- by croatiaweek
- October 30, 2025
-
in
News
Eyes in the Sky: Police drones to monitor Croatia’s roads daily
A new chapter in Croatian traffic enforcement began on Wednesday as dozens of Interior Ministry drones took to the skies above roads across the country.
The large-scale police operation, involving the maximum number of officers, marks the start of an era in which advanced drone technology will play a key role in monitoring traffic violations, Jutarnji list reported.
Police say the move aims not only to issue more fines but to foster long-term behavioural change among drivers.
Since the start of 2025, 228 people have lost their lives in road accidents, 24 more than in the same period last year.
Authorities hope that constant aerial monitoring will help reduce such figures, particularly in accidents with the most severe consequences.
“We expect this will bring what we call the certainty of punishment. People won’t know where we are or necessarily see officers, but they will expect a fine for any offence. That awareness is more important than the fine itself,” Drago Bukovčak, Assistant Chief of Zagreb’s First Traffic Police Station, told Jutarnji list.
Until now, drones were mainly used at crash sites to detect skid marks and gather evidence.
Their new role allows them to monitor a much wider area than fixed cameras, identifying drivers without seatbelts, those using mobile phones, or running red lights.
Fines can be issued on the spot through patrol units or later via post, with data processed through the Police Printing Centre in Zadar.
Zagreb
More drones are expected to arrive soon, alongside newly trained pilots.
“They will patrol the roads almost daily,” Bukovčak added. “The aim is not just more fines, but safer, more responsible driving across Croatia.”
