PNG Traffic Rules 2026: Drive Left, 80 km/h, 1.5 mm Tread

Papua New Guinea drives on the left, and its limits run 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h on rural roads and 80 km/h at the top of the scale, with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes held to 60 outside towns. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, the minimum driving age is 18, the emergency numbers are police 112, ambulance 111 and fire 110, and the legal tread floor is 1.5 mm — lower than the 1.6 mm most visiting drivers assume.

Your case: Signing for a hire car in Port Moresby or Lae and the tyres look marginal? Papua New Guinea tyre laws give you the 1.5 mm floor and what it costs in the wet — about 45 metres to stop from 80 km/h against 26 metres on a new tyre.

Unlike neighboring Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.

Emergency Numbers in Papua New Guinea

Police: 112 | Ambulance: 111 | Fire: 110

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.

We do not hold a verified, dated fuel price for Papua New Guinea, so check a local price app or the board at the station before you budget.

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.