Serbia’s state road operator, JP Putevi Srbije, warned on Friday that traffic volume is expected to surge across the country during the final weekend of July, coinciding with peak summer holiday travel.
To ease congestion, authorities have increased the number of toll booth operators, and all toll lanes are operating 24 hours a day. The agency encouraged drivers to use the electronic toll collection system (ENP) and consider registering for the “Toll4All” system, which allows seamless travel with a single tag device across Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, and North Macedonia.
Motorists are advised to plan their trips in advance, check for roadworks, toll prices, and real-time traffic updates on the agency’s website and mobile app.
As temperatures soar above 35°C, driving conditions are becoming more challenging. Jovica Mitić of Serbia’s Automobile and Motorcycle Association (AMSS) said that high temperatures cause road surfaces to overheat, reducing tire traction and increasing the risk of blowouts — particularly in heavily loaded vehicles heading to coastal destinations.
“Drivers should check tire pressure before departure. At speeds of 120-130 km/h on motorways, poor tire condition can be extremely dangerous,” Mitić said.
He recommended starting journeys early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day and advised taking breaks every two hours. Vehicles should be checked for coolant and brake fluid levels during fuel stops.
“Motor overheating is a serious risk. If your engine fails at over 40°C and there’s no shade on the motorway, protecting your family becomes very difficult,” Mitić warned.
Traffic is especially heavy on Corridor 10, linking western Europe with Bulgaria and North Macedonia. According to border police data, delays were around 50 minutes at the Horgoš crossing with Hungary and 30 minutes at Batrovci with Croatia. Delays of up to 45 minutes were also reported at the border with North Macedonia.
Authorities advised avoiding the Prohor Pčinjski crossing due to closures related to the ongoing Youth Olympic Games in North Macedonia. Drivers are urged to use the Preševo crossing instead.