South Sudan Allows Alcohol up to 0.08% BAC for 2026

South Sudan is the world’s newest country, and its road rules include a 100 km/h motorway cap, a 0.08% blood-alcohol limit, and right-hand traffic throughout. Speeds drop to 80 km/h on rural roads and 50 km/h in towns. There is no central emergency number, so keep your hotel’s and rental firm’s contacts.

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 0.08% BAC.

Emergency Numbers in South Sudan

Emergency: no single national number

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

Speed Limits in South Sudan

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

Lorries and other vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits in South Sudan, but we could not confirm the figures in an official source, so follow the signs posted for heavy vehicles.

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 South Sudan 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.

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 South Sudan is 0.08% BAC. This is higher than Angola (0.06% 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 South Sudan. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in South Sudan.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in South Sudan 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

South Sudan has a varied conditions. Road conditions can change significantly between urban and rural areas. Heavy rain during the wet season may make some roads impassable. In arid regions, heat and dust affect visibility and vehicle performance.

Plan routes carefully and carry extra water and fuel for long journeys.

Practical Driving Tips for South Sudan

• Download offline maps of South Sudan 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.