Car Rental in Lithuania

Car Rental in Lithuania: A Complete Guide

Understanding Local Driving Laws and Requirements

When renting a car in Lithuania, it is crucial to have a good understanding of the local driving laws and requirements. The minimum age for driving in Lithuania is 18 years old, and most car rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license for a minimum of one year. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the road signs and regulations, as they may differ from those in your home country.

Choosing the Right Rental Car

When selecting a rental car in Lithuania, consider the type of driving you will be doing. If you plan to explore the city, a small and fuel-efficient car may be the best option. If you are venturing into the countryside or planning a road trip, a larger and more robust vehicle may be more suitable. Additionally, consider the number of passengers and luggage space you will need.

Booking a Rental Car

It is advisable to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This will ensure that you have a wider selection of vehicles to choose from and may also result in better rates. Many car rental companies in Lithuania offer online booking options, making it convenient to secure your rental vehicle before arriving in the country.

Driving in Lithuania

When driving in Lithuania, remember to drive on the right side of the road and always wear a seatbelt. It is also mandatory to have your headlights on at all times, regardless of the time of day. Keep in mind that the legal blood alcohol limit for driving in Lithuania is 0.04%, so it’s best to avoid alcohol if you plan to drive.

Renting a car in Lithuania can provide the freedom and flexibility to explore the country at your own pace. By understanding the local driving laws and requirements, choosing the right rental car, booking in advance, and driving safely, you can have a smooth and enjoyable experience on the road in Lithuania.

Rental Requirements

Age Limits

To rent a car in Lithuania, the minimum age requirement is 21 years old, and the maximum age is typically 70 years old. Some rental companies may have different age restrictions, so it’s best to check with the specific company before booking.

Driving License Requirements

To drive in Lithuania, you will need a valid driver’s license. If your license is not in English, it’s recommended to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) to ensure there are no issues with language barriers. Additionally, most rental companies require you to have held your license for at least one year.

Documentation

When renting a car in Lithuania, you will need to provide a valid passport, a credit card for the security deposit, and your driver’s license. Some companies may also require additional documentation, so it’s important to check with the rental company beforehand to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork.

Insurance Information

When renting a car in Lithuania, it’s important to understand the insurance options available to protect yourself and the vehicle.

– Basic Insurance: When renting a car in Lithuania, the basic insurance typically includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection. The CDW covers the cost of damage to the rental car in the event of an accident, while Theft Protection covers the loss of the vehicle in case of theft.

– Additional Insurance: In addition to the basic insurance, travelers have the option to purchase additional insurance such as Personal Accident Insurance, which provides coverage for medical expenses and accidental death benefits, and Supplemental Liability Insurance, which offers extended protection against third-party claims.

– Insurance Tips: Before renting a car in Lithuania, it’s recommended to check your existing travel insurance policies to see if they already provide coverage for rental vehicles. This can help you avoid paying for duplicate coverage and ensure that you have the necessary protection during your trip.

Local Driving Laws and Regulations in Lithuania

General Traffic Rules

Driving Side: In Lithuania, driving is on the right side of the road.
Speed Limits: The typical speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways.
Other Useful Info: Speeding fines are strictly enforced, and winter tires are required from November 10th to April 1st.

Overtaking and Lane Usage

Overtaking Rules: Overtaking is only allowed on the left side, and it is prohibited in areas with solid white lines.
Lane Discipline: The ‘keep right except to overtake’ rule applies on multi-lane roads.
Other Useful Info: It is illegal to use hazard lights while driving, except in the case of an emergency.

Seat Belt and Child Safety

Seat Belt Laws: Seat belts must be worn by all occupants of the vehicle, and children under 12 years old or under 135 cm in height must use a child seat or booster seat.
Other Useful Info: It is illegal to leave a child under 7 years old unattended in a vehicle.

Use of Mobile Phones

Mobile Phone Restrictions: It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
Other Useful Info: Hands-free devices are allowed, but caution is advised to avoid distractions.

Alcohol and Driving

Legal Blood Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.04%, and the penalties for DUI/DWI are severe.
Zero Tolerance Policies: Zero tolerance for drivers with less than two years of experience or those under 21 years old.
Other Useful Info: Random breathalyzer tests are common, and fines for drunk driving are high.

Tolls and Charges

Toll Roads: There are toll roads in Lithuania, and payment is typically made at toll booths.
Other Useful Info: Urban congestion charges do not apply in Lithuania.

Roundabouts and Intersections

Navigating Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common, and vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way.
Intersection Rules: Vehicles must yield to the right at intersections.
Other Useful Info: Turning right on red is generally not allowed.

Headlight and Windshield Wiper Laws

Headlight Usage: Headlights must be used at all times, even during the day.
Windshield Wiper Rule: There is no specific requirement to turn on headlights when using wipers.
Other Useful Info: In winter, it is mandatory to have headlights on at all times.

Emergency Vehicles

Right of Way for Emergency Vehicles: Vehicles must pull over to the right and stop to give way to emergency vehicles.
Other Useful Info: It is illegal to pass an emergency vehicle that has stopped with its lights flashing.

Driving Tips for Lithuania

Road Conditions

Lithuania has a well-maintained road network with a mix of highways, paved roads, and gravel roads. The highways are generally in good condition, but some rural areas may have narrower roads and rougher terrain.

Urban vs. Rural Driving

In urban areas like Vilnius and Kaunas, you can expect more traffic and crowded streets. Drivers in rural areas may encounter fewer cars on the road, but should be prepared for narrower roads and potential wildlife crossings.

Navigational Tips

For navigating Lithuania, it’s recommended to use a GPS or a reliable map. Google Maps and Waze are popular options for GPS navigation, and many rental cars come equipped with GPS systems.

Other Useful Tips

– Speed limits in Lithuania are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways.
– In Lithuania, the legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.04%.
– It’s mandatory to keep headlights on at all times, even during daylight hours.
– Keep an eye out for speed cameras, as they are common on Lithuanian roads.

When renting a car in Lithuania, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local driving regulations and road conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Roadside Assistance and Emergency Procedures

Breakdown Procedures

If you experience a breakdown while driving in Lithuania, the first step is to safely pull over to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and then contact your rental car company for assistance. They will provide you with instructions on what to do next, whether it’s waiting for a tow truck or arranging for a replacement vehicle.

Emergency Services

In case of an emergency, it’s important to have the contact numbers for the police, ambulance, and roadside assistance readily available. The emergency number in Lithuania is 112, which will connect you to the appropriate services. Additionally, your rental car company should provide you with their contact information for 24/7 assistance.

Rental Company Policies

Before renting a car in Lithuania, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the support offered by rental companies. Many reputable companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can rest assured that help will be available no matter the time or place. Some rental companies also offer towing services as part of their policies, ensuring that you can get your vehicle to a safe location in the event of a breakdown. Be sure to review the specific policies of your chosen rental car company to understand the level of support they provide.

Where can you Rent a Car in Lithuania?

You can browse all the city locations below, sorted alphabetically. Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on a Mac) to quickly find the one you want to explore.

• Car Rental in Druskininkai, Lithuania
• Car Rental in Kaunas, Lithuania
• Car Rental in Klaipeda, Lithuania
• Car Rental in Palanga, Lithuania
• Car Rental in Vilnius, Lithuania