Driving on Croatian highways is generally a smooth and efficient experience. Most highways are modern and well-maintained, offering scenic views as you traverse the country.

Toll System:

In recent days, news has been circulating that toll booths on Croatian highways will disappear starting March 1. However, this statement is somewhat exaggerated. Let’s clarify what is actually happening and look at the exact timeline.

What will replace the toll booths?

Croatia plans to introduce a more modern and significantly faster system to replace the current one. The new system will be a hybrid solution for those who are willing to enter their bank card details into a mobile application. When using the app, the toll for each highway section will be automatically charged as the vehicle passes through the relevant sections.

At the same time, the current ENC system will remain in use but will be slightly upgraded. The toll gates (without barriers) will be able to remotely detect the ENC device, and the toll for the traveled section will be deducted in the same way as before. The advantage is that drivers will no longer need to pass through barriers or special ENC lanes—it will be possible to drive all the way to the coast without stopping.

When will the new hybrid system be introduced?

Recently, several Hungarian news portals irresponsibly reported that the change would happen on March 1. While the date March 1 is correct, the year was often omitted.

According to Croatian news sources, the full transition to the new system is planned for March 1, 2027, instead of the previously expected date of autumn 2026. It was already clear that such a transition would not take place during the peak summer tourist season, but official sources now indicate that the change will occur at the beginning of the 2027 season rather than at the end of the 2026 season.

Construction and implementation began in October 2025. The system will soon start testing on several sections, but travelers will not yet be able to use it at this stage.

Why is it still worth traveling with an ENC device?

Based on experience from more than 48 million kilometers of travel, there have been many cases where toll charges were deducted twice. This usually happens because the toll gates incorrectly record or fail to record the entry point, and when the vehicle exits the highway, the HAC system cannot properly calculate the toll. As a result, it may charge double or apply the highest possible toll for the route.

In such situations, drivers must contact the Croatian Motorways operator, which usually refunds the incorrectly charged toll as account credit.

It is very likely that similar issues may also occur with the new app-based hybrid system. Therefore, it is recommended—especially during the first season after its introduction in 2027—to avoid using the application at least for the first trip, as technical errors may occur.

Where can you buy an ENC device?

If you are planning to travel on Croatian highways, using an ENC device is still one of the most convenient options. You can easily purchase an ENC device directly on our website or through the Vignette ID mobile application, which allows you to manage your road payments across multiple European countries in one place. With the app, you can quickly order the device, manage your toll payments, and travel without unnecessary delays on the road. 🚗

PURCHASE TOLLBOX (ENC) for Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia