Can an American Drive in Paraguay? — Yes, Same Side as Home, with Zero Drink-Drive Tolerance
United States
Paraguay
Carry an IDP with your US licence and a passport showing the entry stamp. Traffic keeps right as at home, the alcohol limit is 0.00%, and police can take your licence on the spot.
Paraguay keeps to the right, so an American behind the wheel has no side switch to learn. The adjustments are elsewhere: a permit to carry, an alcohol limit of zero and roads that can change character within a few kilometres of the highway.
Licence and permit
Canada’s advice says visitors must carry an international driving permit, and the UK government’s permit table lists the 1949 model for Paraguay. The UN treaty records show the United States (1950) and Paraguay (1965) are both parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so the permit AAA issues is the right one. UK advice adds that you need your licence and your passport showing the entry stamp in the car. The Driving Permit Checker covers the rest of the region.
Zero alcohol
The legal limit is 0.00%. Canada notes regular breathalyser checkpoints and heavy fines, and police can confiscate your license on the spot if they suspect drink-driving. Do not drink at all if you are driving.
Roads and night driving
Main highways run at up to 110 km/h, but paved roads are limited: away from them most roads are unpaved, and many become hard going or impassable in the December-April rainy season. Expect large potholes, missing signs, stray animals and vehicles without lights; drivers often ignore stop signs and lights. Canada advises against driving at night, and there is no roadside assistance on most highways, so rent from a reputable company with insurance included.
Emergencies: 911. The Paraguay driving guide and the Speed Limit Map cover more of South America.
Sources
- Global Affairs Canada, Paraguay travel advice (must carry an IDP; 0.00%; checkpoints and licence confiscation; road conditions; night driving; 911): travel.gc.ca
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Paraguay, safety and security (licence and passport with entry stamp; 0.00%; road conditions): gov.uk
- GOV.UK, international driving permit table (Paraguay: 1949): gov.uk
- UN Treaty Collection, 1949 Convention on Road Traffic (United States 1950, Paraguay 1965): treaties.un.org
- WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Paraguay profile (110 km/h motorway): who.int
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with an international driving permit alongside it: Canada's advice says visitors must carry one, and the UK permit table lists the 1949 model. The US and Paraguay are both parties to the 1949 convention, so the AAA permit fits. Keep the license, the IDP and your passport with its entry stamp in the car.
0.00%. Breath checkpoints are regular, fines are heavy, and police can confiscate a suspected drink-driver's license on the spot. Most US states allow 0.08%; in Paraguay, any drink is too many.
Paved main roads are limited. Away from the highways most roads are unpaved, and many become hard or impassable in the rainy season from December to April. Potholes, missing signs, stray animals and unlit vehicles make night driving especially risky.