Samoa's 2026 Speed Limits: 40 km/h in Villages, 56 Outside

Visitors from right-hand-drive countries need to adjust fast in Samoa, where traffic keeps to the left. Speed limits stay modest — 40 km/h in towns and villages and 56 km/h outside them, per UK FCDO advice. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, above the cap used in many European countries.

Speed limits are 40 km/h in towns and villages and 56 km/h outside them. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC.

Emergency Numbers in Samoa

Police: 911 | Ambulance: 911 | Fire: 911

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

Speed Limits in Samoa

The speed limits for passenger cars in Samoa are 40 km/h in towns and villages and 56 km/h outside them (UK FCDO); there are no motorways.

Lorries follow the same 40 and 56 km/h limits unless a lower limit is signed.

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 Samoa 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 Samoa 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 Samoa’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 Samoa.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Samoa 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

Samoa has a tropical maritime 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 Samoa

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