Cape Verde Sets a 0.05% Alcohol Limit for Drivers 2026
Data verified:
3 min readCape Verde drives on the right side of the road. The general emergency number is 112. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Driving in Cape Verde means right-hand traffic with rules that may differ from home. Several rules catch tourists off guard every year. Full guide with penalty calculator below.
Cape Verde has right-hand traffic and a BAC limit of 0.05% — stricter than the US 0.08%. Speed cameras cover moderate stretches of the primary motorway network, and 20+ km/h speeding costs a fixed roadside fine.
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Cape Verde caps blood alcohol at 0.05% for drivers, the same threshold used across most of continental Europe. Traffic keeps to the right, and a single number, 112, connects to police, fire and ambulance anywhere in the islands, free from any phone. Visitors renting a car should confirm this limit before their first drink of the trip, since it leaves less margin than an 0.08% country.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC.
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Emergency Numbers in Cape Verde
General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Cape Verde, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Cape Verde
The default speed limits for passenger cars in Cape Verde are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits.
Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.
Speeding Fines and Penalties
Speeding fines in Cape Verde vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit. Fines increase sharply for higher violations and may include licence points or driving bans for serious offences.
Traffic Rules and Regulations
Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter clockwise (in right-hand traffic countries this varies — check signage) and yield to traffic already circulating.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.
Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
The legal blood alcohol limit in Cape Verde is 0.05%. Penalties for drink-driving include heavy fines, licence confiscation, and potential imprisonment.
The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.
Tyre Requirements and Regulations
Winter tyres are not required in Cape Verde. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres are prohibited in Cape Verde.
Driving License Requirements
Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.
Parking and Fuel
Parking rules vary by city. Look for designated parking areas and always check signs for time limits and payment requirements.
Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.
Practical Driving Tips for Cape Verde
- Download offline maps of Cape Verde before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
- Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
- Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.
Emergency Numbers in Cape Verde
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Avoid a fine in Cape Verde
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Cape Verde on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
Renting a Car in Cape Verde?
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Recent changes to this page
- Title and description tightened to the page's own data (title 50-60, description 140-155 characters).
- Title, description and introduction rewritten from this page's own data (no shared template wording).
- Replaced the speeding-fine calculator link: that tool covers 17 countries and Cape Verde is not one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Cape Verde, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph), rural roads 80 km/h (49 mph), and motorways 100 km/h (62 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Cape Verde, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
Foreign visitors to Cape Verde should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of Cape Verde for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Cape Verde are: Not Required. Regardless of legal requirements, winter tyres or all-season tyres with the appropriate markings (M+S or 3PMSF) are strongly recommended when temperatures drop below 7°C for improved safety and grip.
The general emergency number in Cape Verde is 112. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Cape Verde. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in Cape Verde, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
Driving in Cape Verde is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
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