Speed LimitsColombia Highway Speed: 120 km/h — Tolls, Mountains, 0.02 Alcohol
Most sources give one number for Colombia, but different limits apply by weather, vehicle and driver experience. Interactive calculator below.
Motorway speed limit in Colombia: 120 km/h.
The mountains, not the limit, set your speed
Colombia posts 120 km/h on its best highways, but the terrain rules the day: much of the country is Andean mountain road, full of switchbacks, trucks grinding uphill and sudden weather, so real journey times run far longer than the distance suggests. Expect frequent peajes (toll booths) on the main routes — keep pesos handy. The drink-drive limit is a strict 0.02, and fines are pegged to minimum-wage units, so 30 km/h over works out around €190 and up. Police checkpoints are routine on intercity roads. Drive the daylight hours, watch for landslide diversions in the wet season, and treat the mountain sections with respect.
Speed Limits in Colombia — Full Breakdown
Speed limits in Colombia vary by road type and vehicle category.
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks |
|———–|——|——–|
| Urban | 60 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Rural | 80 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Motorway | 120 km/h | 100 km/h |
Urban Speed Limits
The urban speed limit in Colombia is 60 km/h for passenger vehicles. Watch for variable speed signs in city centres.
Motorway Speed Limits
The maximum speed on Colombia’s motorways is 120 km/h for passenger vehicles.
Trucks and heavy vehicles are limited to 100 km/h on the same roads.
Speeding Penalties
A speeding fine for going 10 km/h over the limit is approximately COP 416,000 (approx. EUR 95) — 8 SMLDV.
Check exact speed limits for your route
Open Speed Limit MapWhat Most Guides Don’t Tell You
Local Enforcement
Enforcement standards in Colombia vary by region. Motorway stretches near cities tend to be monitored more heavily than remote rural roads.
Rental companies will forward any camera-generated fines to your payment card, plus an administration surcharge that can double the original amount.
Truck Speed Limits
Heavy vehicles on Colombia motorways are capped at 100 km/h, creating a speed differential of 20 km/h with passenger cars. Be alert when overtaking or merging.
Mandatory Equipment
A speed check often turns into a full vehicle inspection. Make sure you carry a warning triangle, reflective vest, first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Missing any of these items is a separate offence with its own fine.
Alcohol and Speed
The blood alcohol limit in Colombia is effectively zero (0.02). Being marginally over the limit while also speeding compounds both penalties.
How Colombia Compares
| Country | Urban | Rural | Motorway | Driving Side |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 60 km/h | 80 km/h | 120 km/h | Right |
| Chile | 60 km/h | 100 km/h | 120 km/h | Right |
| Suriname | 40 km/h | 80 km/h | 100 km/h | Left |
| Venezuela | 40 km/h | 80 km/h | 120 km/h | Right |
| Uruguay | 45 km/h | 90 km/h | 110 km/h | Right |
Key Facts at a Glance
| Country | Colombia |
| Urban speed limit | 60 km/h |
| Rural speed limit | 80 km/h |
| Motorway speed limit | 120 km/h |
| Truck motorway limit | 100 km/h |
| Driving side | Right |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.02 |
| Emergency number | 123 |
More Resources
Full rules, fines & requirements
Winter tyres, tread depth & rules
Renting a Car?
Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare Car Rental PricesSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Related Questions
The motorway speed limit in Colombia is 120 km/h for cars.
The default urban speed limit in Colombia is 60 km/h.
Trucks are limited to 100 km/h on motorways in Colombia.