Can you drive in Azerbaijan on a foreign licence?
Yes, for a visit. Azerbaijan's Law on Road Traffic (Article 35-1) lets a foreigner staying temporarily drive on a valid licence issued abroad under the road traffic treaties Azerbaijan belongs to. Only a foreigner who receives a temporary or permanent residence permit has to exchange the licence, within one month of receiving the permit.
Government travel advice asks for a little more than the law:
- The UK government says to carry the 1968-convention IDP together with the UK licence, and that after one month of driving you need an Azerbaijani licence from an ASAN service centre.
- The US State Department says a US licence can be used, with an IDP highly recommended for translation. Foreigners living in Azerbaijan for more than 30 days need a local licence through ASAN Xidmət.
For a holiday rental, the safe combination is your licence, an IDP and your passport. The State Department also advises keeping the registration papers and proof of insurance in the car; the rental company should supply both.
How much are speeding fines in Azerbaijan?
The speed limits for cars are set by Article 50 of the Law on Road Traffic: 60 km/h in towns (the authorities can raise it to at most 90 km/h on particular sections), 20 km/h in residential zones and courtyards, and outside towns 130 km/h on toll motorways, 110 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on other roads.
The fines come from Article 328 of the Code of Administrative Offences, and the penalty points from the note to Article 327:
| Over the limit | Fine | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 10 km/h | No band in Article 328 | None |
| 10 to 20 km/h | 10 manat | None |
| 21 to 40 km/h | 50 manat | 2 |
| 41 to 60 km/h | 200 manat | 3 |
| 61 km/h or more | 300 manat | 4 |
The jump that matters is at 40 km/h over: one extra km/h takes the fine from 50 to 200 manat. On a 90 km/h regional road, that line falls between readings of 130 and 131 km/h.
Speed is not the only camera offence. Article 122 lets cameras produce electronic decisions for red lights, bus-lane driving, seat belts, failing to give way to pedestrians and several parking offences, among others. The Ministry of Internal Affairs' fines table lists running a red light at 100 manat and 3 points. The Code sets 100 manat for driving in a signed bus lane (Article 327.1-1), 40 manat for not wearing a seat belt (Article 329.1) and 50 manat for failing to give way to a pedestrian on a crossing (Article 330).
Worked example: a week with a rental car from Baku
Suppose a camera in a 60 km/h zone in Baku records you at 75 km/h, and on the road to the mountains a camera in a 90 km/h zone records 115 km/h.
| Offence | Excess | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baku, 75 in a 60 zone | 15 km/h | 10 manat | None |
| Regional road, 115 in a 90 zone | 25 km/h | 50 manat | 2 |
| Total | 60 manat | 2 | |
| Paid within 10 days (10% off) | 54 manat | 2 |
Article 150 of the Code gives 30 days from the date a decision takes effect to pay, and a 10% reduction for payment within 10 days. Paying by card or other payment instruments is allowed. The difference is small for minor fines, but on a 200 manat fine the early discount saves 20 manat.
How do camera fines reach a rental driver?
Under Article 122, camera evidence goes straight into a central system and an electronic decision is issued without the driver being stopped. It is addressed to the vehicle's registered user, which for a rental car is the company, not you. How and when the company passes on the fine, and whether it adds a fee, is set by your rental contract. Ask these three questions at the desk:
- Will fines issued during my rental be charged to my card, and is there an administration fee?
- Will you send me the electronic decision so I can pay within 10 days and get the 10% reduction?
- How long after the return do you keep the deposit to cover late camera fines?
The State Road Police website, dyp.gov.az, links to the Ministry's fines portal (cerime.mia.gov.az), where fines can be checked and paid. Ask the company for the car's registration number and the decision number so that you can check for yourself.
Driving in Baku and on regional roads
The UK government describes the standard of driving as erratic, with frequent accidents caused mainly by poor or reckless driving and inconsistent enforcement. It also warns that road closures and diversions are often unmarked and that many roads are poorly surfaced and badly lit. The State Department adds that routine traffic stops are common.
In Baku, the fines that catch visitors are for lanes and parking rather than speed. Stopping or parking in breach of the rules costs 20 manat (Article 346.1), stopping in a bus stop area costs 40 manat (Article 346.2), and double parking costs 80 manat (Article 346.4). For getting around the city itself, the metro and buses are often easier than a car; see Baku airport, visas and BakıKart.
In winter, the UK advice suggests carrying a blanket, shovel, torch, snacks and a piece of carpet for grip in snow. Ask the rental company whether the car has winter tyres before you head into the mountains.