35 km/h in Town, PEN 880 Fines: Peru's 2026 Road Rules

Peru’s urban speed limit is just 35 km/h, lower than most countries in this batch, before rising to 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways. Exceeding the limit by more than 30 km/h brings a fine of PEN 880, roughly EUR 210, plus a 30-day licence suspension. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, and the minimum driving age is 18.

Speed limits are 35 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

Peru drives on the right. If you are arriving from Suriname (which drives on the left), be especially careful during your first hours on the road.

Emergency Numbers in Peru

General Emergency: 105 | Police: 105 | Ambulance: 116 | Fire: 116

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

Speed Limits in Peru

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Peru are 35 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 35 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Chile (120 km/h), Venezuela (120 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 Peru escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: PEN 176 (approx. EUR 42). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: PEN 352 (approx. EUR 84). Over 20 km/h: PEN 880 (approx. EUR 210) + licence suspension (30 days) or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: PEN 264 (approx. EUR 63)
• Running a red light: PEN 352 (approx. EUR 84)
• Seatbelt violation: PEN 176 (approx. EUR 42)

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 illegal. The fine is PEN 264 (approx. EUR 63). Use hands-free devices only.

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

The legal blood alcohol limit in Peru is 0.05% BAC. This is higher than Chile (0.03% 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

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

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Peru.

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

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Peru must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest (high-visibility)
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for foreign drivers in Peru. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 6 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

Foreign licence valid for tourists with IDP.

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 Peru: petrol approximately $1.25/litre, diesel $0.95/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

Peru has a diverse climate from tropical to temperate. Conditions vary greatly by region — from tropical heat in the north to cooler temperatures in the south. Heavy rain can make roads dangerous. In mountainous areas, fog and altitude changes require extra caution.

Plan your journey according to regional weather patterns and avoid driving at night on unfamiliar rural roads.

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 Peru

• Download offline maps of Peru 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.