40 km/h Urban Cap Makes Venezuela Low for the Region (2026)

A 40 km/h urban cap makes Venezuela’s speed limits lower than most of the region; that opens up to 80 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and drivers must be at least 18. A fire extinguisher and first-aid kit are required equipment.

Speed limits are 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

Venezuela 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 Venezuela

General Emergency: 911 | Police: 911

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

Speed Limits in Venezuela

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Venezuela are 40 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 40 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 100 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Suriname (100 km/h), Uruguay (110 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 Venezuela 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

The legal blood alcohol limit in Venezuela is 0.08% 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 Venezuela. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres: restricted.

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

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Venezuela must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

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

Driving License Requirements

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

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

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 Venezuela: petrol approximately $0.02/litre, diesel $0.02/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

Venezuela 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 Venezuela

• Download offline maps of Venezuela 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.