Cuba's Zero-Alcohol Rule Can Mean Arrest for Drivers, 2026

A blood alcohol reading of zero is the law in Cuba, and local enforcement treats any detectable trace as grounds for fines, licence suspension or arrest. Speed limits run from 50 km/h in towns to 100 km/h on motorways, with 60 km/h on rural roads. Drivers must be at least 18, and a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and warning triangle belong in the car.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 18 to drive.

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Cuba drives on the right. If you are arriving from Jamaica (which drives on the left), be especially careful during your first hours on the road.

Emergency Numbers in Cuba

General Emergency: 911 | Police: 911

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Cuba, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Cuba

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Cuba are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 50 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Jamaica (80 km/h), Trinidad and Tobago (80 km/h), Haiti (80 km/h).

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 Cuba 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

Cuba enforces a zero-tolerance drink-driving policy. Any detectable alcohol in your blood while driving is illegal. There is no safe amount — even one drink can put you over the limit. Penalties 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

Due to Cuba’s tropical climate, winter tyres are not required. Standard tyres suitable for wet and dry conditions are appropriate year-round.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Cuba.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Cuba guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Cuba must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

Parking and Fuel

Parking rules vary by city. Look for designated parking areas and always check signs for time limits and payment requirements.

Current fuel prices in Cuba: petrol approximately $1.10/litre, diesel $0.95/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

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

Cuba has a tropical maritime climate. The main driving hazard is heavy rainfall — roads can flood quickly and visibility drops sharply during downpours. Reduce speed in rain and avoid crossing flooded sections. Road surfaces may deteriorate during the wet season.

Useful Driving Phrases in Spanish

Knowing a few phrases in Spanish helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Spanish language pack in your translation app for offline use.

Practical Driving Tips for Cuba

• Download offline maps of Cuba 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.