Croatia and Bosnia introduced mandatory daytime headlights for all motor vehicles on November 1, 2026, with fines for non-compliance.

The rule requires drivers to use daytime or dipped headlights during the day on all roads, regardless of weather or visibility, until March 31, 2027. Fines for violations are set at €30 for cars and motorcycles, while cyclists and e-scooter riders must use front and rear lights from dusk to dawn or in reduced visibility, facing a €60 penalty if they fail to do so .

Police in Croatia emphasized that the measure, outlined in Article 102 of the Road Traffic Safety Act, applies to all motor vehicles, including older models without automatic daytime running lights. Motorcycle and moped riders must keep dipped headlights on year-round, with the same €30 fine for non-compliance .

Authorities warned drivers with automatic lights to verify their systems, as some models illuminate only the front, leaving rear lights off. Daytime running lights improve visibility but do not replace dipped headlights in poor conditions, such as fog or heavy rain .

The Police Directorate urged drivers to comply with the regulation, stating, “Comply with traffic regulations and make sure your lights are always on for better visibility, and especially from the 1st of November to the 31st of March” .