Gambia Driving Licence 2026: IDP, No Copies, 0.08% Limit

To drive in Gambia you need your national licence with an International Driving Permit beside it, and the original document has to be in the car — photocopies are not accepted. Traffic keeps to the right, limits run 50 km/h in town, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorway-grade stretches, the blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and there is no national emergency number, so keep your hotel’s and the nearest police station’s numbers to hand.

Your case: The licence check and the speed check happen in the same roadside stop, and the figures you are measured against are not the ones from home — Gambia’s 50, 80 and 100 km/h sit beside 194 other countries in the world speed limit map.

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 0.08% BAC.

🛞 Check your car: Emission Zone Checker — instant verdict for 596 European emission zones, free.

💡 Try it yourself: World Speed Limit Map — Gambia’s limits by road type, next to 194 other countries, free.

Emergency Numbers in Gambia

Emergency: no single national number

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

Speed Limits in Gambia

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Gambia are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.

Lorries and other vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits in Gambia, but we could not confirm the figures in an official source, so follow the signs posted for heavy vehicles.

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 Gambia 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.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Gambia is 0.08% 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

Due to Gambia’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 Gambia.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Gambia 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

Gambia has a tropical climate with a rainy season. 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.

Practical Driving Tips for Gambia

• Download offline maps of Gambia 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.