Driving in Central African Republic means right-hand traffic with rules that differ from home. Several rules catch tourists off guard every year. Full guide with penalty calculator below.
Central African Republic Driving 2026: Right Side, 0.08% BAC
Data verified:
3 min readCentral African Republic drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The general emergency number is 117. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC.
Using a mobile phone behind the wheel in Central African Republic costs a stiff roadside fine — often more than a speeding fine. The rule covers handling the device even at traffic lights, which surprises many visitors.
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Central African Republic has no national speed table we could verify, so follow the posted signs. The blood alcohol ceiling sits at 0.08%, worth knowing before crossing from a country with a stricter cap. Traffic keeps to the right, and a single number, 117, covers police, fire and ambulance calls.
We could not find a published national speed table for the Central African Republic in an official source, so follow the posted signs. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC.
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Emergency Numbers in Central African Republic
Police: 117 | Ambulance: 117 | Fire: 118
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Central African Republic, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Central African Republic
We could not find a published national speed table for the Central African Republic in an official source, so follow the posted signs.
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 Central African Republic 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 counter-clockwise 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. Some areas require headlights at all times.
At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
The legal blood alcohol limit in Central African Republic is 0.08% BAC. This is higher than Angola (0.06% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.
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 Central African Republic. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres are prohibited in Central African Republic.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Central African Republic guide.
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.
Seasonal Driving Conditions
Central African Republic has a varied conditions. Road conditions can change significantly between urban and rural areas. Heavy rain during the wet season may make some roads impassable. In arid regions, heat and dust affect visibility and vehicle performance.
Plan routes carefully and carry extra water and fuel for long journeys.
Practical Driving Tips for Central African Republic
- Download offline maps of Central African Republic 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.
Speed Limits in Central African Republic
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h | — |
| Rural | 80 km/h | — |
| Motorway | Verify locally | — |
Emergency Numbers in Central African Republic
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Central African Republic
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Central African Republic
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Central African Republic on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
Renting a Car in Central African Republic?
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Recent changes to this page
- Minimum driving age added: 18 for a car licence, from CEMAC Règlement 2001-04 portant Code communautaire de la route (Code de la Route CEMAC), Titre I Chap. 1, Article 4 (https://www.sgg.cg/txts-droit-reg/CEMAC-Reglement-2001-04-Code-de-la-route.pdf).
- Template speed limits (50/80/100 km/h), truck figures and the 100 km/h motorway field removed from title, description, FAQ and body; no national speed table is verified. The 0.08% alcohol figure is the WHO-reported limit.
- Emergency numbers corrected from 112 to the official figures (GOV.UK foreign travel advice).
- 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 Central African Republic is not one of them, so the link could not answer the question it promised. It now points to the speed-limit map, which does cover Central African Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
We could not find a published national speed table for the Central African Republic in an official source, so follow the posted signs.
In Central African Republic, 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 Central African Republic 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 Central African Republic for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Central African Republic 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 Central African Republic is 117. 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 Central African Republic. 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 Central African Republic, 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 Central African Republic 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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Speed limits, fines and tyre laws change frequently. Get monthly updates for the countries you drive in.
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