Peru vs Colombia 2026: 0.05% vs 0.02% Alcohol, Licence at 18 vs 16

Peru vs Colombia keeps drivers on the right and splits on age, alcohol and speed. Peru allows 0.05% alcohol and sets the minimum car age at 18; Colombia allows 0.02% and lists 16. Peru posts 100 km/h on motorways, while Colombia’s 120 km/h applies only on divided carriageways without pedestrian crossings. Peru gives visitors 6 months on a foreign licence and Colombia 3.

100 km/h in Peru, 120 km/h only on divided roads in Colombia

Colombia sets 50 km/h for urban roads (30 km/h in school and residential areas), 90 km/h for rural roads and 120 km/h only on divided dual carriageways without pedestrian crossings (Ley 769 de 2002, arts. 106-107, as amended by Ley 2251 de 2022). Peru sets 35 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural and 100 km/h on motorways. The rural gap is the one drivers notice first: Colombia’s open-road limit is 10 km/h higher.

Alcohol at 0.05% in Peru, 0.02% in Colombia

Colombia holds drivers to 0.02%, so one drink is a larger risk there. Fines are quoted in local currency. Peru charges PEN 176 for a seatbelt, PEN 264 for a phone and PEN 352 for a red light. Colombia charges COP 416,000, or 8 daily legal minimum wages (SMLDV), for a seatbelt or a phone and COP 832,000, or 15 SMLDV, for a red light. The licensing age is 18 in Peru and 16 in Colombia.

Visitor periods: 6 months in Peru, 3 in Colombia

Both countries list the international driving permit as recommended. Peru notes that a foreign licence is valid for tourists with a permit and allows 6 months. Colombia says a foreign licence is valid for tourists, again with the permit recommended, and allows 3 months. The shorter Colombian window is the one to check on a long overland trip.

Speeding ticket in soles and pesos

Peru charges PEN 176 at about 10 km/h over, PEN 352 at about 20 and PEN 880 plus a 30-day licence suspension at about 30. Colombia charges COP 416,000 at about 10 km/h over, COP 832,000 plus a suspension at about 20, and COP 832,000 or more plus a 6-month suspension at about 30.

Winter tyres do not apply in either country

Neither country has a winter-tyre rule, and studs do not come into it. Tread depth is 1.6 mm in both. Colombia’s law has no snow or chain provision, even though Andean passes climb above 3,000 m. Peru requires a warning triangle, reflective vest, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher; Colombia requires those four plus a spare tyre.

Emergency numbers

Colombia answers all services on 123. Peru splits them: 105 for police and general emergencies, 116 for the ambulance and fire service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colombia’s 120 km/h limit available on any motorway?

No. It applies only on divided dual carriageways without pedestrian crossings; ordinary highways are capped at 90 km/h.

At what age can you hold a driving licence in Colombia compared with Peru?

16 in Colombia and 18 in Peru.

How long can a tourist drive on a foreign licence in each country?

6 months in Peru and 3 months in Colombia.

What does a red-light ticket cost in Peru and in Colombia?

PEN 352 in Peru; COP 832,000, or 15 SMLDV, in Colombia.

Which emergency number covers everything in Colombia?

123. Peru splits the services: 105 for police, 116 for ambulance and fire.