North Korea Drives on the Right: 2026, 80 km/h, 0.0% BAC

North Korea drives on the right, not the left, with the steering wheel on the left of the car. Motorways are capped at just 80 km/h — against 110 km/h in South Korea and Taiwan — rural roads at 60 km/h and towns at 40 km/h, and the blood-alcohol limit is 0.0%, a zero-tolerance rule with no allowance for a single drink.

Your case: An 80 km/h ceiling reshapes a schedule rather than a budget, because it stretches every transfer between cities — put the distances your itinerary quotes into the road trip cost calculator and read the hours they actually take at this limit.

Speed limits are 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 80 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero.

Emergency Numbers in North Korea

Emergency: no single national number

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

Speed Limits in North Korea

The default speed limits for passenger cars in North Korea are 40 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 80 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 40 km/h urban, 50 km/h rural, and 60 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Taiwan (110 km/h), South Korea (100 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 North Korea 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

North Korea 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

Winter tyres are not required in North Korea. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres: restricted.

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

Driving License Requirements

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

Parking and Fuel

Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.

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

North Korea has seasonal climate with monsoons. Check weather forecasts before long journeys and adjust your driving to conditions. Road surfaces and visibility can change quickly with weather.

Practical Driving Tips for North Korea

• Download offline maps of North Korea 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.