RoadworksPanama

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Panama. 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

Panama

1. Roadworks

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road. They may temporarily change the road layout, lane widths, speed limits, priority, permitted directions and facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.

Drivers must follow the temporary signs, traffic lights, barriers, road markings and instructions from authorised personnel. They should reduce speed, increase their following distance and remain prepared for narrow lanes, stopped traffic, workers, machinery and sudden changes in the route.

What should you watch for when approaching roadworks in Panama?

Look for temporary warnings, cones, barriers, narrow lanes and construction vehicles. Road layouts can change temporarily, including lane shifts, traffic-light control and short one-way sections. Expect workers and slow or stationary traffic near the worksite.

🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 147–184: actual controls, circulation, signs, parking and safe speed

🔗 infojuridica.procuraduria-admon.gob.pa • Procuraduría official amendment register — Decree 640/2006, currency and modifying instruments

Is a temporary speed limit at roadworks binding in Panama?

Where an authorised temporary regulatory speed limit is in force, you must obey it. A roadworks warning alone should not be mistaken for a new numerical limit, but conditions may require driving more slowly.

🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 147–184: actual controls, circulation, signs, parking and safe speed

🔗 infojuridica.procuraduria-admon.gob.pa • Procuraduría official amendment register — Decree 640/2006, currency and modifying instruments

What if only one lane remains open through roadworks in Panama?

Follow the temporary signals, stop/go instructions, lane arrows and priority signs. Do not enter an opposing traffic lane until permitted, and give vulnerable road users and road workers extra room.

🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 147–184: actual controls, circulation, signs, parking and safe speed

🔗 infojuridica.procuraduria-admon.gob.pa • Procuraduría official amendment register — Decree 640/2006, currency and modifying instruments

Warning for roadworks.

English • Traffic sign P-24 / P-2-4 in ENA • Roadworks. Reduce speed and follow temporary signs and workers' instructions. The ENA drawing prints P-2-4 beside the worker, but its notes refer to P-24 and require orange backgrounds for work signs. The yellow illustration is identified only at roadworks-family level.

Español • P-24 / P-2-4 en ENA • Trabajos en la vía. Advierte trabajos en la carretera. Reduzca la velocidad y siga la señalización temporal y las indicaciones del personal de la obra. El plano ENA imprime P-2-4 junto al trabajador, pero sus notas remiten a P-24 y exigen fondo naranja para señales de obras. La ilustración amarilla se identifica únicamente como familia de trabajos en la vía.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2014-04-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.