Indian Drivers in Argentina 2026: 1949 IDP and Zero Alcohol
India
Argentina
Yes, with a 1949 International Driving Permit alongside your Indian licence. Argentina keeps right, motorways reach 130 km/h and the alcohol limit is zero, stricter than India's 0.03.
Argentina is a rewarding self-drive country for Indian travellers, and two things need sorting before you collect the keys. The first is the side of the road. India drives on the left; Argentina drives on the right. The reversal catches people on the first day, at a roundabout that flows the other way, pulling out of a fuel stop or glancing the wrong way at a junction. Spend the first hour on quiet streets rather than central Buenos Aires, and stay deliberate until right-hand driving feels natural.
Documents
The UK Foreign Office describes the 1949 International Driving Permit as mandatory in Argentina, and Canada’s travel advice says to carry one. India and Argentina are both parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so the permit your RTO issues is the right document. Arrange it before departure and carry it with your Indian licence and passport. The Driving Permit Checker covers other trips.
Speeds and alcohol
Speeds are higher than at home: motorways run to 130 km/h and rural roads to 110, while in towns national law 24.449 sets 40 km/h on streets and 60 on avenues unless signed otherwise. Alcohol is stricter: India allows 30 mg per 100 ml, but since Law 27.714 (May 2023) Argentina’s limit is zero, so do not drive after any drink. Fines are set locally; estimate one with the Speeding Fine Calculator.
Distance and equipment
The national routes are good, but Patagonia is remote and fuel stations can be far apart, so fill up at every chance and download offline maps. Article 40 of the traffic law requires a fire extinguisher and portable warning devices in the car. In an emergency call 911 for police, 107 for an ambulance and 100 for the fire service. The full breakdown is on our Argentina driving guide.
Sources
- Argentine national traffic law 24.449 (art. 40 equipment; art. 48 zero alcohol as amended by Law 27.714; art. 51 speed limits), InfoLEG: infoleg.gob.ar
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Argentina, safety and security (1949 IDP mandatory): gov.uk
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Argentina, emergency numbers (ambulance 107, fire 100, police 911 or 101): gov.uk
- Government of Canada travel advice, Argentina (carry an IDP): travel.gc.ca
- UN Treaty Collection, 1949 Convention on Road Traffic (Argentina 1960, India 1962): treaties.un.org
- WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Argentina profile (110/130 km/h): who.int
- India, Motor Vehicles Act 1988 s.185 (30 mg per 100 ml): indiacode.nic.in
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
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Winter tyres in Argentina — 2026–27 season
Winter tyres are required in Argentina whenever conditions are wintry — June - September (Patagonia, Andean regions).
- Tread minimum: 1.6 mm — Argentina sets no separate winter figure.
- Studded tyres: allowed in season
Checked against national legislation, 1 Oct 2026 · Full Argentina tyre law · Compare all countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Argentina drives on the right; India drives on the left. The first day at junctions, roundabouts and overtakes is where the old instinct bites, so start on quiet streets.
Yes. The UK Foreign Office describes the 1949 IDP as mandatory in Argentina and Canada advises carrying one. India and Argentina are both parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so the permit your RTO issues is the right one. Get it in India before you fly.
Zero, which is stricter than India's 30 mg per 100 ml. Law 27.714 (May 2023) rewrote article 48 of national traffic law 24.449 to ban driving with any alcohol in the blood.