[3] Since the D8 closely follows the well-indented Croatian coastline, travel is considerably longer and less safe compared to the motorways because of numerous blind curves and at-grade intersections.

The section from Rijeka to Senj experiences heavy traffic in particular because many motorists are unwilling to take the longer route along A6 and A1.

This section will remain congested at peak times until eventual completion of the A7 motorway between Rupa and Žuta Lokva.

Originally, the D8 road terminated 30 km (20 mi) after Ploče, at the Klek border crossing to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the Adriatic Highway route runs across a tiny strip of Bosnia and Herzegovina territory around the town of Neum, and then resumed after reentering Croatia at Zaton Doli border crossing.

Since the bridge section is an expressway, pedestrians, bicycles and mopeds are not allowed on it and are still required to go through Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Furthermore, the road runs through or near a number of major Croatian cities, such as Rijeka, Zadar and Split, which add to the traffic volume significantly.

Conversely, the lowest traffic volume on the D8 road is observed near Karlobag due to comparatively less developed tourism and the absence of major cities in the area.