The Director of the Traffic Police, Perlat Vatoci, has presented the new changes to the Traffic Code, which entered into force on August 7, 2026 and aim to strengthen road safety and reduce accidents.

One of the main changes relates to driving without a license. People caught driving without a license will have their right to obtain a driving license postponed for up to 1 year, while for minors this period is extended to 2 years.

Another important measure is the permanent revocation of driving licenses** for drivers who result in more than 0.5 g/l of alcohol in their blood, if they have been previously found and punished for driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated.

According to Vatoc, the measure aims to address the number of accidents with serious consequences related to driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to the Traffic Police, the responsibility for road safety is shared and compliance with the rules by every driver remains one of the main elements for reducing accidents and saving lives.

Full speech of the Director of the Traffic Police, Perlat Vatoci

We are in this communication with you today, to present some new norms, approved by Law No. 58/2026 "On some additions and amendments to the Road Code of the Republic of Albania", these measures aim to increase road safety, raise driver awareness and reduce the number of road accidents.

Among the main changes, which entered into force on 07.08.2026, we highlight:

* Postponement of the right to obtain a driving license for up to 1 year for persons found driving vehicles without a driving license, while for minors this period is postponed by 2 years. The Traffic Police Services of the State Police will inform, in each case, the DSHTRR, as the competent institution for issuing driving licenses, to carry out the relevant procedures for registering the persons found in the system.

* Permanently suspending a driver's license when a driver has a blood alcohol level higher than 0,5 grams per liter (g/l) and has been previously convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated. This measure comes as a need to address the worrying phenomenon of road accidents with consequences due to driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated.

* Tightening measures against dangerous behavior on the road, failure to regulate speed on roads with limited visibility, including aggressive maneuvers, frequent lane changes without signaling, and violations that endanger other road users, in urban areas, near schools, intersections or even junctions.

The administrative fine for this violation has been increased from 20,000 to 60,000 lek.

This provision gives special importance to the place where the violation is committed, and more clearly defines the elements of the objective side of committing the violation. The increase in the sanction is considered reasonable due to the high level of risk posed by this violation and the increase in road accidents in urban areas.

* Sanctioning the use of mobile phones even while driving bicycles, motorcycles up to 50 cc and motorized skateboards.

* Suspension of the driver's license if a driver is punished twice within the same year for using a mobile phone, out of three that were before the adoption of this law.

Using a mobile phone while driving is one of the main causes of loss of control over the vehicle and, consequently, of road accidents.

* Sanctioning special measures for new drivers who have obtained their driving license within the last 24 months, regarding driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as special speed limits for this category of drivers.

* Another change is the removal of the conversion of the suspension of a driving license, issued by the Albanian state, with the payment of an amount equal to twice the maximum administrative measure provided for the violated norm.

If, before August 7, a driver, recorded/caught in violation of a norm/provision of the Road Code, where, in addition to the administrative measure in monetary value, an additional administrative measure, "suspension of the driving license", was also foreseen, had the option to pay double the maximum value of the fine, in order not to apply the additional measure of suspension of the driving license, this option has now, with the new amendments, been removed and the driving license is automatically suspended.

Traffic Police structures throughout the country have been informed of the latest changes to the Traffic Code and have been instructed on their correct implementation.

Given the numerous violations recorded through intelligent vehicles, as well as the tightening of the Highway Code in order to ensure life safety, the State Police appeals to all drivers not to drive at speeds above the permitted limits, not to drive vehicles and motorcycles under the influence of alcohol, or worse yet, while intoxicated, not to use the phone while driving a vehicle and motorcycle, and not to overtake where it is not allowed, or perform dangerous or aggressive maneuvers.

Punitive measures are not our goal. Our goal is to prevent violations, prevent accidents and, above all, protect life.

Therefore, we ask every driver to show responsibility at every moment they are behind the wheel and to respect road traffic rules.

Road safety is a shared responsibility. Each of us's contribution is one more step towards safer roads and saving lives.