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South Sudan Allows Alcohol up to 0.08% BAC for 2026

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3 min read
Driving Side Right
Motorway Limit 100 km/h
Alcohol Limit 0.08% BAC
Min. Driving Age —
Winter Tyres Varies
Region Africa

South Sudan drives on the right side of the road. The motorway speed limit is 100 km/h. The general emergency number is 112. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.

Quick Answer

Traffic in South Sudan flows on the right. Local enforcement practices may surprise foreign drivers. See the full rules with our interactive tools below.

What Tourists Miss

South Sudan's BAC limit is 0.08% and a 20+ km/h speeding ticket runs a fixed roadside fine. Police routinely set checkpoints on Friday and Saturday nights around Juba.

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Watch: Driving in South Sudan

Juba, South Sudan - Drive across City & Return · A. Ryan

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. One emergency number, 112, covers the whole country.

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.

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Emergency Numbers in South Sudan

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112

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.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 80 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 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.

Speed Limits in South Sudan

Road TypeCarsTrucks (>3.5t)
Urban50 km/h50 km/h
Rural80 km/h70 km/h
Motorway100 km/h80 km/h

Emergency Numbers in South Sudan

General
112
Police
112
Ambulance
112
Fire
112

These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.

Tyre Laws in South Sudan

Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.

View tyre regulations

Avoid a fine in South Sudan

Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.

Read the fine guide

Driving in South Sudan on a foreign licence

Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:

Renting a Car in South Sudan?

Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In South Sudan, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph), rural roads 80 km/h (50 mph), and motorways 100 km/h (62 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.

Calculate your exact fine for any speed

In South Sudan, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.

Foreign visitors to South Sudan should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of South Sudan for the most current requirements.

Check if your licence is valid

Winter tyres in South Sudan are: Not Required. Regardless of legal requirements, winter tyres or all-season tyres with the appropriate markings (M+S or 3PMSF) are strongly recommended when temperatures drop below 7°C for improved safety and grip.

Check tyre requirements for your trip

The general emergency number in South Sudan is 112. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in South Sudan. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.

See all traffic fines and penalties

When driving in South Sudan, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.

Get the free printable driving checklist

Driving in South Sudan is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Road infrastructure follows African standards. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.

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