New rules in Croatia this November for drivers and consumers

Croatia is preparing for several regulatory changes in November, including seasonal driving requirements, new consumer credit protections and updated price transparency rules for businesses.

The changes affect drivers, consumers, retailers and people taking out loans, although not all of them come into force on 1 November.

The first date to note is Sunday, 1 November, when drivers must begin using daytime running lights or dipped-beam headlights during daylight hours under Croatia’s existing road traffic legislation.

Drivers must use daytime running lights or dipped-beam headlights during the day from 1 November until 31 March.

The requirement is an annual seasonal rule under Croatia’s Road Traffic Safety Act. Motorcycle and moped riders must use dipped-beam headlights throughout the year.

Drivers who fail to comply with the daytime lighting requirement can face a €30 fine, according to the legislation published by the Centre for Vehicles of Croatia.

Another important date for motorists is 15 November, when compulsory winter equipment requirements begin on designated winter road sections.

The requirement runs until 15 April 2027 and applies regardless of the prevailing weather conditions on those roads.

Winter equipment requirements depend on the vehicle category and applicable regulations. For passenger cars, compliant winter tyres or the prescribed combination of summer tyres and snow chains may be required.

Drivers should check the requirements for their vehicle and the roads on which they intend to travel before the deadline.

The seasonal requirement is particularly relevant for motorists travelling through mountainous areas or inland Croatia, where snow and ice can create difficult driving conditions.

One of the most significant changes scheduled for November is Croatia’s new Consumer Credit Act, which takes effect on 20 November 2026, subject to specific transitional arrangements.

The legislation strengthens consumer protections and establishes updated rules for consumer and residential consumer lending.

It introduces broader coverage for certain credit arrangements, including some interest-free and short-term loans, and requires lenders to assess borrowers’ creditworthiness before approving credit.

Lenders must use relevant and accurate information to assess whether a consumer is reasonably likely to repay the proposed loan.

The legislation also strengthens requirements concerning information provided before a credit agreement is signed and transparency in credit advertising. Credit advertisements will include the warning: “Caution! Borrowing is not free.”

Consumers will also receive additional protections when credit decisions are made using automated systems. These include rights relating to human intervention and explanations of decisions, subject to the law’s provisions.

The legislation also clarifies rules on early repayment and the calculation of reductions in the total cost of credit. In addition, it introduces free debt-advice services for consumers experiencing financial difficulties.

The Croatian National Bank will have an expanded role in authorising and supervising creditors and credit intermediaries, subject to the responsibilities and exceptions established by law.

Not all provisions begin immediately. Certain requirements affecting new creditors and credit intermediaries are scheduled to apply from 1 June 2027, while specific provisions concerning some forms of card-based and instalment credit are scheduled for 1 January 2028.

The new legislation therefore does not mean that all existing forms of instalment purchasing will disappear. Instead, it establishes a more comprehensive framework for assessing affordability, explaining borrowing costs and regulating credit providers.