ColombiaColombia
Traffic rules
Colombia
1. Colombia
Colombia occupies the northwestern corner of South America, with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean and the Andes dividing into several mountain ranges across the country. Traffic drives on the right. Intercity journeys frequently involve steep gradients, long descents and winding mountain roads, while periods of intense rainfall can cause landslides, flooding and temporary road closures. Driving conditions therefore vary considerably between major cities, high-altitude Andean routes and lower tropical regions.
Colombia has a national traffic code, but cities can impose local circulation measures such as Pico y Placa, which restricts vehicles according to registration plates and schedules. There is no nationwide vignette; many major roads use toll plazas, and the interoperable Colpass system allows electronic toll payment with an RFID tag. National law generally caps urban roads at 50 km/h, school and residential zones at 30 km/h and national or departmental roads at 90 km/h, while qualifying divided roads can allow up to 120 km/h. Written road information is primarily in Spanish.
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What is the alcohol limit for drivers in Colombia?
Colombia does not use a simple permitted BAC limit in the usual sense. Administrative drink-driving sanctions begin at 20 mg of ethanol per 100 ml of blood (0.02%), classified as grado cero de alcoholemia. The practical rule is therefore not to drink before driving.
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Colombia?
Built-up areas: The competent local authority sets and signs the limit, but the general national ceiling is 50 km/h on urban roads and municipal roads. Lower limits are common and must be followed.
School and residential zones: The national maximum in school and residential zones is 30 km/h.
National and departmental roads: The road authority determines and signs the applicable speed according to the road, but the general national ceiling is 90 km/h, subject to the specific divided-road exception and other legally established arrangements.
Divided roads: On a divided road with no pedestrian crossings incorporated into its design, the legal maximum can be 120 km/h. This is not a universal motorway limit, so always follow the posted speed.
Are seat belts compulsory in Colombia?
Yes. The driver and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts on all roads. Rear-seat belt use is also compulsory in vehicles manufactured from 2004 onward, according to the applicable regulations.
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Colombia?
Using a mobile communication system or phone while driving is prohibited unless it is used with hands-free accessories or auxiliary equipment. Handling the phone while driving should therefore be avoided.
What safety equipment must a car carry in Colombia?
The mandatory road kit includes items such as two warning triangles or flashing yellow warning lamps, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher. The statutory equipment list also includes a jack, wheel wrench, two wheel chocks, basic tools, a spare tyre and a flashlight.
Can young children sit in the front seat in Colombia?
Children under 10 may not travel in the front seat. The Traffic Code also requires a securely fixed rear-seat safety seat for a child under two travelling only with the driver. Use an appropriate restraint and follow the applicable vehicle rules.
🔗 cancilleria.gov.co • Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Traffic Code, Articles 25 and 82
Can tourists drive in Colombia with a foreign licence?
Yes. A valid foreign driving licence held by a tourist or a person in transit is accepted during their authorised stay, subject to the applicable international provisions. Make sure it covers the vehicle you drive and remains valid throughout the visit.
🔗 cancilleria.gov.co • Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Traffic Code, Articles 25 and 82
