ChileChile

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Chile. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Chile

1. Chile

Chile forms a long, narrow strip along the Pacific coast of South America, between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, bordering Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. Traffic drives on the right. Its exceptional north-south length creates very different driving environments, from desert highways in the Atacama to congested roads around Santiago, Andean mountain passes and remote routes through Patagonia. In winter, snow and ice can affect high-altitude and southern roads, and snow chains may become compulsory when road authorities require them.

Chile has no nationwide vignette, but many concessioned motorways charge tolls. Santiago's urban motorways and a growing number of interurban routes use electronic TAG and Free Flow collection, while payment arrangements vary between roads. The general maximum speed is 50 km/h in urban areas and up to 100 or 120 km/h on rural roads depending on their configuration. Written road signs are primarily in Spanish, and Santiago also applies seasonal vehicle restrictions to certain older vehicles during periods of winter air-pollution control.

Let's explore the traffic rules of Chile.
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA

What is the alcohol limit for drivers in Chile?

Chile’s Traffic Act classifies a test result above 0.3‰ and below 0.8‰ as driving under the influence of alcohol. A result of 0.8‰ or more is classified as intoxication. The lower endpoint is not inclusive. These are legal classifications, not safe drinking targets; do not drink alcohol before driving.

🔗 mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • CONASET, Chile ClassB Driver Handbook, updated 6 August 2024

🔗 nuevo.leychile.cl • Chilean National Congress, Traffic Act, relevant Articles 75,109–111 and 145–146; read with updated CONASET guidance

What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Chile?

Built-up areas: The general maximum speed in urban areas is 50 km/h, unless a different limit is posted.

Rural roads with one lane in each direction: For light vehicles, the general maximum is 100 km/h on rural roads with one traffic lane in each direction.

Multi-lane rural roads: On rural roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, the general maximum for light vehicles is 120 km/h, unless a different limit is posted.

School zones: The maximum is 30 km/h in school zones during the times when pupils are entering or leaving school.

Posted limits: The competent road authority may establish higher or lower limits for a particular road or section following the applicable technical criteria, so posted signs take precedence.

🔗 mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • CONASET, Chile ClassB Driver Handbook, updated 6 August 2024

🔗 nuevo.leychile.cl • Chilean National Congress, Traffic Act, relevant Articles 75,109–111 and 145–146; read with updated CONASET guidance

Are seat belts compulsory in Chile?

Yes. Seat belts are compulsory for occupants in both the front and rear seats where the vehicle is required to have them.

🔗 mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • CONASET, Chile ClassB Driver Handbook, updated 6 August 2024

🔗 nuevo.leychile.cl • Chilean National Congress, Traffic Act, relevant Articles 75,109–111 and 145–146; read with updated CONASET guidance

Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Chile?

You may not manipulate a mobile phone or other electronic device while driving. The prohibition also applies while waiting at a red traffic light, Stop sign or in stationary traffic. Proper hands-free use is permitted.

🔗 mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • CONASET, Chile ClassB Driver Handbook, updated 6 August 2024

What safety equipment must a car carry in Chile?

CONASET’s current pre-drive checklist says to carry emergency reflective devices, a fire extinguisher, a spare wheel and the tools needed to change it. Its emergency-stopping guidance also says to wear a high-visibility vest when leaving the vehicle.

🔗 mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • CONASET, Libro para la conducción en Chile, Class B, February 2026, pre-drive checklist and emergency stopping

When must children use a child seat in Chile?

Children under nine normally need an appropriate child-restraint system; the official guidance also specifies the applicable height and weight criteria. Children under 12 must travel in the rear seats, with a statutory exception for single-cab vehicles. The child-restraint obligation has vehicle and service exceptions, including taxis. Check CONASET’s guidance for the restraint suitable for the child and vehicle.

🔗 mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • CONASET, Chile ClassB Driver Handbook, updated 6 August 2024

🔗 nuevo.leychile.cl • Chilean National Congress, Traffic Act, relevant Articles 75,109–111 and 145–146; read with updated CONASET guidance

Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Chile?

Yes. Both the motorcycle rider and passenger must wear an approved protective helmet.

🔗 bcn.cl • Chile, Decreto 231, article 1, protective helmets for riders and accompanying passengers; 🔗 subtrans.gob.cl • Chilean Subsecretariat of Transport, motorcycle helmet accreditation

Advisory speed

1 Chile 2 Advisory speed 3 Slope 4 Bus stop 5 Stop sign 6 Give way 7 Railway crossing 8 School area 9 Overtaking 10 Crossing animals 11 Curve 12 Traffic lights 13 Reversing 14 Uncontrolled crossroad 15 Provisional licence 16 City limit 17 Bus 18 Police 19 Ambulance 20 Pothole 21 Path 22 Particulates 23 Air pollution 24 Rush hour 25 Road code 26 Street gutter 27 Cargo bike 28 Forestry vehicle 29 Construction vehicle 30 Semi-trailer truck 31 Trolleybus 32 Speed pedelec 33 Delivery vehicle 34 Idling 35 Tow truck 36 Four-wheel drive 37 Bicycle 38 Motorcycle equipment 39 Rail track 40 Caravan 41 Trailer 42 Tow hitch 43 Fire truck 44 Siren 45 Convoy 46 Emergency vehicle lighting 47 Agricultural machinery 48 Electric bicycle 49 Electric vehicle 50 Pedelec 51 Quadricycle 52 Microcar 53 All-terrain vehicle 54 Van 55 Recreational vehicle 56 Scooter 57 Trikke 58 Personal mobility device 59 Skateboard 60 Segway 61 Kick scooter 62 Roller skates 63 Mailman 64 Hitchhiker 65 Toddler 66 Child 67 Disability 68 Motorail 69 km/h 70 mph 71 Speedometer 72 Ride height 73 Dirt road 74 Driving 75 Start-stop system 76 Manual transmission 77 Automatic transmission 78 Throttle 79 Tachometer 80 Steering wheel 81 Power steering 82 Visual scanning 83 Mirror 84 Fuel 85 Fuel gauge 86 Petrol 87 Diesel 88 Diesel exhaust fluid 89 Car insurance 90 First aid kit 91 Fire extinguisher 92 High-visibility clothing 93 First aid 94 Concrete step barrier 95 Barriers 96 Vehicle lights 97 Street lights 98 Dipped beam 99 High beam 100 Fog lights ...