles, motorbikes up to 50 cc and motorised scooters (paragraph 2.1).
Glasses and other aids
If a condition was set when the licence was issued or renewed to correct organic defects or reduced anatomical or functional abilities with glasses or other specified aids, the driver must use them while driving (paragraphs 1 and 2.2).
Fines and licence suspension
Amounts are taken from the published text of the Code; check the exact amount to pay in the official payment channel before paying.
- Breaking any provision of the article: fine of 5,000 to 15,000 lek (paragraph 3).
- If the violation under paragraph 2 is repeated twice within the same year, the licence is suspended for three months and points are deducted under the legislation in force (paragraph 4).
How to read the code on a fine and where to check fines
A code such as “171 §3” on a fine means article 171, paragraph 3 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
| 171 §3 | 5,000 ALL to 15,000 ALLText of the Code (Albanian)Cilido, që shkel dispozitat e këtij neni, ndëshkohet me masë administrative, me gjobë nga pesë mijë deri në pesëmbëdhjetë mijë lekë. |
|---|---|
| 171 §4 | In addition: drejtuesit të mjetit i pezullohet leja e drejtimit tre muaj dhe i hiqen pikë sipas përcaktimeve të legjislacionit të fushës në fuqi Text of the Code (Albanian)Në rast të përsëritjes së shkeljes, të përcaktuar në pikën 2 të këtij neni,dy herë brenda të njëjtit vit, drejtuesit të mjetit i pezullohet leja e drejtimit tre muaj dhe i hiqen pikë sipas përcaktimeve të legjislacionit të fushës në fuqi. |
Source
Consolidated text of the Albanian Road Code (Law 8378/1998 as amended up to Law 58/2026), p. 112. Reference information, not legal advice.
Amendments to the article: Ndryshuar pika 3 me ligjin nr. 10488, datë 5.12.2011; ndryshuar pika 2, ndryshuar masa e gjobës në pikën 3 dhe shtuar pika 4 me ligjin nr. 63/2021, datë 7.5.2021; ndryshuar titulli i nenit dhe tog fjalësh në pikën 4, shtuar pikat 2.1 dhe 2.2 me ligjin nr. 58/2026, datë 18.6.2026
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Frequently asked questions
What is the fine for using a phone while driving in Albania?
Paragraph 3 of article 171 sets 5,000 to 15,000 lek. Check the exact amount in the official payment channel.
Can I use a hands-free headset?
Under paragraph 2, devices without or with earphones are allowed if the driver has adequate hearing in both ears and the devices do not require hands to operate.
When is the licence suspended?
If the paragraph 2 violation is repeated twice within the same year: three months, plus a points deduction (paragraph 4).
Does the ban apply to cyclists?
Yes. Paragraph 2.1 bans hand-held phone use while riding bicycles, motorbikes up to 50 cc and motorised scooters.