Pakistan Bans Alcohol Outright for Drivers in 2026

Pakistan tolerates no alcohol at all behind the wheel, with the limit fixed at 0.0%. Traffic drives on the left, a shift that catches visitors from right-hand countries off guard. Motorway speeds reach 120 km/h, and the minimum driving age is 18.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 18 to drive.

Unlike neighboring Afghanistan, Pakistan drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.

Emergency Numbers in Pakistan

General Emergency: 15 | Police: 15 | Ambulance: 115 | Fire: 16

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

Speed Limits in Pakistan

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Pakistan are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 100 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Bhutan (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 Pakistan 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 left side of the road. Overtake on the right. At roundabouts, traffic flows clockwise — give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.

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

Pakistan 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 Pakistan. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Pakistan.

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

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Pakistan must carry the following:

Recommended:

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

Current fuel prices in Pakistan: petrol approximately $0.82/litre, diesel $0.85/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

Pakistan has hot climate with monsoon seasons. Check weather forecasts before long journeys and adjust your driving to conditions. Road surfaces and visibility can change quickly with weather.

Useful Driving Phrases in Arabic

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

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

Practical Driving Tips for Pakistan

• If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
• Download offline maps of Pakistan 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.