Andorra on a British Licence — Recognised, Plus the Side Switch & Mountain Roads

The question people ask first is whether a British licence is accepted in Andorra. It is. GOV.UK’s advice says you can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive there, and the Andorran traffic code, Llei 12/2021, accepts national licences built on the Geneva or Vienna model. The exception is an old paper licence, which may need updating to a photocard, or the right IDP alongside it.

What the paperwork looks like

• Photocard licence: enough on its own.
• Paper licence: update it, or carry the right IDP as well.
• IDP: Andorra’s code accepts 1949 and 1968 permits with the national licence, and the country acceded to the 1968 Convention on 25 September 2024. You do not need one with a photocard.
• Hire car: firms often set stricter terms than the law, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and an IDP. Ask before you pay a deposit.
• Your own car: GOV.UK reminds drivers to check whether a UK sticker is needed outside the UK. That applies to a car you bring, not one you rent.

The Driving Permit Checker shows the rule for each border you cross on the way.

The side switch, on the worst roads to learn it

The UK drives on the left and Andorra on the right. There are no motorways: the country is a set of Pyrenean valleys, and the roads climb, twist and narrow as you go. A wrong-side reflex you might get away with on a wide road has far less margin on a tight bend, so take your first stretch slowly and check which side you belong on at every junction. The duty-free shopping draw also means approach roads can clog at peak times.

Speeds, in miles per hour

Andorra’s traffic code sets 90 km/h on general roads, 60 on secondary roads and 50 in urban areas, with 30 and 20 zones where signed. A British driver used to 60 mph on a single carriageway and 30 in town will find the numbers close to home once converted:

The top limit anywhere is 90 km/h, lower than the UK national limit on single-carriageway roads, so do not expect to make up time between valleys.

Alcohol: stricter than England

The limit is 0.5 g/l (0.05%), below the 0.08% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the same as Scotland’s. GOV.UK warns that Andorra has stricter drink-driving laws than many other countries, including the UK. The fine can reach EUR 600, with a 2-month driving ban, and the authorities can impound the car. The penalty regulation sets the same EUR 600 for readings above 0.50 g/l.

Winter rules

From 1 November to 15 May you must use winter tyres or carry snow chains, and you can be fined if you do not. Winter tyres carry a snowflake icon on the sidewall, which is what to look for on a hire car. Andorra declares snow phases by colour: as conditions worsen, speeds drop and chains become compulsory, up to chains on every vehicle in the red phase. Check pass conditions before setting off.

What the car must carry

A warning triangle and a reflective vest are required. A fire extinguisher and first-aid kit are not required in the record for Andorra. In the UK none of these is compulsory, so check that the hire car has both items before you leave the lot.

Numbers to save

Police 110, ambulance 116, fire 118, mountain rescue 112. At home you dial 999 for all three services, so put the Andorran set in your phone. For the fuller rundown, see the Andorra driving guide, and use the Speed Limit Map for limits on the move.

Sources

• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Andorra: safety and security (UK photocard licence; paper licences; drink-driving fine up to EUR 600, 2-month ban, impounding; winter tyres or chains 1 November-15 May): gov.uk
• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Andorra: getting help (110, 116, 118, 112): gov.uk
• Llei 12/2021 del Codi de la circulació, articles 8 (speed limits), 79 (0.5 g/l) and 89 (valid foreign licences): mobilitat.ad
• Reglament del règim sancionador del Codi de la circulació (EUR 600 above 0.50 g/l): mobilitat.ad
• Decret 279/2021, Reglament de les fases i colors de la neu: mobilitat.ad
• GOV.UK, the drink drive limit (80 mg per 100 ml in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 50 mg in Scotland): gov.uk