The End of SMART Cards on Highways: Spend or Transfer Your Money by September 30
As of October 1, the SMART card will no longer be a payment method on highways operated by Croatian Motorways. Drivers have two options for their remaining funds.
As of October 1, the SMART card will no longer be a payment method on highways operated by Croatian Motorways. Drivers have two options for their remaining funds.
Drivers who still have a SMART card for toll payment in their car's glove compartment will have to decide by the end of September what to do with the remaining money on it. Namely, from October 1, 2026, this card will completely cease to function as a payment method on highways operated by Croatian Motorways (HAC).
The change has actually already begun. As of July 1, 2026, the option to top up SMART cards has been discontinued. However, funds already on the cards can still be used to pay tolls, but only until September 30, 2026. After that date, the card will no longer be valid, and any unused money will remain locked in the account unless the user takes action.
The good news is that the money doesn't have to be lost. Croatian Motorways offers users two clear options. Those who wish to continue with electronic toll collection can transfer the remaining amount from their SMART prepaid account to an ENC prepaid account. In that case, it is possible to exchange the SMART card for an ENC device at HAC sales offices.
For drivers who do not want to switch to the ENC system, the second option is to request the closure of the SMART prepaid account and a refund of the available money. The refund request can be sent to Croatian Motorways via email or submitted in person at one of their sales offices.
Since the SMART system was in use for years, especially on highways previously operated by Autocesta Rijeka, Zagreb, it's not uncommon for such a card to still be in cars, even among those who use it only occasionally. This is precisely why there is a risk that the deadline may pass unnoticed.
Someone who uses the SMART card only a few times a year might not even notice that top-ups have been discontinued, until they try to use the card again or add funds to it. Therefore, the simplest thing is to check the card's balance right now. If there's no money on it, there's no reason to worry. But if there is, you need to decide by the end of September whether to spend it, transfer it to ENC, or request a refund.
