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Traffic lightsUruguay

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

9. Traffic lights

Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.

A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.

Traffic lights
Traffic lights at Avenida 18 de Julio and Avenida Constituyente. (Montevideo, Uruguay)
Wikimedia.org • Aleksandrs Timofejev • CC BY
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in Uruguay?

Stop on steady red at the marked line or before entering the crossing. On amber, prepare to stop unless already in the crossing or stopping would endanger traffic. Green permits proceeding or turning right; a left turn from a two-way street with signals needs the expressly authorised signage. Do not enter a blocked junction.

🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, Law 18,191, article 36, updated traffic-light rules; 🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, Law 18,191, article 17, updated text

May you turn at a red traffic light in Uruguay?

A steady red light requires a stop. When a green arrow is displayed with red, article 36 allows cautious movement only in the arrow’s direction. Respect the applicable priority rules and check pedestrians and other traffic; an ordinary red indication alone does not permit a turn.

🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, Law 18,191, article 36, updated traffic-light rules; 🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, Law 18,191, article 17, updated text

Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in Uruguay?

No. A green signal is not a guarantee that the junction is empty. Check for people already crossing, vehicles completing a movement and any separate pedestrian, bicycle or turning signals. Do not enter if you cannot clear the junction safely.

🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, Law 18,191, article 36, updated traffic-light rules; 🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, Law 18,191, article 17, updated text

1 Uruguay 2 Pedestrian warning 3 Speed bump 4 Stop sign 5 Roundabout 6 Railway crossing 7 Curve 8 Wrong-way driving 9 Traffic lights 10 Location marker 11 No parking 12 Reversing 13 Bus 14 Police 15 Ambulance 16 Pothole 17 Path 18 Particulates 19 Air pollution 20 Rush hour 21 Road code 22 Street gutter 23 Cargo bike 24 Forestry vehicle 25 Construction vehicle 26 Semi-trailer truck 27 Trolleybus 28 Speed pedelec 29 Delivery vehicle 30 Idling 31 Tow truck 32 Four-wheel drive 33 Bicycle 34 Motorcycle equipment 35 Rail track 36 Caravan 37 Trailer 38 Tow hitch 39 Siren 40 Convoy 41 Emergency vehicle lighting 42 Agricultural machinery 43 Electric bicycle 44 Electric vehicle 45 Pedelec 46 Quadricycle 47 Microcar 48 All-terrain vehicle 49 Van 50 Recreational vehicle 51 Scooter 52 Trikke 53 Personal mobility device 54 Skateboard 55 Segway 56 Kick scooter 57 Roller skates 58 Mailman 59 Hitchhiker 60 Toddler 61 Child 62 Disability 63 Motorail 64 km/h 65 mph 66 Speedometer 67 Ride height 68 Dirt road 69 Driving 70 Start-stop system 71 Manual transmission 72 Automatic transmission 73 Throttle 74 Tachometer 75 Steering wheel 76 Power steering 77 Visual scanning 78 Mirror 79 Fuel 80 Fuel gauge 81 Petrol 82 Diesel 83 Diesel exhaust fluid 84 Car insurance 85 First aid kit 86 Fire extinguisher 87 High-visibility clothing 88 First aid 89 Concrete step barrier 90 Barriers 91 Vehicle lights 92 Street lights 93 Dipped beam 94 High beam 95 Fog lights 96 Front fog lights 97 Rear fog lights 98 Side lights 99 Turn signals 100 Hazard lights ...