Croatia Category CE Theory cheat sheet

Croatian road traffic law is the Zakon o sigurnosti prometa na cestama (ZSPS); it sets general speed limits, right-of-way, overtaking, alcohol and documentation duties.

Default speed limits in Croatia: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, 110 km/h on expressways (brza cesta) and 130 km/h on motorways (autocesta).

A combination (tractor unit plus trailer) is limited to 80 km/h on motorways and expressways and 80 km/h outside built-up areas where a higher limit would otherwise apply.

Maximum permitted blood alcohol for professional drivers and drivers of vehicles over 3.5 t is 0.00 g/kg; a lower limit of 0.5 g/kg applies to other drivers, and refusal of testing is an offence.

Right-hand traffic; overtaking is on the left, and a vehicle over 3.5 t may not overtake where a sign or solid line prohibits it or where visibility is insufficient.

Safety distance: a following driver must be able to stop behind a vehicle that stops suddenly; the practical rule is at least the distance covered in 2 seconds, doubled in rain or on wet asphalt.

At a pedestrian crossing the driver must stop for a pedestrian already on the crossing or clearly about to step onto it; overtaking at a crossing is prohibited.

Emergency corridor (spasilački koridor): on motorways with two or more lanes per direction, drivers form a gap between the two leftmost lanes for emergency vehicles.

Sign hierarchy: police officer or authorised person's signals override traffic lights, which override traffic signs, which override road markings.

Triangular signs with red border are warnings; red-bordered circles are prohibitions; blue circles are mandatory instructions; rectangular blue or green signs give information.

A solid white centre line may not be crossed or straddled; a broken line may be crossed when overtaking or turning is safe and permitted.

A yellow zig-zag or continuous yellow line marks a no-stopping zone; a single yellow line along the kerb restricts stopping according to the accompanying sign.

Weight-limit signs (circle with tonne figure) apply to the total actual mass of the vehicle or combination; axle-load signs apply per axle or axle group.

Height, width and length restriction signs give the maximum permitted dimension in metres; the driver must know the combination's actual dimensions before entering.

Traffic light sequence: red, red plus amber, green, amber, red; a flashing amber light means proceed with extra caution and give way as at a priority sign.

Temporary (yellow background) signs and markings from roadworks override permanent signs; temporary speed limits are enforceable.

Fifth-wheel coupling load (S value) is the vertical load the tractor's fifth wheel carries; it must lie within the tractor's and trailer's permitted kingpin load ratings.

The coupling must be locked and the locking handle secured; after coupling, perform a pull test and visually confirm the jaw is closed around the kingpin.

Connect the emergency (supply) line first and the service (control) line second; on uncoupling, disconnect the service line first so the trailer brakes apply.

Two-line air brake system: the red line is the supply reservoir line, the yellow line is the service/control line; loss of supply pressure automatically applies the trailer parking brake.

Dual-circuit service brake plus spring (parking) brake on the tractor; the trailer has its own spring brakes that release only when supply pressure exceeds roughly 4.5-5.5 bar.

Before driving, check that air pressure has built up to the manufacturer's cut-out pressure (typically around 8-10 bar) and that the low-pressure warning has gone out.

Anti-lock braking (ABS/EBS) warning lamp must extinguish after the self-test; a lamp that stays on means the system is degraded and the combination should not be operated.

Trailer parking brake lever must be applied whenever the trailer is uncoupled; the tractor's parking brake alone does not hold an uncoupled trailer.

Stopping distance = reaction distance (speed in m/s x reaction time) plus braking distance; at 80 km/h a 1-second reaction alone covers about 22 m.

Braking distance grows with the square of speed: doubling speed quadruples braking distance, and a laden combination needs far more distance than a solo tractor.

Off-tracking: the rear of a long combination cuts inside the front wheels in a turn, so swing wide before turning and check the trailer path in the mirrors.

Trailer swing-out (tail swing) occurs at the front of the trailer when the tractor turns sharply; keep clearance from kerbs, poles and pedestrians on the outside of the turn.

Downhill on a long gradient, select a low gear before the descent and use engine braking or a retarder; continuous service braking causes brake fade and overheating.

Speed on a bend must be set before the bend; braking hard mid-corner on a high-centre-of-gravity combination risks rollover.

In strong crosswind an empty or lightly loaded trailer is more unstable; reduce speed and be ready to correct steering.

Blind spots: check mirrors before every lane change, and remember a right-hand-drive blind side on the passenger side of a left-hand-drive tractor.

General maximum dimensions in Croatia: width 2.55 m, height 4.0 m, and length 16.5 m for an articulated combination (tractor plus semi-trailer).

Maximum authorised mass for a road train or articulated combination is generally 40 t; higher masses (up to 44 t for certain intermodal transport) require the specific permit conditions.

Maximum drive-axle load is commonly 11.5 t for a two-axle tractor unit; the trailer axle group limit depends on the number of axles and axle spacing.

The load must be distributed so no axle exceeds its permitted load; check the axle-load calculation or weighbridge before departure.

Load securing: use rated straps, chains or twist locks; the total lashing capacity must be at least the load mass times the appropriate factor for the securing method.

The load must not project beyond the front of the vehicle or beyond the rear more than the permitted overhang without marking; projecting loads require a warning marker.

A load that could fall, shift or cause dust must be covered or secured; loose bulk loads must be sheeted on public roads.

Overloading is an offence; the driver is responsible for the actual mass and dimensions of the combination at the time of driving.

Daily driving limit is 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice in a week; weekly driving limit is 56 hours and the two-week limit is 90 hours.

After 4.5 hours of driving a driver must take a break of at least 45 minutes, which may be split into 15 minutes then 30 minutes.

Daily rest is normally 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours at most three times between weekly rests; a split daily rest is 3 hours plus 9 hours.

A weekly rest is at least 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours away from base with compensating rest taken before the end of the third following week.

The digital tachograph records driving, other work, availability and rest; manual entries are required for periods not recorded automatically, such as ferry crossings.

Drivers must carry the driver card, tachograph printouts for the current day plus the previous 28 days, and produce them on request.

Working time (including driving and other work) must not exceed 60 hours in a single week or an average of 48 hours over a 17-week reference period.

Night work must not exceed 10 hours in any 24-hour period unless a collective agreement provides otherwise.

Scene safety first: switch on hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest, place the warning triangle at least 50 m behind the vehicle (further on motorways, roughly 100 m).

Call the emergency number 112 in Croatia and give location, number of casualties, hazards and your callback number.

Check responsiveness and breathing; if the casualty is not breathing normally, start chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, depth 5-6 cm, and use an AED if available.

Do not move a casualty with suspected spinal injury unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and a dressing; do not remove an object embedded in a wound.

For a burn, cool with clean running water for at least 10 minutes and do not burst blisters or apply grease.

After an accident involving injury, the driver must stop, secure the scene, give first aid and remain until the police arrive; leaving the scene is a serious offence.

Exchange details with other parties and complete the European accident statement (europsko izvješće) where there are no injuries and vehicles can be moved.

Fuel consumption rises steeply above about 80-90 km/h because aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed; keeping to the combination's limit saves fuel.

Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance; under-inflation by 10% can increase fuel use noticeably and raises tyre temperature and blowout risk.

Euro emission standards (Euro III to Euro VI) set limits on NOx, particulate matter and CO; low-emission zones may restrict older vehicles.

Idling wastes fuel and increases emissions; switch off the engine during long waits where the vehicle is stationary.

Anticipatory driving, using engine braking and avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking cuts fuel use and brake wear.

Daily walk-around checks: tyres and pressures, lights, brake and air lines, coupling, load security, fluid levels and warning lamps.

AdBlue (urea) is required for SCR-equipped engines; running out can derate the engine, so keep the tank topped up.

Spilled fuel, oil or coolant must be contained and cleaned up; report significant spills and never wash them into drains or watercourses.

Documents to carry: driving licence with the correct category (C+E for a tractor plus semi-trailer), vehicle registration certificate, proof of insurance and the tachograph records.

Category C+E covers a tractor unit with a semi-trailer and a lorry with a trailer where the combination exceeds 3.5 t; a trailer over 750 kg behind a C vehicle needs E.

Compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (obvezno osiguranje od automobilske odgovornosti) is required for every motor vehicle and trailer.

Cargo insurance and Green Card coverage may be needed for international transport; check the validity of the Green Card in each country transited.

The transport operator must hold a community licence (licenca Zajednice) for international carriage and a transport manager for the required good repute.

Driver CPC (periodic training) is required for professional drivers; the driver qualification card or certificate must be carried.

ADR rules apply when carrying dangerous goods; the driver needs an ADR certificate and the vehicle must have the correct orange plates and equipment.

The driver must be fit to drive: medical certificate, no alcohol above the limit and no impairing medication; fitness is checked at roadside controls.

Built-up area limit 50 km/h; outside built-up areas 90 km/h; expressway 110 km/h; motorway 130 km/h unless a sign states otherwise.

A combination over 3.5 t is limited to 80 km/h on motorways and expressways and must keep to the right-hand lane except when overtaking.

Professional drivers and drivers of vehicles over 3.5 t must have 0.00 g/kg blood alcohol; refusal of a breath test is an offence.

Right-hand traffic; overtaking is on the left and is prohibited at pedestrian crossings and where a solid line or sign forbids it.

Maintain at least a 2-second following gap in dry conditions and double it in rain, on wet asphalt or when heavily laden.

Form an emergency corridor between the two leftmost lanes on a motorway when traffic queues, to let emergency vehicles through.

At a pedestrian crossing, stop for a pedestrian on the crossing or clearly about to step onto it; do not overtake at a crossing.

Hierarchy: police officer's signals override traffic lights, which override traffic signs, which override road markings.

Red-bordered triangle = warning; red-bordered circle = prohibition; blue circle = mandatory instruction; rectangular blue/green = information.

A solid white centre line must not be crossed or straddled; a broken line may be crossed when it is safe and permitted.

Weight-limit signs apply to total actual mass; axle-load signs apply per axle or axle group; height and width signs give metres.

Traffic light sequence is red, red plus amber, green, amber, red; flashing amber means proceed with extra caution.

Temporary yellow-background signs and markings from roadworks override permanent ones and are enforceable.

Yellow lines along the kerb mark stopping restrictions; a yellow zig-zag marks a no-stopping zone.

Fifth-wheel load (S value) is the vertical load on the tractor's fifth wheel; it must stay within the tractor's and trailer's kingpin ratings.

After coupling, confirm the jaw is locked around the kingpin, secure the handle and do a pull test before moving off.

Connect the emergency (supply) line first and the service (control) line second; on uncoupling, disconnect the service line first so the trailer brakes apply.

Red line = supply reservoir line; yellow line = service/control line; loss of supply pressure automatically applies the trailer spring brakes.

Trailer spring brakes release only when supply pressure exceeds roughly 4.5-5.5 bar; wait for the low-pressure warning to go out before driving.

An ABS/EBS warning lamp that stays on after the self-test means a degraded system; do not operate the combination.

Apply the trailer parking brake whenever the trailer is uncoupled; the tractor's parking brake does not hold an uncoupled trailer.

Stopping distance = reaction distance plus braking distance; at 80 km/h a 1-second reaction covers about 22 m before braking begins.

Braking distance grows with the square of speed: doubling speed quadruples the braking distance.

Off-tracking: the rear of a long combination cuts inside the front wheels in a turn; swing wide and check the trailer path in the mirrors.

Tail swing at the front of the trailer can strike kerbs, poles or pedestrians on the outside of a sharp turn; keep clearance.

On a long descent select a low gear before the gradient and use engine braking or a retarder to avoid brake fade.

Set the speed before a bend; braking hard mid-corner on a high-centre-of-gravity combination risks rollover.

An empty or lightly loaded trailer is more affected by crosswind; reduce speed and be ready to correct steering.

General maximum dimensions: width 2.55 m, height 4.0 m, and length 16.5 m for an articulated combination (tractor plus semi-trailer).

Maximum authorised mass for an articulated combination is generally 40 t; higher masses require the specific permit conditions.

Drive-axle load is commonly limited to 11.5 t for a two-axle tractor unit; trailer axle-group limits depend on the number of axles and spacing.

Distribute the load so no axle exceeds its permitted load; confirm with an axle-load calculation or weighbridge before departure.

Load securing: the total lashing capacity must be at least the load mass times the appropriate factor for the securing method used.

A load that could fall, shift or cause dust must be covered or secured; loose bulk loads must be sheeted on public roads.

The driver is responsible for the actual mass and dimensions of the combination at the time of driving; overloading is an offence.

Daily driving limit 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice a week; weekly limit 56 hours; two-week limit 90 hours.

After 4.5 hours of driving take a break of at least 45 minutes, which may be split into 15 minutes then 30 minutes.

Daily rest is normally 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours at most three times between weekly rests; a split daily rest is 3 hours plus 9 hours.

Weekly rest is at least 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours away from base with compensation taken before the end of the third following week.

Working time must not exceed 60 hours in a single week or an average of 48 hours over a 17-week reference period.

Night work must not exceed 10 hours in any 24-hour period unless a collective agreement provides otherwise.

Carry the driver card and tachograph printouts for the current day plus the previous 28 days and produce them on request.

Scene safety first: hazard lights on, high-visibility vest on, warning triangle at least 50 m behind the vehicle and roughly 100 m on a motorway.

Call 112 in Croatia and give location, number of casualties, hazards and a callback number.

If the casualty is not breathing normally, start chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, depth 5-6 cm, and use an AED if available.

Do not move a casualty with suspected spinal injury unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and a dressing; do not remove an object embedded in a wound.

After an accident involving injury the driver must stop, secure the scene, give first aid and remain until the police arrive.

Where there are no injuries and the vehicles can be moved, exchange details and complete the European accident statement.

Aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed, so fuel consumption climbs steeply above about 80-90 km/h.

Under-inflation by 10% increases fuel use and raises tyre temperature and blowout risk; check pressures when tyres are cold.

Euro emission standards (Euro III to Euro VI) limit NOx, particulate matter and CO; low-emission zones may restrict older vehicles.

Idling wastes fuel and increases emissions; switch off the engine during long stationary waits.

Anticipatory driving with engine braking cuts fuel use and brake wear compared with repeated hard acceleration and braking.

AdBlue (urea) is required for SCR-equipped engines; running out can derate the engine, so keep the tank topped up.

Spilled fuel, oil or coolant must be contained and cleaned up and never washed into drains or watercourses.

Carry the driving licence with the correct category, vehicle registration certificate, proof of insurance and tachograph records.

Category C+E covers a tractor unit with a semi-trailer and a lorry with a trailer where the combination exceeds 3.5 t; a trailer over 750 kg behind a C vehicle needs E.

Compulsory motor third-party liability insurance is required for every motor vehicle and trailer.

Cargo insurance and Green Card coverage may be needed for international transport; check validity in each country transited.

A community licence is required for international carriage, and the operator must have a transport manager of good repute.

Driver CPC periodic training is required for professional drivers; carry the driver qualification card or certificate.

ADR rules apply when carrying dangerous goods; the driver needs an ADR certificate and the vehicle needs orange plates and equipment.