BiH Theory B cheat sheet
BiH Theory B · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Traffic Regulations and Road Signs
Priority signs: 'STOP' (octagon) requires a full stop at the line; 'Yield' (inverted triangle) requires giving way without necessarily stopping.
Speed limits in built-up areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina: generally 50 km/h; outside built-up areas 80 km/h; on motorways 130 km/h; on expressways 100 km/h.
Prohibition signs are circular with a red border (e.g., no entry, speed limit); mandatory signs are circular with a blue background (e.g., turn right, minimum speed).
Warning signs are triangular with a red border and indicate hazards ahead such as curves, intersections, or pedestrian crossings.
Information signs are rectangular, usually blue or green, and provide guidance such as parking, hospital, or motorway entry.
A solid white line along the road edge marks the edge of the carriageway; a broken line permits crossing when safe.
The general speed limit for a passenger car towing a trailer outside built-up areas is 80 km/h; on motorways it is 80 km/h unless otherwise posted.
Parking is prohibited within 5 meters of a pedestrian crossing, at intersections, and on sidewalks unless signed otherwise.
Traffic Signals, Markings and Right-of-Way
A flashing yellow traffic light means proceed with caution, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
A green arrow signal permits movement in the direction indicated only if the way is clear; other traffic may still have a red light.
At an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle approaching from the right has the right-of-way (right-hand rule).
When two vehicles approach an intersection from opposite directions and one is turning left, the left-turning vehicle must yield to the oncoming vehicle going straight or turning right.
A solid white stop line at an intersection requires a complete stop behind the line when the signal is red or when a STOP sign is present.
Pedestrians on a marked crosswalk have the right-of-way; drivers must stop and yield to them.
A yellow traffic light means stop unless stopping cannot be done safely; running a red light is a serious offense.
Directional arrows painted on the road indicate permitted lane movements; a straight-ahead arrow means no turning from that lane.
Safe Vehicle Operation and Defensive Driving
The two-second rule: maintain at least a two-second gap behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions; double it in rain or poor visibility.
Stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; at 50 km/h on dry asphalt, total stopping distance is about 27 meters.
Use low beams in fog, rain, or snow; high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.
When being overtaken, maintain speed and keep to the right; do not accelerate.
Before changing lanes, check mirrors, signal, check blind spot by turning your head, then maneuver.
In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go; avoid sudden braking.
Defensive driving includes scanning 12–15 seconds ahead, checking mirrors every 5–8 seconds, and anticipating other drivers' errors.
On wet roads, braking distance can double; on ice, it can increase up to ten times compared to dry pavement.
Road Safety and Accident Prevention
Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants; children under 12 years or shorter than 150 cm must use an appropriate child restraint.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited; hands-free devices are allowed only if they do not distract the driver.
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 0.03% (0.3 g/kg); for professional drivers it is 0.00%.
Headlights must be used at night and in conditions of reduced visibility; daytime running lights are recommended.
A driver must not drive when fatigued; after 2 hours of continuous driving, a break of at least 15 minutes is recommended.
In the event of a breakdown, place a warning triangle at least 50 meters behind the vehicle on roads outside built-up areas, and switch on hazard lights.
Winter tires are mandatory from November 15 to March 15 when winter conditions exist (snow, ice, or slush).
Helmets are mandatory for all motorcycle and moped riders.
Vehicle Technical Knowledge and Maintenance
Minimum tire tread depth is 1.6 mm for passenger cars; winter tires require at least 4 mm.
Tire pressure should be checked monthly and before long trips; under-inflation increases fuel consumption and tire wear.
Engine oil level should be checked with the engine cold and the vehicle on level ground; the level must be between MIN and MAX marks.
Coolant level should be checked when the engine is cold; never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time; it should be replaced every 2 years or as specified by the manufacturer.
The battery should be kept clean and terminals tight; a weak battery may prevent starting, especially in cold weather.
Dashboard warning lights: red indicates a serious fault requiring immediate stop; yellow indicates a fault to be checked soon.
The vehicle registration and technical inspection must be valid; technical inspection is required annually for most vehicles.
First Aid and Emergency Response
Emergency numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina: 112 for general emergencies, 122 for police, 123 for fire, 124 for ambulance.
At an accident scene, first ensure your own safety: park safely, switch on hazard lights, and wear a reflective vest.
Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, explosion, traffic); moving can worsen spinal injuries.
To control bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile dressing; elevate the limb if possible.
For an unconscious but breathing casualty, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to keep the airway open.
If a casualty is not breathing, start CPR: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
For burns, cool the area with running water for at least 10 minutes; do not apply ice, butter, or ointments.
In case of suspected shock, keep the casualty warm, lie them down, and raise their legs slightly unless a fracture is suspected.
Driver Obligations, Documentation and Penalties
A driver must carry a valid driving license, vehicle registration certificate, and proof of insurance at all times.
Driving without a valid license or insurance is a serious offense and can result in fines and vehicle impoundment.
The driver must report any accident involving injury or significant property damage to the police immediately.
Penalty points are assigned for traffic violations; accumulating a specified number of points can lead to license suspension.
Drivers must obey police orders, including requests to stop, provide documents, and submit to alcohol or drug testing.
The vehicle must have a valid technical inspection sticker and registration plates clearly visible and unobstructed.
Failure to wear a seat belt or use a child restraint is punishable by a fine.
Drivers are required to provide assistance at an accident scene unless doing so would endanger themselves or others.
Environmental Awareness and Fuel-Efficient Driving
Fuel-efficient driving (eco-driving) can reduce fuel consumption by 10–20% and lower CO2 emissions.
Maintain steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking; use cruise control on highways when safe.
Keep tires properly inflated; under-inflation increases rolling resistance and fuel use.
Remove unnecessary weight and roof racks to reduce aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption.
Shift to higher gears early (around 2000–2500 rpm for petrol engines) to save fuel.
Idling for more than 30 seconds wastes fuel; switch off the engine when waiting.
Regular maintenance, such as replacing air filters and spark plugs, improves fuel efficiency.
Use air conditioning sparingly; it can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.