Guatemala Licenses Drivers at 16, No Vest Required in 2026

Guatemala allows drivers as young as 16 to hold a car licence, among the lowest ages in this group. Its speed limits are also lower than average: 40 km/h in towns, 60 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways. Unlike many countries, Guatemala does not require a reflective vest or spare bulbs in the car, though a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and warning triangle are all mandatory.

Speed limits are 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC. You must be at least 16 to drive.

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Emergency Numbers in Guatemala

General Emergency: 911 | Police: 911

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

Speed Limits in Guatemala

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Guatemala are 40 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: 40 km/h urban, 50 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Honduras (90 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 Guatemala 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 Guatemala is 0.08% BAC. This is higher than Costa Rica (0.05% 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 Guatemala’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: restricted.

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

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Guatemala 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 16 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 Guatemala: petrol approximately $1.08/litre, diesel $0.98/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

Guatemala has a tropical 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 Guatemala

• Download offline maps of Guatemala 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.