Destinations / Lithuania
Driving in Lithuania as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Lithuania drives on the right and keeps headlights on year-round; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP alongside their licence.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Lithuania expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways in summer |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on day and night. |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory Nov–Mar. |
| Alcohol | 0.04% alcohol limit; zero for novice/professional drivers. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
On the road in Lithuania
At the pump
Petrol (95/98) and diesel are widely available at self-service stations with cards accepted, roughly EUR 1.55-1.70 per litre; EV charging and hydrogen remain scarce. Common chains are Circle K, Neste, Viada and Orlen.
After a crash
Call 112 for injuries; damage-only collisions need not involve police if both parties agree and complete the European Accident Statement, but you must notify the rental supplier and obtain an accident report, and leave vehicles in place where there is injury or dispute.
Sources: rac.co.uk · europa.eu · tyremap.com · tollguru.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Lithuania?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Lithuania drives on the right and keeps headlights on year-round; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP alongside their licence.
Which translation format is used for Lithuania?
Lithuania uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Lithuania ask for a translation?
Vilnius desks request an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Lithuania?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.