Georgia uses right-hand drive, the same as the United States

Georgia is a right-hand drive country. You drive on the right side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. This matches what you're used to if you're from the United States, Canada, or most of Europe.

If you're renting a car in Georgia or driving your own vehicle there, you won't need to relearn which side of the road to use. The traffic patterns, road markings, and intersection logic all follow the same left-side steering wheel setup you know. The main adjustment is learning the specific roads, speed limits, and local driving customs — not the fundamental side-of-the-road question.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia drives on the right side of the road with left-side steering wheels, matching United States driving conventions.
  • You can legally drive in Georgia with a valid U.S. driver's license, though an International Driving Permit adds a layer of documentation if police ask for it.
  • Georgia's road signs use Cyrillic script, so familiarize yourself with common signs before driving, especially directional and warning signs.
  • Speed limits in Georgia are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour, so a 60 km/h limit is roughly 37 mph.
  • Rental cars in Georgia come with left-side steering wheels as standard, so you won't encounter right-hand drive vehicles.

What your U.S. driver's license covers in Georgia

Your U.S. driver's license is valid in Georgia for temporary visits. You do not need to exchange it or obtain a Georgian license unless you plan to stay and work there long-term. Police may ask to see it at traffic stops, and rental car companies will require it when you pick up a vehicle.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is optional but useful. It's a translation of your license into multiple languages, including Georgian. You get it from your state's DMV before you leave the United States — it costs around $20 and takes a few minutes. It doesn't replace your U.S. license; you carry both. If a Georgian police officer stops you and speaks limited English, the IDP can clarify what your license says without confusion.

Speed limits and how they're measured

Georgia posts all speed limits in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. A 60 km/h limit equals about 37 mph. A 100 km/h highway limit is roughly 62 mph. Most rental cars have speedometers showing both units, but if yours doesn't, a quick mental math — divide kilometers by 1.6 to get miles — keeps you legal.

Speed enforcement in Georgia is active on main roads and highways. Police use radar and traffic cameras. Speeding fines are paid on the spot or through the rental car company if you're caught after returning the vehicle. Exceeding the limit by 20 km/h or more can result in fines of 100 to 300 Georgian lari (roughly $35 to $105), depending on how much over you were.

Road signs and what they mean

Georgian road signs use Cyrillic script, which creates the biggest practical difference from driving in the United States. You won't recognize place names or directional text at a glance. Before you drive, spend 10 minutes learning the Cyrillic alphabet or downloading a translation app on your phone that can read signs in real time.

Warning signs — triangles with red borders — follow European conventions: a triangle with a car skidding means slippery road, a triangle with a pedestrian means a pedestrian crossing ahead. Regulatory signs — circles with red borders or blue circles — mean "do not enter" or "required direction." These shapes are the same across Europe and Georgia, so if you've driven in Europe before, the visual language is familiar. The text is what requires translation.

Parking, tolls, and fuel payment

Parking in Tbilisi and other cities is metered in central zones. You pay at a machine or through a mobile app, usually 1 to 2 lari per hour (roughly $0.35 to $0.70). Street parking is free outside the marked zones. Rental car companies often include parking information in their paperwork, and your rental agreement usually covers parking tickets if you get one — though it's better to avoid them.

Georgia has no highway tolls on major routes. Fuel is sold by the liter at petrol stations, and prices vary but typically run 2 to 3 lari per liter (roughly $0.75 to $1.10 per liter, or $2.85 to $4.15 per gallon). Most stations accept card payments, though carrying cash is safer in rural areas. Rental cars come with a full tank, and you're expected to return them full — refueling before you return the car is cheaper than paying the rental company's fuel surcharge.

Insurance and what you need before you drive

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Georgia. Rental car companies include it automatically in their quote, so you don't need to buy it separately. If you're driving your own vehicle into Georgia, you must have an international insurance certificate (called a "green card" in Europe) from your U.S. insurer. Contact your insurance company at least two weeks before your trip to request one — not all U.S. policies cover driving abroad, and some charge extra.

Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional but recommended if you're renting. The rental company will offer it at checkout. Decline it only if your U.S. auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars abroad — check your policy before you travel, because coverage gaps can be expensive.

Common driving rules that differ from the U.S.

Headlights must be on during the day on highways and in poor visibility. This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Children under 12 must sit in the back seat, and children under 3 must use a car seat — rental companies can provide these for a fee.

Right turns on red lights are not permitted in Georgia. You must wait for a green arrow or a green light. Passing on the right is illegal. The blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.04 percent — lower than the U.S. federal limit of 0.08 percent — so even one drink can put you over the legal limit. Police conduct random breath tests, especially at night and on weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Georgia with just my U.S. license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

Your U.S. license alone is legal. An International Driving Permit is optional but helpful if you're concerned about language barriers with police. You can get one from your state DMV before you leave for about $20.

What happens if I get a speeding ticket in Georgia?

Police typically collect fines on the spot in cash or by card. If you're in a rental car and leave before paying, the rental company will charge your credit card and add a processing fee. Fines range from 100 to 300 lari depending on how much over the limit you were.

Do I need to convert my speedometer from miles to kilometers?

No. Most rental cars have speedometers showing both units. If yours doesn't, divide kilometers by 1.6 to estimate miles per hour. A 60 km/h limit is roughly 37 mph.

Is it safe to drive in Georgia as a foreigner?

Georgia's roads are generally safe, though driving standards and road conditions vary between cities and rural areas. Tbilisi traffic is heavy and aggressive. Rural roads can be narrow and poorly lit. Drive defensively, avoid night driving if you're unfamiliar with the area, and follow local traffic rules.

What should I do if I don't understand a Georgian road sign?

Use a translation app on your phone to photograph and translate signs in real time. Spend 10 minutes learning the Cyrillic alphabet before you drive so you can at least sound out place names. Rental car companies often provide maps with major routes highlighted in English.