How speed cameras work and where tourists get fined most often
Driving in Armenia turns out to be much easier for many tourists than they initially expect. Road infrastructure is steadily improving, traffic rules are clear, and enforcement is generally predictable. However, there is one key point to understand: Armenia relies heavily on automated enforcement, and most fines issued to tourists come not from police stops, but from cameras.
If you know the basic rules and the most common “traps,” your trip will be calm and free of unpleasant surprises. This article explains Armenian road signs, speed limits, police checks, and the most frequent mistakes made by foreign drivers.
Road Signs in Armenia: Familiar and Intuitive
The good news is that road signs in Armenia follow European and Russian standards, so they feel familiar to anyone who has driven in Europe before.
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Red triangles indicate warning signs
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Red circles indicate prohibitions (speed limits, entry restrictions, overtaking bans)
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Blue signs provide directions or mandatory instructions
Text on signs is usually in Armenian, but on newer roads and popular tourist routes you will increasingly see English or Latin transliteration.
Street names are typically written in white letters on blue or green backgrounds. In central Yerevan and on major highways, Latin spelling is often added.
The STOP sign deserves special mention: it is bilingual - ԿԱՆԳ / STOP - and most important warnings use universal pictograms such as pedestrian crossings, steep descents, animals, and roadworks.
Conclusion: even if you don’t read Armenian, navigating by road signs is easy.
Speed Limits in Armenia
Unless otherwise indicated, the standard speed limits are:
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60 km/h - cities and villages
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90 km/h - regular intercity roads
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110 km/h - highways
Near schools, childcare facilities, and high-risk areas, lower limits of 30-40 km/h are increasingly common. These zones are usually well marked and often reinforced with speed bumps or cameras.
Many local drivers exceed the limits - which is exactly why speed cameras are densely installed in Yerevan and on key intercity routes.
How Speed Cameras and Police Checks Work
Speed Cameras: The Main Source of Fines
Armenia actively uses automatic speed and traffic cameras, especially in the capital and on busy roads.
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Cameras detect speeding and red-light violations
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A visible flash usually indicates a violation
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Cameras are installed along the roadside or above the roadway
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In Yerevan, they are concentrated on wide avenues and major intersections
Fines are issued automatically based on the vehicle’s license plate.
If you are driving a rental car, the notice goes to the vehicle owner, and the rental company forwards the fine to you later, sometimes after the trip has ended.
This is why many tourists do not learn about fines immediately.
Police Checks
Police also conduct mobile roadside checks, especially on major routes (for example, Yerevan-Gyumri).
Typically, officers ask for:
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a valid driving licence
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passport
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vehicle registration
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insurance documents
Foreign drivers may also be asked to confirm their legal stay in the country (visa or e-visa, if required).
Checks are usually calm and polite. Temporary confiscation of documents is possible, but generally only in cases of serious violations.
Alcohol and Driving: Almost Zero Tolerance
Armenia enforces a very strict alcohol limit:
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0.02% BAC (approximately 0.1 mg/l in breath)
Any amount above this is considered driving under the influence and can result in heavy fines and possible licence suspension.
Many tourists underestimate this rule. Even a single glass of wine can lead to a violation.
Simple rule: if you are driving, don’t drink at all.
Conclusion
Traffic rules in Armenia are strict but logical. Clear road markings, understandable signs, and automated enforcement make the system predictable for drivers who follow the rules.
Watch your speed, pay attention to cameras, and don’t ignore minor restrictions. Do that, and driving in Armenia will be exactly what it should be: calm, scenic, and free of unnecessary fines.