Peru has three main roads which run from north to south. Foreign visitors may drive in Peru under their International driving permits for a period of six months. After that term, local driver license is required.

The main Peruvian road traffic rules:

  • Traffic drives on the right side of the road.
  • The minimum driving age is 18 years.
  • The legal blood alcohol level is 0.05%.
  • The third party liability insurance is mandatory.
  • The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 60 km/h (37 mph), 40 km/h (25 mph) on small streets and 30 km/h (19 mph) around schools and hospitals; on highways speed limit is 100 km/h (62mph).
  • The police phone number is 105.

Additional information:

  • Foreign-owned vehicles must display a customs duty payment voucher.
  • The heavy rains are from November to April.
  • Fog is common on coastal and mountain roads.
  • Rural roads are poorly maintained; driving through rural areas alone is not recommended.
  • There are numerous toll roads in Peru.
  • To rent a car, a driver must have a driver license valid in Peru. Foreign visitors may hire vehicles with their valid International driving permits and original driver licenses which must have been issued at least 12 months before the date of the rental. Most rental car companies required from drivers to be at least 21 years of age.


 Driving Overseas - Short Information