Somalia 2026: Zero Alcohol Allowed, Unlike Kenya Next Door

Zero is the blood-alcohol limit in Somalia, with no tolerance for any detectable amount behind the wheel. Traffic here drives on the right, the opposite of neighbouring Kenya’s left-hand system, so travellers crossing that border should adjust carefully. Urban roads are capped at 50 km/h, rural roads at 80 km/h, and motorways at 100 km/h.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero.

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

Emergency Numbers in Somalia

Police: 888 | Ambulance: 999 | Fire: 555

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

Speed Limits in Somalia

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Somalia are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes run to lower limits than cars. We have no officially sourced figures for Somalia, so the posted signs decide.

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 Somalia 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 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 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

Somalia 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

Due to Somalia’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 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Somalia.

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

Driving License Requirements

Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.

Parking and Fuel

Parking rules vary by city. Look for designated parking areas and always check signs for time limits and payment requirements.

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

Somalia has a diverse terrain from coastal to highland. 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 Somalia

• Download offline maps of Somalia 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.