Papua New Guinea 2026: Tyre Tread Minimum Is 1.5mm
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4 min readPapua New Guinea drives on the left side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The motorway speed limit is 80 km/h. The general emergency number is 112. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Papua New Guinea drives on the left. Left-hand traffic requires extra attention from right-side drivers. Use our penalty calculator and printable checklist below.
Papua New Guinea has left-hand traffic — US drivers find the motorway merges counterintuitive and a BAC limit of 0.08%. Speed cameras cover moderate stretches of the primary motorway network, and 20+ km/h speeding costs a fixed roadside fine.
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Papua New Guinea’s legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.5mm. Motorways top out at 80 km/h, rural roads at 70 km/h, and towns at 50 km/h, with traffic keeping to the left throughout. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.08%, and drivers must be at least 18.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 80 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.
Unlike neighboring Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.
Emergency Numbers in Papua New Guinea
General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Papua New Guinea, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Papua New Guinea
The default speed limits for passenger cars in Papua New Guinea are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 80 km/h on motorways.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 60 km/h rural, and 60 km/h on motorways.
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 Papua New Guinea 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.
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 Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea’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 1.5 mm.
Studded tyres are prohibited in Papua New Guinea.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Papua New Guinea guide.
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 Papua New Guinea: petrol approximately $0.95/litre, diesel $0.92/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
Papua New Guinea 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.
Practical Driving Tips for Papua New Guinea
- If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
- Download offline maps of Papua New Guinea 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.
Speed Limits in Papua New Guinea
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural | 70 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Motorway | 80 km/h | 60 km/h |
Emergency Numbers in Papua New Guinea
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Papua New Guinea
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Papua New Guinea
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Papua New Guinea on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Papua New Guinea, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph), rural roads 70 km/h (43 mph), and motorways 80 km/h (50 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Papua New Guinea, traffic drives on the left side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the right side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the right, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Papua New Guinea is 0.08% (0.8mg/ml). Stricter limits often apply to novice drivers and commercial vehicle operators. Penalties for exceeding the limit can include heavy fines, license suspension, and imprisonment.
Foreign visitors to Papua New Guinea should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of Papua New Guinea for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Papua New Guinea are: Not Required. Regardless of legal requirements, winter tyres or all-season tyres with the appropriate markings (M+S or 3PMSF) are strongly recommended when temperatures drop below 7°C for improved safety and grip.
The general emergency number in Papua New Guinea is 112. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Papua New Guinea. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in Papua New Guinea, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
The minimum age to drive a car in Papua New Guinea is 18 years old. Some categories of vehicles (such as motorcycles or heavy vehicles) may have different age requirements. Novice drivers may face additional restrictions during their first years of driving.
Driving in Papua New Guinea is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Road infrastructure follows Oceanian standards. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
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